The role
This role is to assist groups of adults who meet in libraries, supporting them to participate in a variety of interests, events and activities.
This role is suitable for you if:
- you’re enthusiastic about helping people to use library resources more fully
- you want to increase your confidence in dealing with a wide range of people
As an adult activities helper you will be:
- helping customers with enquiries about the library’s groups and activities
- welcoming attendees and introducing new participants
- helping prepare areas, rooms, spaces and seating
- helping with refreshments if provided
- helping clear equipment and materials at the end of sessions
- making sure charges and donations are taken, where appropriate
- helping publicise groups and activities in the wider local community
Required skills, experience, interests and knowledge
You will need:
- reliability and the ability to make a regular commitment to the library
- interest in helping and understanding the needs of different customers
- an interest in one or more of the typical groups or activities would be useful, although not required
- ability to help physically move resources and furniture would be beneficial
Benefits of volunteering
By volunteering in this role, you will get:
- improved knowledge and skills
- a boost to your existing communication skills and confidence
- friends and social contact
- evidence for your CV
- reference for future employment, if needed
Commitment
We would appreciate a commitment for at least 12 months but are flexible in this.
Location
This role will be based at one of Bracknell Forest’s libraries. This will be agreed between you and the library supervisor.
Travel
No travel is expected for this role. If needed, volunteers can ask for reimbursement of reasonable expenses for travel.
Training and support
You will receive the following training:
- induction, safety, general information about libraries
- adult safeguarding awareness
- confidentiality awareness
- optional library management system training
You will receive the following support:
- regular contact with the library supervisor and volunteer coordinator
- support from library staff to understand and undertake role
- opportunity to meet with other volunteers
The volunteering process
First, register your interest with Bracknell Forest library service.
We will then send you an application form to fill in.
You will also need to:
- attend at a short, informal interview/meeting
- give us details of 2 references
We will process the required Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Scheme check for you for free.
After making an application
If your volunteering application is successful, once we have your references and a satisfactory DBS check, we will agree your training and session start dates and times for your role.