The library offers various commitment options for community members interested in volunteering.
- Summer Only (June-August)
- School Year (September-May)
- Year-Round (January-December)
- Court-Mandated (Specific Number of Community Service Hours Needed)
- One-Time (Volunteer for One Day Only)
- One-Year Commitment: July – June (Teen Advisory Group Only)
To accommodate both library location needs and volunteer schedules, the library offers flexible schedule options to those in the General – Shelving and Project(s) programs who have volunteered for at least three months and have completed an evaluation with an outstanding rating.
Flexible time commitments are not available for the Homework Helpers or Teen Advisory Group programs.
Volunteer Schedules & Expectations
The schedule for volunteers will be made by the Branch Managers at the designated locations (Main Library in Monroe, Edwards Memorial Library in Marshville, Union West Library in Indian Trail, and Southwest Library in Waxhaw) in coordination with the Volunteer Coordinators.
General – Shelving and Project(s)
The General – Shelving and Projects program has the following guidelines for volunteering time lengths and schedules:
- Volunteers are required to sign up for a minimum of one volunteer shift each month.
- Volunteer shifts are typically 2 hours, but they may vary based on location needs.
Flex scheduling is available with the General – Shelving & Project(s) program.
Homebound
The Homebound volunteer program is a virtual opportunity with no set schedule. Volunteers are expected to continuously add materials to saved lists using feedback and requests from homebound patrons.
Attendance
The library depends on volunteers who can accommodate a consistent schedule of attendance on a regular basis. Attendance of volunteers directly affects the organization's ability to efficiently serve the public; therefore, volunteer commitments will be ended based on the following.
- Repeated tardiness or absences without notifying library staff, including leaving early without prior notice.
- Excessive tardiness, absences, or extended absences of more than two weeks. Any callouts or last-minute notification of absences for your assigned volunteer shifts.
- Texting, socializing with friends, or being inactive during assigned volunteer shifts, leading to disruptions in attendance.
Regular attendance and punctuality are requirements of all volunteers including those who opt for flex scheduling. It is the responsibility of each volunteer to work their volunteer shift as scheduled. It is expected that volunteers will communicate adjustment requests for their schedule to a Volunteer Coordinator or Volunteer Staff Supervisor with a minimum of two weeks’ notice.
Occasionally volunteers may need to miss a volunteer shift. If a volunteer needs to be absent, or cannot make a shift commitment, they must notify a Volunteer Coordinator or Volunteer Staff Supervisor. If they are not available, any library staff member can send a message.
More than two (2) absences or two (2) missed deadlines for any volunteer across all programs without notification to the library may result in a cancellation of the volunteer agreement.
