Volunteer Policy

---

Statement of Purpose

The Richards Memorial Library welcomes and appreciates volunteers ages 18 and older from the community whose contributions expand and enhance the public service goals of the library.  Volunteers must meet the same standards as paid employees regarding operating within the stated policies and procedures of the Richards Memorial Library. Volunteers will supplement but not replace duties of the full or part time staff. The Town of Paxton does not provide worker's compensation, medical or disability coverage, or liability insurance for volunteers.  

The library accepts the service of volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the library. The Library Director recruits, screens and interviews, and evaluates volunteers. The Youth Services Librarian trains and directs volunteers. 

Prior to acceptance as a volunteer, all applicants must fill out an application form and meet with the director. Volunteers are selected based upon their qualifications in relation to the needs of the library at any given time. If there are no suitable volunteer opportunities available, individual application forms will be kept on file for one year. Applicants will be called if there is a project that matches their interests and qualifications. 

Volunteers agree that the library may, at any time, and for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the library. The volunteer may, at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the library.   

The list of specific tasks required may change depending on the library’s needs. Volunteers will be assigned a task from that list which best matches their skill set. Tasks that volunteers may be asked to perform are below, but not all opportunities are available at all times: 

• Shelf reading
• Dusting books and shelves
• Wiping down public computers
• Special projects

Volunteers are limited to one two-hour shift per week. 

To safeguard the public, the Town of Paxton screens volunteers in compliance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 6 and consistent with the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (102 CMR 14:00 -14:16). All volunteers must complete and sign a Criminal Offender Record Inquiry (CORI) form. 

Youth volunteers ages 12 to 17 are welcome to volunteer at the library. Candidates for Junior National Honor Society, National Honor Society, and other similar groups are encouraged to apply. Youth seeking to fill volunteer hours for other organizations are also encouraged to apply. Volunteer opportunities are also extended to home school students. A volunteer application must be completed by the applicant and signed by a parent or guardian.  

The list of specific tasks required may change depending on the library’s needs. Volunteers will be assigned a task from that list which best matches their skill set. Tasks that volunteers may be asked to perform are below, but not all opportunities are available at all times: 

• Shelf reading
• Dusting books and shelves
• Wiping down public computers
• Special projects   

Volunteers are limited to one two-hour shift per week.

Approved by the Richards Memorial Library Trustees in February 2022