Library Volunteer Roles

In this role you will support library customers to use the library, its services and activities.  

About the Role
You will need good communication skills to be able to effectively communicate and engage with our diverse local community.

Typical tasks will be:

• Welcoming library visitors
• Assisting people at the customer desk
• Supporting routines duties such as unpacking books, locating books and other resources, shelving and book presentation.
• Supporting customers to use library resources and self-service facilities, including assisting people to make digital  payments at the self-services kiosk.
• Directing customers to Citizens Advice service

Other tasks may include

• Using the online library catalogue to help customers find resources
• Assisting the customers using the library’s public computers and printing.
• Helping prepare displays and support library weekly activities 
• Supporting our library stock maintenance

Opportunities

• Use your skills to promote library activities which could include via social media or creating leaflets, or delivering an activity 

To volunteer with us you will need to:

• Be friendly and approachable
• Be willing to learn how the library works – undertake basic training
• Have good communication skills and the ability to deal with enquiries 
• Be confident in the basic use of computers and the internet
• Be organised and reliable 
• Be enthusiastic about the library serviceorg
• Citizens Advice organisation including attending staff events and providing feedback via staff survey and other channels. 

We will provide a comprehensive induction with on-going training and support from our Library Officers

Commitment: minimum 1 day per week (or 2 half days)

The library reception volunteers at Avonmore site  also provide reception for clients seeking information and advice from Citizens Advice or attending advice appointments.

DBS check is required for this volunteering role

As a knitting or crocheting teacher you will be responsible for the running of the children’s group; in which you will support beginners learn and/or improve their skills in knitting or crocheting. This includes, demonstrating patterns, helping with troubleshooting errors like a missed stitch and other foundational techniques. You are expected to create an encouraging and friendly atmosphere, conducive to a successful learning experience.

Key skills and responsibilities:

• Organising and preparing: Organising the focus for the session and any preparatory tasks, e.g. setting up the materialS and table, etc. 
• Support: Demonstrating foundational techniques, building confidences and teaching simple patterns. 
• Atmosphere: Creating a supportive and welcoming atmosphere that focuses on growth and skill building.

Requirement and Qualifications:

• A strong understanding and knowledge of Knitting or Crochetting.
• Previous experience of supporting young people. 
• An enhanced DBS will be required for the role.  

Time Commitment:

• Saturdays – between 10am -11.30pm (1.5 hours) or biweekly Saturdays between 10am – 12:45pm (2.45 hours) 

Benefits: Volunteering with Citizens Advice H&F libraries means you will be working in a supportive and welcoming environment. As an organisation that deeply appreciates and values our volunteers, we support our volunteers in a number of ways, including high-quality training, future references for job applications, etc. The opportunity couples personal development with the opportunity of meeting new people and giving back to your local community. 

As a Homework support Volunteer, you will be helping primary school aged children with their homework. This could be in one particular subject or across all three main subjects (Maths, English, Science). The focus of the sessions will be to assist students understand the task and with encouragement develop their skills. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Homework support: Helping with homework in one or all of the core subjects. Breaking down topics so that they have a better understanding of the task. 
• Atmosphere and Attitude: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment and supporting Encouraging a positive attitude toward learning and raising academic aspirations.
• Supervision: Ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
• Communication: Interacting with children, library staff, or parents to discuss progress. 

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Previous experience in tutoring, mentoring, or working with children is preferred.
• Skills: Strong academic knowledge (GCSE/A-Level or equivalent) and excellent communication skills.
• Attributes: Patience, enthusiasm, reliability, and the ability to build rapport.
• Clearance: An enhanced DBS check (or equivalent) is typically required. 

Time Commitment:

Usually 1–2 hours per week. Weekdays during term time, between 14:30-17:30.

Benefits:

• Gaining valuable experience in education and youth mentoring.
• Contributing to the community by reducing pressure on parents.
• Developing interpersonal and teaching skills.

You will be responsible for assisting library staff with the preparation and running of the Craft Club. This will include setting out and clearing away materials used. To welcome children, parents and other library patrons to the library and help create an inclusive and friendly environment. You will also be expected to promote the Craft Club in the library and encourage members to participate.  

The ideal candidate will have all or part of the following:

• Reliability: The ability to make a regular and reliable commitment to the agreed schedule.
• Enthusiasm: An enthusiastic approach to art and creativity; to positively engage with children and adults.
• Communication Skills: Good communication skills are required.
• Friendly Demeanor: A polite, friendly, and helpful manner is key to being successful in this role.
• Safeguarding: A commitment to the library’s safeguarding policies (a DBS check will be required for this role).

Time Commitment:

Usually 1–2 hours per week. Saturdays during term time, between 10:45 – 12:45

Benefits of Volunteering with us: 

• Gain valuable experience of working within a library setting.
• Become part of a supportive and friendly team.
• Support Citizens Advice in running the library and be part of a new project that supports libraries to stay open.
• Personal satisfaction of using your talents to support the community.

You will be responsible for assisting library staff with the preparation and running of the Under 5s sessions. This will include setting out and clearing away materials used (chairs, books, instruments). To welcome children, parents and other library patrons to the library and help create an inclusive and friendly environment. You will also be expected to promote the Under 5s in the library and encourage members to participate.  

The ideal candidate will have all or part of the following:

• Reliability: The ability to make a regular and reliable commitment to the agreed schedule.
• Enthusiasm: An enthusiastic approach to help bring stories and rhymes to life and a positive engagement with children and adults.
• Communication Skills: Good communication skills are required.
• Friendly Demeanor: A polite, friendly, and helpful manner is key to being successful in this role.
• Safeguarding: A commitment to the library’s safeguarding policies (a DBS check will be required for this role).

Time Commitment: Tuesday and Thursdays 10:30am to 11:00am.

Benefits of Volunteering with us: 

• Gain valuable experience of working within a library setting.
• Become part of a supportive and friendly team.
• Support Citizens Advice in running the library and be part of a new project that supports libraries to stay open.
• Personal satisfaction of using your talents to support the community.