Volunteer for the
Thomas Poole Library
If you would like to meet more people, make friends and play an active role in ensuring our library continues to function successfully – and improve! – we’d like to hear from you.
We have a thriving group of volunteers who play a variety of roles.
We hope to grow that group even more to spread the success – and the challenge!
Volunteer it’s so enjoyable
and you will be helping your community.
You could be one of the volunteers behind the counter in the library.
- It’s sociable – you’ll make new friends, and meet old ones
- It’s varied – there are so many jobs to do, from simply putting books away, through helping children and adults find the right books for them, to enrolling new library users
- It’s never dull – chance encounters and interesting conversations will keep you entertained
- It’s not demanding – you’ll get full training, and you can choose whatever level of skill you feel comfortable with
- It’s satisfying – you’ll know that you are supporting your community
Or you could be a ‘back room’ volunteer, supporting the library by undertaking one of the many tasks behind the scenes that help keep the library going. You might have skills in administration, DIY and building, or IT, for example, or you might enjoy helping with special events and book sales.
Whether you’d like to be a library assistant or a ‘backroom’ person, do fill in the FORM and we’ll be in touch. Thank you so much!
We have 3 categories of volunteers:
- Frontline face-to-face workers on the library counter (“Volunteer 1s”)
- Support team workers in the library (“Volunteer 2s”)
- Behind the scenes in a variety of roles
Working in the Library – Volunteer Categories 1 and 2:
We ask you to commit to at least 2 shifts per month (4 hours each; 2 hours on Sat mornings) as this allows you to become confident with library processes.
Shift times are Mon, Wed, Fri: 9.30am-1.30pm; 1.20pm- 5.15pm; Sat 9.30am-12.15pm.
The Library is open 10-5 weekdays and 10-12 on Saturdays – the Volunteer shift patterns allow for setting up and closing the library.
Our Volunteer Co-ordinator will take note of your availability and place you on shifts accordingly. You will need to advise the Co-ordinator each month of your non-availability for the following month e.g. holidays and other commitments.
You will need:
- to be available for at least 2 shifts per month
- Volunteer 1s must be computer skilled
- An email address
- A DBS check is not required but will be if you work alone with children or vulnerable adults
Working in pairs (a Volunteer 1 and a Volunteer 2) on each shift:
Training Sessions
You will receive an induction to the Library by being shown around and introduced to its layout and systems.
You will receive individual training “on the job” – work shadowing with more confident volunteers.
If you wish to become more proficient in using the Library Management System (the LMS, otherwise called Symphony!), you can attend special training sessions given by our 2 “advanced volunteers”.
If you’re not sure if working in the Library is for you, you can come along and work in the Library alongside our regular volunteers at a time to suit you. Email membership@thomaspoolelibrary.org.uk
Front-line people (Volunteer 1)
working at the library counter using the Somerset Library Service’s computer system – the “LMS” and answering customer enquiries.
For this we require you to be competent in using computers.
Training on the LMS will be given by work shadowing with a more confident person and tuition from our “advanced volunteers”. This Volunteer will be the lead worker in the Library.
Support Team Workers (Volunteer 2)
working in the Library supporting the Lead worker.
Types of duties include
- Meeting and greeting visitors and helping them use the self-service kiosk
- Advice on the use of the Public Network computers
- Make teas and coffees (important!)
- Shelve books and tidy the shelves
- Help with book processing
- and more.
Can progress to become Volunteer 1s should they wish.
Behind the scenes
This is what it says – so if you only have a couple of hours each week or month to offer, then this might suit you?
- Cleaners – a regular time each week would be great but any help is welcome
- Maintenance – building, painting, decorating, electricians, plumbers etc, Spring cleaning
- Fundraising – organising events; identifying funding opportunities
- Practical help at events – setting up and clearing away; serving refreshments; hosting events
- Cake making
- Running a group in the library eg backgammon, scrabble etc
- Bid writing
- Policy writing
- Committee work
- Task groups eg identifying fundraising opportunities, parties, writing policies and procedures
- Running activities for children and/or families (A DBS check will be required for those working alone with children).
- Anything else you might have to offer!
If you have any special skills such as arts, crafts, IT etc we would love to hear from you!
We have regular Volunteer Meetings which are social occasions (coffee and cake!) where we get together, have a chat, discuss any problems and celebrate successes.
Our volunteers say how much more confident they are in meeting people and how they have become acquainted with many more people, so if you have some time to offer, would like to meet people, make friends, contribute to the local community, then get in touch!
- Ring the Library 01278 732741 and leave your details
- Apply online – Fill in the form
- email membership@thomaspoolelibrary.org.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!