Teen Volunteers

Volunteering at OBPL (between 13 and 18 years old)

Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

OBPL always welcomes interest from community members who would like to give their time, talent, and skills. Volunteers are an important part of the library’s vibrant and dedicated team and contribute to the library’s ability to fulfill their mission of providing access and supporting our community.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, please email us at oakb_mail@clamsnet.org, call 508-693-9433, or come in to speak to our Volunteer Coordinator.

To apply to become a volunteer, there are multiple options:

Once each form is received, it may take 1-2 weeks to receive a reply from our Volunteer Coordinator.

Background Information for OBPL Student / Teen Volunteers

It is the policy of the library to use volunteers to help achieve its mission by providing opportunities for them to participate in library functions that support the work of staff.

It is the general library policy that volunteers are not used in direct public service, including Information and Circulation Desks and answering telephones. Consistent with Massachusetts law, volunteers will not displace paid employees and will not be recruited to do the work of a paid employee.

MINIMUM AGE: The minimum age of volunteers is 13 years or older, with some exceptions, such as:

  • Young people who volunteer with a group (Scout troops or families)
  • Young people who participate in a specific library function (e.g., a youth advisory board)

Oak Bluffs Public Library will not accept volunteers below the age of 13 except for group projects.

All volunteers under the age of 18 must complete a Student Volunteer Application Form, which includes a parent/guardian’s signature of consent.

GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE:

Acceptance of any volunteer is based on library need at the time and the volunteer applicant’s demonstrated ability to do the work required. The library does not guarantee there will be work at all times and is under no obligation to accept any volunteer. In addition, if the library no longer needs their services of the volunteer, the library may terminate the volunteer’s service. The volunteer also has the right to terminate his/her service to the library at any time.

  1. All applicants for volunteer positions must demonstrate, in an interview and/or through testing, that they have the qualifications and are able to do the work, for which they are applying.
  2. The library director has the right to determine if a volunteer requires a coach or aide to complete assigned tasks. Failure to have a coach in attendance may result in termination of the volunteer’s service.
  3. All volunteers are expected to maintain the confidentiality of information about patrons obtained during their service as a volunteer.
  4. Volunteers are expected to wear badges identifying themselves as volunteers, particularly when in the public areas of the library. All customer questions received by a volunteer should be referred to the appropriate service desk or staff member.

Teens