Chapter 3. Community Engagement
Great River Regional Library aims to enhance connection and civic engagement among community members. GRRL raises awareness of library services and programming through publicity and marketing. The library uses community feedback to assess and improve library services.
3A. Friends of the Library/Library Support Groups
Support groups like Friends of the Library help promote the library through lobbying, advocacy, and fundraising. GRRL encourages their involvement.
Books and other materials withdrawn from the library’s collection may be given to the St. Cloud Friends. Such items may then be sold and the proceeds used to fund library programming and services throughout the region.
3B. Volunteers
Volunteers help the library by performing various tasks and special projects.
- Volunteers are selected without considering personal characteristics such as race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, disability, age, or marital status. Assignments are made based on the volunteer’s ability to successfully complete the required tasks.
- Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and have parental consent if under 18.
- Volunteers are seen by the public as representatives of the library and should follow the same rules for work and behavior as library employees.
- Volunteers are not paid and do not have employee status or benefits like workers’ compensation.
- Volunteers must sign an application and release of liability.
3C. Organized Groups
The library collaborates with community groups to increase connection to services and supports for library users. GRRL aims to increase school, workforce, and retirement readiness and success for community members.
3D. Citizen Communication
Community members are encouraged to share their feedback about library services. This can be done via phone, email, website, or social media. Citizens may also participate in Public Open Forum sessions during GRRL Board meetings, subject to the Board of Trustees Bylaws.
3E. Annual Report
The library shall prepare and share an annual report on its activities and services with the public.
3F. Donor Relations
The library accepts donations to support its services, following the Fund Development Policy.
3G. Library Youth Advisory Council
The Library Youth Advisory Council serves as the voice of young people across the region. The council provides input on ways to increase the use and awareness of the library for youth.
The council is comprised of middle school and high school aged students from each community within the GRRL service area. Each county will have at least two youth representatives on the council. Council members are appointed by the GRRL Board to serve a one-year, renewable term. The council meets at least once per quarter.
The Youth Advisory Council will:
- Discuss how to improve current library services and programs for youth
- Propose new library services and programs to benefit young people
-
Present recommendations to GRRL administration and Board
Council members are eligible for travel and per diem reimbursements consistent with the rules set forth for Board members in GRRL Bylaws.
Revised Date: 05/11/10, 03/19/19, 07/18/23, 01/21/25