About the Library ~ Our Volunteers
Library Board:
As we are heading into a new year there are many new projects in the works. If you have any questions or inquiries please contact any one of us.
We meet on the 3rd Tuesday on each month and the meetings are open to the public. You are all invited to attend. We also want you to know that all residents of our new community have free access to the library services here. The residents of Sydenham have access to Owen Sound Library as part the new amalgamation agreement but you are also welcome to come to the Meaford Public Library.
The Library Board had the responsibility to run the library in response to the wishes of the community. Please let us know what you would like to have and we will try to provide it.
In our modern information age, the library has become even more important as a communication and resource centre. We have computers that are web and Internet connected and will allow you to use Email and "surf the net" for any information you can imagine.
The library is overflowing with books to interest any reader. Come and check some out.
Volunteers:
Community support is vital for a public service such as a Library. Volunteers enhance the services offered by the Meaford Public Library to the community of Meaford, St. Vincent and Sydenham, but also through their increased support of the facility beyond their actual duties at the Library. The positive publicity generated by the personal satisfaction of the members of an effective volunteer programme strengthens the Library-community bond. It has been demonstrated that volunteers can enrich library services and inform the public about the library services. Within an effectively managed programme, volunteers can perform tasks efficiently and responsibly.
The definition of volunteers, are people who perform duties for the Meaford Public Library, without compensation of any kind. Volunteers do not supplant staff; they assist the Library employees and allow employees to devote more time to those functions requiring in-depth training.
Co-ordination:
The Chief Librarian/CEO or his/her delegate shall be responsible for coordinating a volunteer programme. A Library staff member will always be in the Library when a volunteer is on duty. The CEO shall be responsible for selecting, interviewing, assigning, and terminating volunteers.
General Requirements:
Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age or in high school or a mature adult. A willingness on the part of volunteers to participate in a scheduled volunteer programme with specific time commitments is preferred, or otherwise specified by the CEO.
Friends of the Library:
Friends raise funds to help supplement the Library's budget for books; through publicity and advocacy, it also works to keep the image of the Library positive and exciting. There are lots of fulfilling activities from which to choose. Friends, an independent organization of male and female volunteers, was founded in 1993 to help the Library survive lack of funding. To find out more call Paul Wehrle at (519) 538-1802. Membership is $3.00 a year; forms are available at the Friends Mailbox in the Library.
Friends Activities
The Friends host a number of events. Please check our Events section for more information.