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State rule changes curb younger volunteers; Midland library seeks teen help for summer programs and lists alternate program sites
Summary
Board heard that Michigan changes to volunteer rules require minors to be at least 14 to receive recorded volunteer credit and to obtain school work permits; staff asked for help recruiting teen volunteers and described summer programming and events including a summer reading kickoff, Bookfest and relocation of Touch A Truck to Emerson Park.
Library staff told the Grace A. Dal Memorial Library Board on May 21 that a change in state rules for volunteer credit has reduced the pool of minors eligible for recorded volunteer hours and that the library needs teen volunteers for summer programs.
"Starting in April, volunteers could only volunteer at facilities and get credit for it, minors, and get credit for it if they were 14 or older," the presenter said, describing a state change that ended the library’s previous ability to credit volunteers as young as 12. Staff said minors who want recorded credit must also obtain school work permits through their school district or administration office.
Staff said the change, plus the paperwork required for work permits, has made it harder to recruit teen volunteers. The presenter asked board members and the public to tell eligible teenagers about volunteer opportunities, and staff said they would run additional volunteer orientations in June.
Staff also reviewed upcoming events and programming adjustments tied to construction and parking constraints: the Friends of the Library book sale occurred in April and staff reported strong sales and higher retail market revenue in recent months; Bookfest took place May 3 with author appearances and vendors; the summer reading kickoff is scheduled for May 31 and will include murals painted in partnership with Public Arts Midland, food trucks and music; story times will be held at the Farmers Market on Wednesdays this summer; and Touch A Truck will be held at Emerson Park instead of the library because of parking limitations.
Board members asked about how to obtain work permits when schools are closed; staff said permits can be obtained at school administration offices when campuses are not in session. Staff also noted that some genealogy materials will be moved to a secured second‑floor room and that library staff are exploring having on‑site cataloging to increase staffed hours for genealogical help after the move.
No formal action was taken; the board received the updates and staff requested help recruiting volunteers.
