Teen Volunteers for the 2026-27 School Year
We have volunteer opportunities for grades 6-12.
You must sign up at that link – we do not accept walk-in volunteers.
Volunteer Policy
The Norton Public Library welcomes and appreciates volunteers whose contributions enhance the goals of the Library. A volunteer is anyone who, without compensation, performs tasks at the direction of and on behalf of the Library.
Volunteer service supplements, but does not replace, paid staff. All volunteers must be interviewed, screened, and trained under the supervision of the Director prior to service.
Nothing in this policy constitutes a contractual or personnel agreement.
The Library may waive provisions of this policy for groups volunteering for specific events or programs such as community clean-up days, Friends of the Library fundraisers, or the Town of Norton Senior/Veterans Tax Abatement Program.
Purpose of This Policy
- To create a structured and rewarding volunteer experience.
- To establish standards for selecting, training, and supervising volunteers.
- To communicate volunteer roles and expectations clearly.
Application and Selection
Volunteers are selected based on:
- Library needs
- Availability of supervision
- Volunteer qualifications
- Ability to commit to a consistent schedule
The Library may decline any application without cause and cannot guarantee placement. Applications may be kept on file for six months.
All volunteers age 18 and older must complete and sign:
- Criminal Offender Record Inquiry (CORI)
- Sex Offender Registry Inquiry (SORI)
Placement is contingent upon background check results.
Volunteer records are maintained confidentially.
Training and Supervision
Volunteers are assigned tasks that will not disrupt library services if they are absent. The number of volunteers is limited based on staff capacity for supervision and training.
Volunteer Tasks
May include (but are not limited to):
- Shelving
- Shelf reading
- Light cleaning
- Assembling informational packets
- Retrieving items from shelves
Roles and Responsibilities
Volunteers are expected to:
- Follow all library policies.
- Represent the Library positively.
- Maintain appropriate dress and grooming.
- Refer informational questions to library staff (except simple directional questions).
- Sign in and out on the Volunteer Time Sheet.
- Enter non-patron areas only when instructed.
- Not work at library service desks (per SAILS policy).
Many tasks require lifting, bending, reaching, and kneeling.
Schedules
- Volunteers work during regular library hours unless approved otherwise.
- Typical shifts are 1–2 hours per week.
- Volunteers must notify the Library in advance if unable to attend a scheduled shift.
- Volunteers will be notified of schedule changes due to closures or delayed openings.
Safety
Volunteers must:
- Report safety hazards immediately.
- Report assignments that cause physical discomfort.
- Report any injury, minor or serious.
Community Service Volunteers
Individuals fulfilling community service requirements are subject to the same policies and procedures as other volunteers.
Teen Volunteers
- Report to the Youth Services Librarian.
- Not subject to background checks.
- Hours are tracked and documentation provided upon request.
- During the school year, grades 6–12 may sign up online.
- Summer opportunities are reserved for the Summer Volunteer Crew (grades 7–12), which requires an application.
Program Volunteers
Program volunteers are selected at the Library’s discretion based on experience, credentials, and programming needs.
Ending Volunteer Service
Volunteer service ends:
- When a project concludes
- If performance is inadequate and reassignment is unavailable
- At the discretion of the Library
The Library may terminate volunteer service at any time.
Approved February 2026
