Dakota County Library

 

General Description

Provide an important link to library services by delivering books and other library materials to patrons that are home-bound due to illness or disability.

 

Location

Home-bound delivery volunteers may volunteer at any Dakota County Library branch.

 

Dates/Times

Schedule of volunteer duties is dependent on patron requests. 

 

Duties & Responsibilities

Dakota County Library provides delivery of books and other materials to patrons who are unable to access a library on their own. Volunteers pick up one small bin of materials previously selected by an Adult Services Librarian from a designated library branch and deliver the bin to the homebound patron. The volunteer then returns the previously checked out bin of materials to the library.

 

Duties and responsibilities include the following:

 

Delivery:

• Pick up bin of library materials from the library and transport the materials to the homebound patron’s residence at a mutually convenient time.
• Pick up previously checked out materials and return them to the library.
• Commit to at least 6 months of service in providing deliveries.

 

Communication:

• Communicate with library staff regarding availability for making deliveries.
• Communicate with library staff any patron requests or feedback regarding deliveries.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must satisfactorily complete a phone interview, criminal background and motor vehicle driving record check process.

• Must complete a basic vehicle safety online training (course is provided for free to the volunteer)

• Must provide own transportation to and from the library, and to and from the home-bound patron’s residence.
• Proof of vehicle insurance is required before start of service.
• Must be physically able to deliver library materials.

 

Desired skills

• Comfortable interacting with older and disabled residents.
• Good communication skills.
• A commitment to, and a genuine interest in, serving the library needs of older adults and/or persons with disabilities.

 

Minimum Time Commitment

Time commitment varies, dependent on patron requests. An estimated minimum of 1-2 hours per month is expected.

 

Required Training

Volunteers will receive basic training at the beginning of their service.  An online basic vehicle driving safety module will made available to each volunteer to complete before starting.

 

Contact Information

Andrea Egbert

Pleasant Hill Library Librarian

Email: andrea.egbert@co.dakota.mn.us

Phone: 651-438-0206