Volunteer with us

It’s only possible to run the library because of the kind support of volunteers, who help with the issue and return of books, stocking shelves and answering members’ questions. Typically volunteers come in for a one or two hour slot each fortnight.

Help with fundraising

We’re looking for volunteers to help with fundraising, including arranging activities such as raffles and stalls at village fetes, and helping to get our friends card scheme off the ground. If you have fundraising or sales experience, or are simply enthusiastic, please get in touch.

Be a specialist volunteer

Do you have a specialist skill, interest or hobby? Could you share your knowledge at a drop-in session on a weekly, monthly or one-off basis? For example:

• Computer buddy: supporting library visitors to reserve and renew books online, use Google, and use the services members can access with their library card.
• Reading aloud as part of a children’s reading group or story time.
• Homework club: helping young people find the information they need for homework.
• Subject specialists: offering talks, or helping library users find information. Subjects could include local history, family history, crafts and hobbies, computer and internet use, or creative writing.

Be a transport volunteer

It’s important that the library is accessible to the whole community. Could you help with:

• Book delivery, on foot, by bicycle or by car, to people who can’t get to the library?
• Library lifts: collecting and dropping off people without transport who’d like to visit the library or a village amenity?

Be a village champion

One or more library champions in each village could support the library by:

• putting posters on village notice boards
• helping with leaflet drops
• keeping the committee informed of village events, needs and service requirements
• liaising with other village groups, organisations and local businesses
• promoting the library generally, and keeping it on the agenda
• suggesting ways of engaging with their village
• compiling and maintaining a Beacon Villages events diary and directory
• staffing stands at village and school fetes and events.

Serve on the committee

The management committee decides the library’s priorities, raises funds and oversees the management of volunteers, with the aim of improving the service. Roles include:

• Publicity: raising the library’s profile with residents and the media, through posters, articles and social media.
• Community fundraising: co-ordinating fundraising events.
• Raising commercial income: mini literary festivals, a friends card or Beacon Villages passport, items for sale.
• Service improvement: running a suggestions book, researching ideas, improving book stock.
• Finance: book-keeping and accounts.
• Legal: lease, insurance, risk and compliance.
• Volunteer co-ordination: running a rota, making the most of volunteers’ skills, recruiting volunteers.
• Running extra events: booking author talks and special interest sessions.