Become a Volunteer!

Volunteer Work Guidelines

• All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application before their first volunteer assignment.
• All volunteers must be at least 12 years of age.
• Volunteers 18+ are required to fill out and pass a background check before they can begin their first shift. 
• Each shift, use the volunteer log to record the amount of time you were here and the tasks you performed.
• Please provide advanced notice of absences whenever possible to the Operations Coordinator. If you will be late or unexpectedly unable to volunteer on a scheduled day, please call the library and let us know.
• You will likely be in the public areas of the library. If you are asked for information and do not know the answer, please refer library users to a library staff person.
• Personal conversations in open work areas with other volunteers, staff or customers should be kept to a minimum and work-related conversations should be conducted with courtesy so as not to interfere with others working nearby.
• All volunteers will receive appropriate training. As in any job, you will probably receive feedback in order to help you improve your performance. 
• Do not deviate from library procedures without prior approval. If you have ideas for improving the efficiency of your task or a library procedure, please discuss it with the Operations Coordinator.
• Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the library.
• Social visits from friends and/or children are discouraged.
• If you should be injured at the library in your capacity as a library volunteer, report it as soon as possible.
• HAPL may end the work relationship between the library and the volunteer at any time without notice.
• HAPL would appreciate a two-week notice of intent to end volunteering from the volunteer.

Your volunteer contributions help to make HAPL a great community organization. Thank you!

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers at HAPL assist paid employees who ensure that the library meets the needs of the public. In the eyes of library users, volunteers may be indistinguishable from employees. Therefore, although volunteers are not obliged to meet all of the same requirements as employees, they are expected to contribute to the general effort of providing courteous, helpful service. In general, volunteers are asked to take the same attitude toward their volunteer assignment at the library as they would if they were employees.

As a volunteer of HAPL, you agree

• To accept the guidance and decisions of the staff;
• To recognize the function of the paid staff, maintain smooth working relationships with them, and stay within the bounds of volunteer responsibilities;
• To always wear a volunteer badge;
• To report on time, as scheduled, and check in with the staff upon arrival to work. To record volunteer hours on the volunteer time sheet. To inform my supervisor as soon as possible if I am unable to keep my schedule;
• To dress appropriately and act courteously to patrons and employees;
• To maintain the dignity and integrity of the library with the public and patron confidentiality that is guaranteed under Wisconsin law, I will not discuss, outside the library, any patrons by name or their reading selections;
• To notify the Operations Coordinator if I need to take an extended leave, or if I decide to resign.

HAPL Responsibilities

The library itself has responsibilities to the volunteer. The volunteer is entitled to the same protection as an employee from undue exposure to chemicals, strenuous or repetitive activity that could result in injury, and other potential workplace hazards. If an individual is injured while volunteering at HAPL, it is important that the volunteer supervisor is notified immediately. Volunteers are not covered under HAPL insurance. All volunteers are required to complete an application which includes a release of liability for any injuries, damages, and losses of any type which may occur.

Computer Security

Library computers and their software belong to the Library and should not be used to store, transmit or execute files concerning personal matters. Use of the Internet while volunteering should be related to the business of the Library.

Emergency Procedures

The Library has emergency procedures governing what to do in case of fire, severe weather, active shooter or bomb threat. If desired, you may ask the Operations Coordinator to review these procedures with you.

Harassment and Offensive Behavior