Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – Social distancing requirements stemming from COVID-19 mean a new, creative way for teens to earn summer community service hours through the Ocean County Library. The Service and Achievement in the Library (S.A.I.L.) Challenge 2020 is entirely in cyberspace.

Online applications will be accepted through June 28. The program begins June 29 and ends August 15. Teens who have completed Grade Seven or higher can volunteer time and talents, learn new skills, and meet new friends.

S.A.I.L. endows teens with valuable life skills, such as punctuality, team-building and training. Volunteers have been Tech Buddies to help patrons with electronic devices, created children’s activities under a Librarian’s guidance in the Teens Take Over program, assumed clerical duties, crafted book displays, and much more

S.A.I.L. participants are also encouraged to generate new activity ideas, discuss ways for the Library to serve teen community needs, review books, and create virtual displays.

Volunteer hours are awarded for each activity badge earned, through OCL’s Beanstack application. Those who complete all badge activities earn 30 volunteer hours and a S.A.I.L. Certificate of Completion. Volunteer hours are valuable to many civic organizations, and represent leadership skills when placed on college or job applications..

Interested teens should have means of Internet access and valid Ocean County Library cards and email addresses. Digital cards can be obtained through the online card application form. Parents or guardians are also asked to submit contact information and to grant online permission.

For complete details, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/teens/SAIL.

05-27-sail.pdf