Library Volunteers

Volunteers at the Polk County Public Library supplement the efforts of paid library staff to provide quality library collections, services and programs. The volunteer services program serves as a method for area residents to become familiar with the library and creates opportunities for individuals to feel personal satisfaction while performing valuable service for the community.

A volunteer is a person who performs tasks for the Polk County Public Library without wages, benefits, or compensation (including travel expenses) of any kind. Examples include members of Boards, such as the Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library Board. There are also service volunteers, who do work for the library and function in ways similar to staff.

Service volunteers are recognized by the public as representatives of the library and are guided by the same work and behavior codes as employees. They work with the status of "at-will" employees. Volunteers may or may not be members of the Friends of the Polk County Public Library.

Volunteers are invited annually to a Volunteer Recognition Breakfast held during National Volunteer Week, at which their efforts during the year are formally acknowledged by the library staff.