Lansing Community Library Volunteer Policy

Purpose: The Lansing Community Library values volunteers for their skills and dedication in helping to deliver quality service to the community.

1. Definition of a Volunteer
   1.  A volunteer donates time and effort to the library without compensation.
   2. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and approved by the Library Director.
2. Volunteer Categories
   1. Teen Volunteers (14-17 years)
      1. Shelving books, DVDs, etc.
      2. Keeping items organized.
      3. Assisting with craft materials.
      4. Performing other tasks as needed.
   2. Adult Volunteers (18+ years)
      1. Shelving and organizing library items.
      2. Helping with crafts and programming.
      3. Preparing library materials for distribution.
      4. Performing special projects and other tasks as needed.
3. Becoming a Volunteer
   1. Those interested in volunteering must complete the form.
   2. People interested in volunteering will be contacted to meet with the library staff about current opportunities.
   3. Volunteers aged 18+ may undergo a background check (paid by the library).
   4. Lansing Community Library does not accept court-appointed community service hours.
   5. If no suitable tasks are available, forms will be kept on file for one year.
4. Volunteer Expectations
   1. Attendance
      1. Be punctual and consistent.
      2. Volunteers should sign in and out to track their hours.
      3. Notify staff if unable to attend.
      4. If you miss three days without notice, you might not be able to get a reference letter.
   2. Confidentiality
      1. A Confidentiality Agreement must be read and signed if a volunteer is going to work with patron information.
      2. Volunteers may handle patron records only with approval.
      3. Patron information must not be copied or duplicated in any way.
   3. Customer Service
      1. Maintain a friendly, professional attitude.
      2. Direct patron questions to trained staff, except for simple directional inquiries.
   4. Dress Code
      1. Wear neat, casual clothing.
   5. Drug-Free Workplace
      1. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and smoking are prohibited at the library.
   6. Emergency Procedures
      1. ​​​​​​​ Report injuries and emergencies to the Library Director immediately.
      2. Follow emergency procedures as outlined in the Emergency Preparedness document.
   7. Harassment
      1. Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and must be reported.
      2. Volunteers must watch a training video on this subject.
   8. Inclement Weather
      1. The library follows the City’s closure policies.
      2. Volunteers will be contacted as soon as possible if there is a closure.  
      3. Updates will be posted on the library’s website and social media.
      4. Safety is the most important, if you are not comfortable going out in the weather conditions, please let us know as soon as possible. 
   9. ​​​​​​​ Use of Equipment
      1. ​​​​​​​ Library equipment is not for personal use.
   10. Telephone Use
       1. ​​​​​​​ Avoid personal calls during volunteer hours.

Click here to fill out the Library Volunteer Form

PREPARED BY:                                             

/s/___Terri Wojtalewicz_______                                

Library Director  

Revised:  September 2024                                                                

END OF POLICY STATEMENT