Volunteer at our libraries
We have fulfilling and fun volunteering opportunities in libraries. If you can spare a few hours a month, we would love to hear from you.
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Our volunteering roles
Digital Champions
Digital Champions are volunteers who provide one-to-one support to people who want to build their confidence using computers, smartphones and the internet.
We are looking for friendly, reliable, patient IT users who can explain things simply. You do not need to be an expert, just comfortable using everyday digital devices and online tools.
We have opportunities within libraries, as well as other community venues. This is a chance for you to play an important role in helping people who want to feel confident and connected in an increasingly digital world.
Summer Reading Challenge volunteers
Each year we recruit enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to work as part of the team running the Summer Reading Challenge for primary school aged children.
You will spend your time helping children to complete the Challenge, talking with them about the books they have been reading and helping at a range of fun activities in the library.
This is a great opportunity to develop skills in communication, team working and creative projects, while having fun and making new friends or working towards a volunteering award. We are looking for volunteers in all libraries. Suitable for children aged 14 years and over.
Home Library Service volunteers
Volunteers in our Home Library Service visit people who are unable to use their local library because of disability, frailty, or responsibility as a full-time carer.
This service is valued by its users where reading is part of their daily life, particularly if they do not have digital access.
Being a volunteer involves working with local libraries across South Gloucestershire to collect and deliver a selection of books, information, and other library materials direct to people in their homes.
We will require you to be DBS checked. You will make monthly visits using your own car (a mileage allowance is paid).
Skills that are needed
We require our volunteers to demonstrate:
- excellent interpersonal and customer care skills
- you are comfortable talking to people of all ages and backgrounds
- that you enjoy helping others and to have patience
Support and training
Our staff will support you in your voluntary work and help you solve any queries or difficulties you may have.
Training sessions or volunteer meetings are run where necessary, including inductions, safeguarding and health and safety.
How to apply
To apply for the Digital Champion role, visit our become a Digital Champion page.
For the Summer Reading Challenge and Home Library Service roles download an application form. Email your completed form to libraryvolunteers@southglos.gov.uk or take it to a library during staffed hours.
References and DBS check
References must be supplied by individuals who know you well – but cannot be provided by members of your own family.
Proof of Right to Work documentation will be required for anyone aged 16 and over, and you may also be required to have an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for certain roles (there is no cost to applicants for DBS checks).
Insurance
We provide personal insurance to cover accidental injury to volunteers in the course of their work and also injury to third parties and damage to their property.
Home Service volunteers are responsible for arranging their own car insurance cover. If you use your own car, you should inform your insurance company in writing that you wish to use your car for volunteering purposes to deliver library stock to housebound readers.
Driving in a voluntary capacity is then usually covered under your existing policy without any additional charge.
Safeguarding
South Gloucestershire Library Service will provide you with supervision, training, and support to make sure that you are safe when volunteering with us. It is important that you understand and follow any information and training you are given. You may be asked to stop being a volunteer if you do not follow this information and training.
Expenses
Travel expenses from home to a volunteer’s normal place of work (this could be one or a number of libraries) are not normally paid but travel expenses from the library are paid to those delivering the Home Library Service.
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What happens next
You will be invited for an informal interview at the library which is an ideal opportunity to discuss the type of work involved and ask any questions you may have.
If successful we will then take up references and start the DBS process where applicable.