VOLUNTEERING AT THE LIBRARY POLICY

Adopted by Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees on January 17, 1996; revised May 19, 1999, June 28, 2011, April 25, 2024, June 17, 2025.

Spokane Public Library welcomes and encourages volunteers to enrich the capabilities and services of the Library system. Volunteer services may be utilized for special events, projects and activities which are not routinely assigned to represented staff, and which supplement rather than replace the services or activities performed by Library staff. Such services will be performed with guidance and support from the Spokane Public Library staff with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

IMPLEMENTATION

Volunteer assignments may be directly supervised by Library staff members, or by members of the Friends of the Library and other volunteers.

Every attempt will be made to place volunteers in positions which match their skills and time commitments.

All volunteers must be at least sixteen years of age, although a minimum age of eighteen may be required for some assignments. The volunteer job announcement will specify the minimum age required.

Once a volunteer has been matched to a position, and prior to performing any work, the volunteer must register with the Library and pass a background check. Necessary forms will be provided by the supervisor or the staff member overseeing the project.

An essential element of the volunteer program is the successful partnership of paid and volunteer staff. We encourage an atmosphere of mutual cooperation, respect, and understanding and acceptance of each other’s roles. To this end, the Library is committed to provide volunteers with:

• Clear direction and supervision 
• The training necessary to perform the assignment
• Regular feedback regarding performance
• Opportunities for new assignments
• Recognition for a job well done

The Library requests that volunteers:

• Ask for clarification of assignments.
• Are reliable and punctual in their schedule.
• Work towards the mission and values of the Spokane Public Library.