The Grafton Public Library Volunteer Program is intended to expand and enhance opportunities and public service to the library community. The library welcomes the help of local volunteers to enhance library services. In doing so, we seek not to replace staff but rather to delegate tasks that the staff cannot accomplish due to other higher-priority duties. A library cannot be run by volunteers, nor can it run without volunteers. 

1. Volunteer Age Restrictions 

  1. The Grafton Public Library welcomes volunteer applications year-round from residents from Grafton or surrounding communities ages 14 and up. 
  2. Volunteers may be restricted to tasks and work hours by age.
  3. Volunteers between the ages of 10-13 may be accepted on a conditional basis and must be always accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
  4. All volunteers aged 18 or older are subject to a CORI background check, to be completed prior to beginning as a volunteer.

2. Volunteer Application Process 

  1. Prospective volunteers must complete an application either in person at the library or online. 
  2. Volunteer positions will be offered only to the individuals having skills appropriate to the work that is available and can work during needed times/hours. Typically, volunteers work a two-hour time slot each week.   
  3. Priority is given to returning, trained volunteers; Grafton residents; Grafton Senior Tax Write-Off volunteers; National Honor Society students; and other applicants with mandatory community service requirements. 

3. Volunteer Expectations

  1. Volunteers must commit to a specified number of hours and/or schedule. 
  2. Volunteers are expected to observe requirements for attendance and punctuality just as regular employees. 
  3. Volunteers are expected to maintain the confidentiality of patron activity as it relates to their volunteer role, as outlined in the library’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policy.
  4. All volunteers must log and submit their volunteer hours at the library. 
  5. Volunteers must work during the library’s hours of operation and may not work during non-operational hours or on legal holidays. There is an exception for garden volunteers who may work unscheduled once trained. 
  6. Upon request, volunteers will be provided with a report of their hours and/or a letter confirming their service; a minimum of one week’s notice is required. 
  7. The library reserves the right to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the library at any time for any reason. 

4. Volunteer Tasks 

Volunteers assist with various Library tasks under staff supervision. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Home delivery to housebound patrons (pending valid driver’s license and liability waiver),
  • Shelving, 
  • Shelf-reading, displays, and “merchandising” the collection, 
  • Pulling items to send to other libraries, 
  • Clerical tasks such as photocopying, paper shredding, paper trimming, craft preparation, labeling, book covering, and stamping.

All volunteers will receive specific training in the assigned duties. All reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety of volunteers and to make sure that the volunteer feels comfortable in their assignments.  Library volunteers are not Town employees and are not eligible for benefits, medical or disability coverage, or worker’s compensation coverage.

The library reserves the exclusive right to amend this policy. 

Adopted, Board of Library Trustees March 25, 2026