Library Board approved February 20, 2008. Revised November 18, 2025.
Introduction
The Oak Park Public Library values community involvement and offers volunteer opportunities to support its mission and enhance the services it provides. This policy outlines the principles, definitions, and conditions governing the library’s volunteer program.
Scope
The library utilizes volunteers only as needed and as the capacity to train and supervise them allows. The library reserves the right to limit, suspend, or terminate the volunteer program at any time.
Definition & Status
A volunteer is an individual who performs tasks or services for the library willingly and of their own accord, for humanitarian, charitable, or civic purposes, without expecting compensation, wages, or benefits of any kind, whether now or in the future.
Volunteers are not considered employees of the library. Accordingly, volunteers do not receive any compensation and are not covered by the library’s employment policies, including Workers’ Compensation or Unemployment Insurance. Any injury occurring during volunteering will be treated as an incident involving a member of the public using library facilities.
Eligibility & Requirements
Volunteers do not replace paid staff. The library offers volunteer opportunities to complement and support library operations. Accordingly, volunteers will not perform essential, recurring, or core library functions. Their assignments will be limited to supplementary tasks as assigned by the supervising department.
The library is not required to accept any applicant for volunteer service. The library offers volunteer opportunities based on current needs and staff capacity, ensuring effective supervision and support. Volunteers must report to a designated library staff member and agree to follow all library policies and procedures.
Volunteers may be required to complete an application and interview process. Selection is based on skills, availability, and alignment with library values. The library reserves the right to decline volunteer applications. For certain roles or ongoing assignments, volunteers may also be required to undergo a background check at the library’s expense.
Termination of Service
The volunteer relationship is at will and may be terminated by either the volunteer or the library at any time, with or without cause, and without prior notice.