Volunteer Resources Program
| The Red Deer Public Library acknowledges the many benefits of voluntarism to our organization, to the volunteers and to the community at large. The volunteer work performed by our volunteers is integral to the operations of the organization. The skills, expertise and commitment volunteers bring are highly valued. Volunteers are important not only for the time they contribute but for their knowledge and skills, their enthusiasm and fresh points of view, which enhances the creativity and qualify of service provided by the organization they serve. |  Caleb & Erica, 2006 Summer Reading Club Volunteers |
RDPL's Volunteer Policies (PDF Format)
Our volunteers are involved in a wide variety of activities:
Programs:
- Homebound Readers’ Program
Homebound Readers’ Service is a free, personalized service to Library members who are unable to visit the library due to age, illness or disability. Volunteers personally select and deliver books to our homebound readers.
- Summer Reading Program
Program dedicated to keeping children and teens reading all summer, through theme programs, reading activities, games and crafts.
- Scholastic Book Fair Fundraiser (Dawe Branch)
Twice a year, the library sells books and product, and makes a percentage of profit which is turned back into books for the Library. Volunteers assist in making this four-day event the success it is.
- Family Drop-In Storytimes
Drop-in on Saturdays for 45 minutes of stories, songs, and crafts.
Drop-in Pre-School on Wednesday s
- Book Jacket Custodians
Volunteers assist in maintaining our books in pristine condition by cleaning books.
- Boards and Committees
The Red Deer Library Board is made up of ten volunteers, each of whom serves for a three-year period.
- Friends of the Library
Volunteers assist in organizing for book fairs.
- Red Deer Family Literacy Projects
Volunteers assist on a regular basis in our Family Literacy Storytime.
- Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors are matched with adult learners to teach basic skills such as reading, writing, numeration, conversation and pronunciation.
"Volunteering at the Red Deer Public has been a wonderful experience and I've learned so much." Crystal Zhou, 2007 Recipient of Academic Excellence Scholarship, Faculty of Science Academic Excellence Scholarship, and the Scholastic Distinction Dean's Citation in Science. |
In 2003, library and literacy program volunteers provided 8,044 hours in support of library programs, services, planning and policy development.
"The volunteer coordinator at the library aka Dorothy is amazing. She goes out of her way to make sure that the volunteers are comfortable and have the best possible experience. She is truly an angel at what she does. "
- Kristine Walls, Star of Alberta Award recipient and Millenium Scholarship Winner
The Red Deer Public Library Volunteer Resources Program, through its Volunteer Coordinator, manages our volunteers, and acts as a liaison for our volunteers. Through partnerships with other organizations, our volunteers are able to not only volunteer at the Library, but, if they so wish, can volunteer at other organizations. They are our greatest asset.
The Volunteer Resources Program, a core Library service funded by the Library's Operating Budget, is provided in partnership with the Red Deer & District Museum and the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. This partnership was made possible by grants from the Red Deer & District Community Foundation and the Community Initiatives Program of the Alberta Lottery Fund.
For more information, please contact:
Dorothy Reso-Hickman
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Red Deer Public Library
(403) 755-1145
dreso [at] rdpl [dot] org