Greetings,

Thanks for wanting to know more about how you can help make the UAPL an even greater Library system through volunteering.

Let me share with you a little about our volunteer program and how to get the application process started if you think our program is a match for you. Volunteers at UAPL make a difference.

Thanks for supporting your UA Public Library,




Ann R. Moore
Library Director

A Rewarding Experience

Volunteering at the Upper Arlington Public Library is a rewarding and valuable experience. It provides opportunities for volunteers to actively participate in and make a meaningful contribution to the operations of the Library. As a volunteer, you will work with Library employees to strengthen customer service, programs and enhance UAPL's relationship with the local community. Volunteers are special to the Library and we make every effort to ensure a positive and pleasant work environment.

Support the Library's Mission

The Volunteer Program supports the Library's mission to help the community explore current topics and Upper Arlington's heritage. We also provide a place for citizens to gather and share ideas; and encourage everyone to grow through a lifetime of learning.

Personal Benefits

There are many benefits of Volunteering at the UAPL, including:

• Opportunity to share your skills
• Meet new people and expand your network
• A way to serve your community
• Supplement to a healthy lifestyle
• Experience at working with diverse public and professionals
• Credit for educational community service or court ordered community service requirements
• Work that can be counted as experience on resumes and job applications
• Appreciation and thanks demonstrated in many ways

Volunteerism is one of the Friends’ strongest areas. Staffing weekly book sales, assisting with library programs, and serving on the Board of Trustees, Friends volunteers play an important role in the success of the organization. The Friends constantly strive to increase their volunteer corps. To become a Friends member or volunteer, call 486-9621.

Click here to learn more about the Friends of the Library

How to Apply

Please take a moment to read through the following information. This explains the minimum requirements and selection process to becoming a UAPL volunteer.

Minimum Requirements

The following requirements must be satisfied before a person can be considered for a volunteer position with the UAPL;

• Applicant must complete all sections of, and sign the application
• Applicant must agree with and support the mission of the UAPL
• Applicant must make a three (3) month commitment (hours will vary based on need)
• Applicant under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Volunteer Application
• Applicant must not expect compensation or employment for volunteer service
• Applicant must not have a criminal record

The Selection Process

The Volunteer Coordinator conducts the initial application screenings and general library system orientation. Applicants for any UAPL volunteer position will be evaluated according to how well their qualifications meet the requirements of the volunteer position. Our priority is to make a volunteer match that is a right fit for the needs of the UAPL and the applicant.

Once the Volunteer Coordinator receives the application, the application screening will begin. Please allow 3-5 business days for this process. Applicants will be contacted to discuss volunteering with UAPL and to review the information submitted on the application.

Once a volunteer match is determined and a position is available within a department, a supervisor within the department will meet with the applicant. If an offer is made and accepted, the applicant will attend a general Library orientation session conducted by the Volunteer Coordinator prior to beginning the volunteer assignment.

If an applicant cannot be placed as a volunteer within UAPL, the Volunteer Coordinator will notify the individual and keep the application on file for six months in case other opportunities arise.

In order to ensure the safety of UAPL staff members, patrons and other volunteers, the UAPL will conduct a criminal background check for specified volunteer positions as part of the in-take process. Criminal background checks are completed at the library's expense and are conducted in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

During the orientation, the successful applicant will be given a copy of the Volunteer Handbook that provides a general orientation of the library, a copy of the Volunteer Code of Conduct to read and sign.

Each volunteer is assigned a supervisor, usually the department manager or their designee where the volunteer will work.