Getting Involved FAQs

  • General Questions

  • Donating

    You can donate online through CanadaHelps, a secure nonprofit site for Canadian charities. 

    If you have questions about donation, or would like to discuss a memorial donation or bequest, please contact donor-relations@sclibrary.ca.

    Donated materials that fit with the library’s Collection Development Policy are considered for inclusion in the library’s collections. Those that do not fit are used to support the library in other ways (they may be used as prize books for contests, sold through book sales, provided to community members in need, and more).

    The library accepts small donations (one box or bag) of gently used books throughout the year, which you can bring to the front desk. If you are thinking of donating multiple boxes of materials, please call us at 780-410-8600. Please also see what types of materials does the library accept for donation?

    Materials must be in good condition (not dirty, stained, mouldy, smoky, or with missing or damaged dust covers). Unfortunately, we cannot accept materials that fall outside our donation criteria, as there are fees involved in appropriately disposing of them.

    We do NOT accept these formats:

    • Appliance manuals
    • Binders or school supplies
    • Colouring/puzzle/activity books
    • Encyclopedias
    • Magazines 
    • Newspapers
    • Reader’s Digest abridged books
    • Textbooks 
    • Time Life books or magazines

    We do NOT accept these audiovisual items:

    • CDs
    • Homemade DVDs/CDs
    • Older format materials (VHS/cassettes/8-track/LPs)
    • Empty cases

    We do NOT accept these subjects:

    • Economic/tax books older than 1 year
    • Computer/technical manuals older than 1 year
    • Harlequin romances older than 2 years

    Most of the funding for public libraries in Alberta comes from their own communities through municipal taxes. Because public libraries share their resources and cooperate in providing materials and services to support all Albertans, the province also contributes. Libraries supplement this core service funding by selling merchandise, collecting fines for lost or damaged materials, and applying for project grants. Many libraries also work with a non-profit Friends of the Library group that can advocate and raise funds on the library's behalf. Most, if not all, of the funds raised by public libraries go toward equipment, books, materials or services that directly benefit the public.

    Tax receipts are issued for all monetary donations over $20, and gifts are income tax deductible. Strathcona County Library is a registered charity. 

  • Volunteering

    Yes, teens can get involved and earn volunteer hours by creating book review content. See the Teen Volunteer Form for more details.

    Many of our volunteer positions – such as shelf reader– require a long-term commitment. Volunteers often stay in their position for a long period of time, and this results in limited volunteer openings.

    We appreciate your application, but unfortunately we aren’t able to place everyone who is interested in volunteering with us. Only applications that have been selected for further consideration will be contacted.

    The Friends of Strathcona County Library Society supports the library through fundraising activities. Friends members are volunteers who promote and advocate for the library and organize a variety of great events. Head to the Friends' website for more news and to see open volunteer opportunities!

    Thank you for your interest in volunteering! Depending on the season, there may be a variety of opportunities for teens and adults to volunteer at the library. Clicking through the types of volunteer roles on the Volunteer page will tell you if we have opportunities. 

    General inquiries can be sent to: volunteer@sclibrary.ca

    If we are not recruiting volunteers, see our Support page for other ways to support the library.

  • Board Membership

    Strathcona County Library is a busy and well-connected community resource. As a member of our Board, you will meet and work closely with other community members to advocate for the library, contribute to its planning, and ensure its future. It’s a chance to give back to the community and to be a part of a respected governance team.

    Term Length

    Between one and three years as assigned by Strathcona County Council.

    Orientation

    Within the first six months on the Board, new members are expected to attend some orientation and training activities. Prior to attending the first Board meeting, members are invited for a half-day orientation session and tour of the library, which can take place during an evening or weekend.  During the first term, members are expected to attend a one-day Saturday workshop provided by Alberta Municipal Affairs.

    Board Meetings

    Board meetings are the third Monday of each month excluding July and August. Each meeting is scheduled for two hours. A meeting package is provided around a week prior that requires approximately one hour of pre-meeting preparation time.

    Standing Committee Meetings

    Board members also serve on one of two standing committees that meet three or four times per year.  Each committee meeting is scheduled for one–two hours in lengh.  A meeting package is provided around a week prior that requires approximately a half-hour of pre-meeting preparation time.

    Planning Retreats

    Every year, Board members are expected to attend a full-day strategic planning retreat on a Saturday. Some years, the Board may choose to schedule additional planning events.

    Advocacy and Educational Opportunities (optional)

    Additional opportunities may arise throughout the year to attend library or community events in an advocacy role as a representative of the Board.  These can be attended as time permits.

    Yes; you do not have to be a member of the board to attend a Strathcona County Library Board meeting. We invite you to join us!