The Junior Friends of SCPL is a program for students ages 11-18, providing volunteer opportunities: at the Friends’ offices at the Central Library; working with online sales tasks such as selling, sorting, and researching books; shelving items at the Whitney Book Corner and A Second Look; and various bookstore and library events.
After being rebooted in 2024, the Junior Friends program now has over 90 students, age 11-18, as members. You can find a Junior Friend at most Friends events, including volunteering at book sales, the bookstores, Comic-Con, Beat the Snow concerts, and more. They also volunteer at many children’s library programs, assisting with summer reading prizes and children’s book week, among others.
In addition to supporting Friends events, the Junior Friends have also worked to create opportunities for their own impact. These include an all-student run homework help program, free wrapping services during the holidays. decorating the Whitney Book Corner for the holidays, and a drop in craft event at the library in the spring. A Junior Friend is represented on the library’s strategic planning committee and another teen runs the Junior Friend Instagram page.
The Junior Friends are dedicated to championing the Friends and SCPL and the vital programs and services they provide to our community.
Friends of Schenectady County Public Library 