Volunteer Policy

Policy Statement

In order to achieve the vision and mission statement of Curtis Memorial Library, we view the active participation of citizens, of a variety of ages and abilities, as a valuable resource to the Library.  The Library accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers at the Library under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator and other Library staff, and within appropriate programs and activities.  Volunteers shall be extended the right to be given meaningful assignments, the right to be treated as an equal, the right to effective and professional supervision, the right to involvement and participation and the right to recognition of competent completion of assigned tasks.

Definition of a Volunteer

A volunteer is a person who performs tasks for the Curtis Memorial Library without wages, benefits, or compensation (including travel expenses) of any kind.  Examples include members of the Board of Directors, shelving volunteers, special events volunteers, fire tenders, etc. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age to volunteer and those under 18 years of age, must have written parental permission to volunteer.

Volunteer Tasks

Tasks performed by volunteers may include the following:

• Shelving of materials and shelf reading
• Repairing books and other materials
• Helping with special events
• Gardening and outdoor clean up
• Tending fires in fireplace room during the winter
• Working on special projects
• Taking Library materials to homebound patrons

Guidelines for Volunteers

• Volunteers will complete a volunteer application and will be interviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Volunteers are asked to provide the name and phone number for a community member who can serve as a reference.
• Additional screening will be required for volunteers who will have contact with patrons in their homes and for those working with sensitive information, such as on database projects. These volunteers will provide additional personal information and consent to a criminal background.
• Volunteers will also be required to sign a volunteer contract and liability waiver.
• All personal information about a volunteer is for internal use only and is confidential.
• Written parental permission will be needed to permit volunteering by a youth under 18 years of age.
• Volunteers are recognized by the public as representatives of the Library and shall be guided by the same work and behavior codes as employees.
• The Library reserves the right to terminate the services of any volunteer.