Spies Public Library Volunteer Policy

The Spies Public Library recognizes and appreciates the hard work and unique talents the volunteers of the community offer to the Spies Public Library throughout the year.

Definition: A volunteer is a person who performs tasks for the Spies Public Library without receipt or expectation of wages, benefits or compensation of any kind. All work performed by volunteers is at the risk of the volunteer. Examples include members of the Boards, such as the Spies Public Library Board of Trustees, Spies Library Foundation Board, Inc., Friends of the Spies Public Library, Linda’s Garden gardeners and the Spies Teen Library Council. There are also service volunteers, who supplement the work of the Library staff.

Policy: Volunteers are recognized as contributors to the accomplishment of the mission of the Spies Public Library.

Service volunteers do not replace paid staff. Volunteers shall not be considered as employees of the Library. Volunteers shall not perform any task or duty for which a license or certification is required if the volunteer does not possess such license or certification.

Volunteers must arrive when scheduled or call the Library if they will be absent. Volunteers must follow all library policies and procedures including those relating to the confidentiality of library records. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in immediate termination of volunteer duties and or other corrective action.

Each volunteer shall have a specific paid staff member to whom he or she reports to and with whom to discuss problems. Volunteers can work only during hours when adequate supervision is available.

Volunteers may not be appointed if a member of their immediate family is already a paid staff member or a Library Board Trustee. At the discretion of the Library Director, this may be overlooked in light of the task to be performed, the duration and the desired outcome.

In the event of an opening for a paid position within the Library, volunteers who apply for the position shall be treated and evaluated on the same basis as all other external applicants.

All volunteers are required to complete an application form, which includes two personal references. If there are no suitable volunteer opportunities, application forms will be kept on file for a period of two years.

The Library Director will conduct a formal interview, check references and recommend action. If the applicant is a minor, his or her parent or legal guardian must sign the application as well. The Library has the right to decline anyone as a volunteer without cause or statement of reason.

The Spies Public Library will not accept volunteers performing under: • Alternative Sentencing Orders • Community health and social service agencies • Community service activities as an educational requirement • Court appointments

Volunteers are to receive a copy of the Volunteer Policy upon commencement of their assignment.

Volunteers working with the Friends of Spies Public Library and members of the Friends working on Friends projects are volunteering for the Friends and not for the Library.

As representatives of the Library, volunteers are responsible for presenting a good image to the community. Volunteers shall dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of their duties.

Tasks that may be performed by volunteers:

Shelf-readers/shelf-straighteners Special projects Care of library plants Program assistance Landscape work

Adopted June 5, 2009