Hello Jack:

I hope you are well!

You are essentially correct- Public libraries may not permit a minor under 14 to volunteer or work, period.

Teen Advisory boards would have to be reconfigured if they included minors aged 13 or under.

The 501(c)(3) exemption is correct, but the requirements are nuanced, so be wary of having say, your Friends’ group “hire” or engage a minor for volunteer work so that minor can work in the library – this would likely be a problem UNLESS the volunteer was working solely for the Friends doing Friends activities and under the direction and supervision of a Friend.

Libraries are almost never going to meet any of the exceptions for volunteers under 14.

Minors aged 13 and under can participate in library programs that include activities that appear “volunteer” (ie.: putting together packages for unhoused patrons, etc.), but the library should not offer to certify “service hours” or “volunteer hours” for these patrons., as that would be essentially making that minor a “volunteer,” and acknowledging that the library is violating the act.

The amended act can be found https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-90-of-1978

The work permit changed go into effect October 2, 2026. HOWEVER, the hours changes are already in effect as of April2, 2025.

The previous language of the act also made it a violation of the act to hire or engage minors under 14 (unless the organization met one of the exemptions).

If a library has a question, scenario, or policy they are uneasy about, it is best to consult the library’s attorney.

I hope this is helpful!

Sincerely,

Clare