The Sarasota County Library System's mission is to inform and to enhance the quality of life and to foster lifelong learning. SCLS is committed to the idea that involving volunteers in its operations will assist in carrying out this mission for the community. Therefore, we believe that: Volunteers allow the library to provide enhanced services to the community. Volunteers provide a vital link between the library and the community both by informing the community about the services the library has to offer and by bringing valuable community input to the library planning process. A thoughtfully planned and well managed volunteer program can bring a wealth of benefits to the library, its staff, the community and the volunteers. A successful volunteer program requires that staff and volunteers work as a team to implement the mission and goals of the library. Volunteers supplement but do not supplant, library staff; volunteers complement but do not replace library staff.