Volunteers help the Brazil Public Library by assisting with programming, managing donations, general upkeep of the facility and much more. Unpaid volunteers are a valuable resource, however, they do require staff direction, training, and can not replace the essential work of paid staff. Many tasks at the Brazil Public Library require in depth training and do not lend themselves to the use of volunteers. Therefore, as a rule, volunteers provide assistance in jobs requiring minimal training and supervision. Volunteers are not placed in positions that have access to the personal information of employees or patrons. Volunteers will not have fiscal control over Library resources. 

Under this policy, a Volunteer is defined as an individual that provides assistance to Brazil Public Library staff without compensation. Brazil Public Library will not provide health, workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability or any other benefits for volunteers. Employees of the library may not volunteer for the library. 

Recruitment 

All individuals interested in volunteering at the Brazil Public Library must complete a Volunteer Application. There are separate applications for teens and for those over the age of 18. Volunteer applications will remain on file for one year from the date of application and will need to be submitted annually. Prior to any scheduled shifts, volunteers will be asked to sign the volunteer behavior guidelines and meet with the designated Library Volunteer Coordinator.

The Brazil Public Library will require a criminal background check for all volunteers over the age of 18 before enrollment in the volunteer program for the safety of customers, staff and other volunteers. Individuals who are required to perform court appointed community service are not eligible to participate in the Brazil Public Library Volunteer Program. Background checks will be paid for by the volunteer themselves and must be run every year.

BPL may collaborate with volunteer programs administered by local agencies, educational institutes, service clubs, etc. to source volunteers. 

Termination

The volunteer, designated Library Volunteer Coordinator, and the Library Director, have the right to terminate the volunteer’s association with the Library at any time, for any reason, with or without cause. In the event that a volunteer is unable to adequately perform the duties assigned, and no other appropriate tasks are available, the volunteer may be removed from service.