Volunteer Policy

Effective Date: September 23, 2024   

Purpose

The Toronto Public Library (TPL or Library) Volunteer Policy provides a framework for volunteers to support the delivery of library services, in accordance with other TPL policies and procedures and the TPL/Local 4948 Collective Agreement.

TPL is committed to developing and maintaining a volunteer program that provides TPL volunteers with meaningful opportunities that enhance and enrich TPL services while also promoting social inclusion, developing leadership skills, and supporting the Library in its Vision, Mission, and Values.

The objective is to have volunteers engage with staff to strengthen TPL’s connection to the communities TPL serves by contributing their expertise, knowledge, and time.

Scope

This policy applies to volunteers in all programs and services authorized by and undertaken on behalf of the Library, except where unique governance structures and/or differing recognition practices exist, such as: the Toronto Public Library Board, the Toronto Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, Friends of the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books, and Friends of the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation, and Fantasy.

Underlying Principles

The implementation of the Volunteer Policy is aligned with the Library's Vision, Mission, and Values, Equity Statement, and Intellectual Freedom Statement.

TPL acknowledges the contributions that volunteers make to TPL programming, collections, and services, and TPL is committed to building strengthened connections with residents and communities.

Volunteers donate time, talent, or services without expectation of future employment, wages, benefits, or compensation of any kind, and will not perform bargaining unit work or displace a bargaining unit employee.

TPL is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for volunteers, grounded in tolerance and mutual respect. By embracing equity, TPL ensures fair treatment and opportunities for volunteers from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnic group, nationality, immigration status, socioeconomic status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, language, religious affiliation, beliefs, age, or any other prohibited grounds.

Policy Statement

  1. TPL appreciates the contributions of volunteers to Library programs and services.
  2. TPL acknowledges that volunteer opportunities promote social inclusion, develop leadership skills, and support the Library’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
  3. TPL accepts volunteers with the goal of enhancing and expanding community participation in TPL, and will screen volunteers through applications, interviews, references, and vulnerable sector checks, to promote this objective. Volunteers may be asked to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check if they are working with those in a Vulnerable Group.
  4. TPL welcomes voluntary services of its staff provided that such work falls outside their regular work duties and work hours, in accordance with the TPL/Local 4948 Collective Agreement.
  5. TPL will provide orientation and training to volunteers before volunteering at the library. This training includes legislated training for all volunteers plus additional specific training related to their role.
  6. TPL will assign a volunteer lead to work directly with volunteers and volunteers will engage directly with TPL staff. Volunteers associated with specific TPL programs do so under the guidance and supervision of TPL staff of that specific program.
  7. The minimum age requirement for volunteers is 12; each program or service determines the appropriate age range for volunteers.
  8. Specific terms and conditions of volunteer arrangements will be provided to volunteers based on the circumstances for each of TPL’s volunteer-involved programs and services.
  9. TPL recognizes the contributions made by volunteers to TPL on an annual basis.
  10. All volunteers doing Library placements on Library premises are covered by the TPL’s insurance policies policy for third party liability and are part of a shared commitment to fostering a safe and healthy workplace. Volunteers are excluded from WSIB benefits under the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

Accountability

The Director, Service Development & Innovation has overall accountability for Volunteer Services, including volunteer recognition practices.

Within their divisions, the Directors, Branch Operations & Customer Experience and Service Development & Innovation are responsible for delivering programs and services that engage volunteers.

The Directors are accountable for ensuring compliance with the Volunteer Services Policy in their respective areas.

Related Legislation

Related Library Documentation

Definition of Terms

As used in this policy, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Volunteer:
a person who donates time, talent, or services to support the library and its activities without expectation of future employment, wages, benefits, or compensation of any kind. A volunteer’s duties will be determined by their assignment, as laid out in individual Volunteer Profiles.
Vulnerable Group:
in accordance with TPL's Police Record Check Policy, a vulnerable group is composed of “persons who, because of their age, disability, or other circumstance, either temporarily or permanently, are in a position of dependence on others, or are at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by persons in a position of authority or trust.”

Contact

  • Director, Service Development & Innovation
Print this page