Volunteering at the library offers enjoyable work as well as the satisfaction of knowing how much your efforts benefit your community. It requires a commitment of your time, usually on a regular schedule, plus participation in some basic orientation and training.
How to become an FVRL volunteer
- Submit an online volunteer application or print and fill out our paper application for adults or teens. (Online application is limited to those 13 years and older, by federal law. Applicants 12 years and younger can email or call the district's volunteer coordinator at volunteer@fvrl.org or 360-906-5075, or apply in person at their local library.)
- FVRL contracts with Sterling Volunteers to perform criminal background checks on all applicants 18 years and older. FVRL will process this form prior to making any decisions on individual placement.
Please note that applicants are reviewed before placement is considered, and there is sometimes a waiting period. In some cases it may take some time before an opening occurs. If you have a due date to complete hours for a program, please contact the volunteer coordinator directly at volunteer@fvrl.org or 360-906-5075. We appreciate your interest and patience in the volunteer placement process.
Policy information for volunteers
FVRL volunteers must follow all FVRL policies and will be asked to agree to the conditions that are part of the online application. Policies most directly related to volunteers include:
- Confidentiality of Patron and Circulation Records
- Collection Policy
- Rules of Conduct Policy
- Volunteer Policy
Join the Friends of YOUR Library
The purpose of Friends of the Library groups is to provide community support to local libraries. Fort Vancouver Regional Library District currently benefits from the efforts of thirteen Friends groups, which are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations under the umbrella of Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation. Each Friends group has their own board of directors, by-laws, dues structure and activities, but they share a common bond of supporting local branches through funding, advocacy and volunteer support.
Some of their activities include:
- Used book sales, building project fundraisers, and other fundraisers
- Hosting programs
- Educating the public about the needs of the library
- Advising the branch librarian on the needs of the community
- Purchasing materials and equipment for the local library
To find out more about the Friends of the Library in your area, contact your local library.
Volunteer Handbook and other forms
These documents may be viewed online or printed out.
- Volunteer Handbook (PDF)
- More to come!