This service will allow homebound patrons access to the collections of the Cobourg Public Library through personalized home delivery service.

The following is an outline of what will be required of the volunteers :

Volunteers will need to: Discuss reading preference with their partner patron ; Select and deliver materials to the homebound patron and return retrieved materials to the Library; Maintain records for each patron ; and, provide friendly, reliable, and regular service on a four week rotation. This program will require a commitment of approximately 3 - 5 hours every 4 weeks, and a commitment of one year.

We are inviting applications from volunteers now. Please contact the Library.

Shelf Reading: Quite simply, we can't do it without you! Volunteers perform the critical task of ensuring that items on our shelves are in order. We ask that you spend 2 hours with us each week, at a time that is convenient to you. We will provide the training and support you need to work in both the fiction and non-fiction collections.

Inventory Control: This is an important function that will allow us to track and secure our valuable collection.  This position would require a commitment of 2 hours per week.  We will provide the training and support you need.

In addition to these three components, we have special programs and projects that require volunteer support:. There is a section on the application form that allows you to specify your interests. Please understand that these programs run on an occasional, rather than structured basis.

We're proud to share some of the observations made by our volunteers:

• If you like books, you will love this job! Interesting  people come to the library- we meet some in passing.
• A nice, peaceful job. It is a pleasure to work with  the librarians.  
• The experience is quiet, peaceful and  spiritual.  
• Did you know that there are books and subjects you  didn't know existed before? It's very hard not to take home another stack of  books with you!
  

What we expect of staff and volunteers:

Reliability: When you have committed  yourself to a particular time or a particular assignment, it is important to  follow through. If you cannot work at your regular time or complete your  assignment, please inform your supervisor or his/her designate.

Confidentiality: Depending on your  assignment, you may be in a position to observe people's reading choices or  membership data. Your observations must not be shared with anyone outside the  library. Please respect the right to privacy of our patrons.

Pleasant manner: When you are working  with the public, a pleasant, friendly, courteous manner is  essential.

Positive approach: You are part of a  larger team of people including the library board, staff, volunteers and  Library Foundation, all of whom care about their library. Take pride in your  work, share your ideas and concerns with your supervisor, and speak positively  about your organization at every opportunity.

What to expect from the library:

All the things we expect from you, you should expect  from us. You will be given a clear job description and training appropriate to the tasks assigned.

You will work under the supervision of a staff member.  He/she will be available to discuss any problems that might come up. Do not  hesitate to ask for help.

You can expect to have your suggestions, ideas or  evaluations given serious consideration.

You can expect to be treated as a colleague by the  regular library staff. At least once a year a social function is held to give  all regular library staff and volunteers an opportunity to enjoy themselves  together.

Should you want it, you can expect to get a reference  for your valuable work and service.