Benson Memorial Library Volunteer Policy

The purpose of the volunteer program at Benson Memorial Library is to give community members an opportunity to gain skills and help the library.

Volunteers at the library may perform the following tasks:

• Receive, sort, and organize book sale items.
• Assist the Youth Services Librarian with Library Programs for Youth. Tasks include setup, cleanup, and other general tasks to help keep the Library Program operating.
• Assist the Library Staff with general library tasks such as cleaning books, alphabetizing books, and other general office related tasks.
• Book sale-related tasks with an adult present (if juvenile).

The process to become an official volunteer at the library follows Pennsylvania State guidelines for volunteer clearances. Volunteers under the age of 18 do not need clearances for volunteer work.

PROCEDURE

1. The potential volunteer will obtain necessary clearances listed below at their own cost. Tween/teen volunteers under age 18 do not need clearances, but must have a parent or legal guardian read and sign the attached document. This form grants Benson Memorial Library permission to begin the Volunteer application process with the potential Tween/Teen Volunteer.

1. PA Child Abuse History Clearance
2. PA State Police Criminal History Clearance
3. FBI Fingerprinting Clearance (unless has been a resident of PA for the previous 10 years)

2. Once all forms have been submitted and the results from these forms have been reported back to Benson Memorial Library, the library will make a final decision as to whether or not they are able to proceed with this potential volunteer. Benson Memorial Library will inform the potential volunteer of this decision as soon as possible.
3. If the candidate is selected to volunteer at Benson Memorial Library, they will then coordinate their schedule with the Executive Director (for adults) or Youth Services Librarian (for tweens/teens) who will act as their main point of contact during their time at the library.

Policy began 2016.

Updated by the Board of Directors May 21, 2024.

Tween and Teen Volunteers at Benson Memorial Library

PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM

I, ______________________________________________, hereby give Benson Memorial Library permission to begin the application process with ___________________________________ for the  potential role of Tween/Teen Volunteer at Benson Memorial Library. I have read the attached procedure for volunteers and understand the process that will occur.

NAME OF VOLUNTEER: _____________________________________________________________
NAME OF PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN: ______________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF PARENT: LEGAL GUARDIAN: ________________________________________

DATE: _________________________________

Please return this form to the Executive Director at Benson Memorial Library.