Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center

Are you between the ages of 12-17? Consider applying for our summer-reading internship. You'll serve alongside your peers and help host our entire summer-reading program in June. You'll spend 4 days a week at the library the entire month of June. The application deadline is May 17. 

Applications are open for our 2024 summer-reading internship. The internship is open to young people between the ages of 12-17. Our annual internship program is an integral part of summer reading and offers an opportunity for youth in our community to practice communication skills, leadership, and team building in a professional environment. 

Selected interns will work together to prepare the summer-reading program by creating displays, preparing craft supplies, arranging props, and leading activities. Interns will also learn an array of library-specific tasks such as book processing, shelving books according to the Dewey Decimal Classification, and shelving books alphabetically by author. Read the FAQ below for answers to frequent questions about the internship.

The internship is competitive since only a few slots are available. We typically receive more applications than we can accept, and we’re grateful that so many young people want to work with us every summer. Interested? Complete the online application. The application deadline is May 17. 

What if I can't work every week of the summer? Can I still apply?

Yes! We understand that schedules are busy, and families often travel over the summer. We can work around your schedule. There is, however, a required orientation at 5P Friday, May 31, that all interns must attend with a legal guardian (usually a parent).

What exactly will I be doing during the internship?

You'll be working with your fellow interns to help the children's librarian set up and run the summer-reading program. You might be printing resources, cutting and laminating, accepting children's reading logs, handing out prizes, setting up crafts and activities, arranging the meeting room, working with children, leading crafts, cleaning after events, talking with parents, checking books in/out, and other responsibilities.

Who is the "boss" of the program?

Children's librarian Vanessa Bradford supervises the internship. Library director Jessi Akins also provides leadership and oversight. Additionally, interns might work with other members of our library staff. 

What will I wear to the internship?

Jeans and a summer-reading T-shirt  (provided).

Will I get paid?

The summer-reading internship is unpaid. However, most of our interns feel richly rewarded for serving their community. 

Will I have fun at the internship?

That's entirely up to you! You'll certainly have plenty of opportunities for enjoyment. Our librarians look forward to working with the summer interns every year. You will definitely work hard, and at the end of the summer, you'll be able to reflect on all you've accomplished. Previous interns have returned year after year, because they love the internship so much!

I don't get it; why would anyone want to spend an entire month of their summer at the library?

Serving the community is a rewarding experience. In addition, our library staff is a pretty cool bunch.

Will I have to be quiet the entire time?

Although summer reading occurs at the library, we enjoy the sounds of happy children. You will not have to be quiet the entire time. During all on-site experiences, the noise level at the library is similar to what you would expect at a playground. There are times, however, when our interns will be preparing for on-site experiences in the midst of day-to-day library activities. During these times, inside voices are appreciated. We are not, however, a silent library. We revel in everyday interactions with our members, so we regularly communicate using inside talking voices.

Will you be able to give me a letter of reference in the future?

We're certainly willing to recommend any of our outstanding interns in their future endeavors. We have regularly submitted letters of recommendation for previous interns. If, for any reason, we cannot provide a positive letter of reference, we will politely decline. So far, we've never turned down a reference request.