Volunteering Opportunity: Community Library Volunteer with Hertfordshire County Council

Community Libraries are a partnership between Hertfordshire Libraries & Heritage Services and a local group of volunteers who run the library to the benefit of the rest of the community. There are different ways that volunteers can support the running of their local Community Library. This role outline explains the types of activities that a community library volunteer would do during library opening hours, whilst providing a frontline service to library customers. Depending on your skills, interests and time available, you may wish to combine this with other roles such as delivering Baby Rhyme Time or Toddler Tales sessions for our youngest customers. Or you may wish to become a member of the steering group committee working in partnership with the library service in the overall management of this project. Libraries foster local culture, heritage and community identity, with the aim of tackling social exclusion and developing citizenship. They also offer a safe space within the community where residents can come and use the services without judgment. Libraries also play a valuable role in supporting the health and well-being agenda of Hertfordshire County Council. Each community library is supported by colleagues from a nearby larger “buddy” library, as well as the Community Services team who will deliver your initial induction sessions.

Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment

District: St Albans

Location: Indoor

Time of day: Weekday Mornings, Weekday Afternoons, Weekday Evenings, Weekend Half Days

Practical Considerations: What will I gain from the role?

· The opportunity to use your existing transferable skills in a
volunteering capacity · Making a valuable contribution to your local
library service
· The opportunity to meet new people in your community
· Experience and skills to add to your CV
· A greater understanding of the range of services provided by your
local libraries

What support will I be given?
· Induction training and training on specific tasks and routines
· Manuals, quick guides and online training resources to help with
specific tasks
· Support and guidance in your role from buddy library staff and the
Community Services team

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS)

Suitable for: 18 – 25 year olds, University students, Older People

Suitable for volunteers interested in: Libraries

Does this opportunity provide wheelchair access?: No

Full Description:
What will I be doing?

· Dealing with basic customer enquiries, including helping customers to find books.
· Signing up new library customers and explaining the benefits of membership
· Helping customers to use the self-service kiosks, PCs and Library Link technology
· Putting returned stock back on the shelves and keeping the library tidy
· Assisting with daily stock tasks such as deliveries, circulating stock and reservations
· Helping with cash handling or opening and closing up the library
Some volunteers may wish to support the volunteer committee by:
· Managing communications and social media to promote the library
· Helping to manage the volunteer rota
· Becoming a key-holder, shift leader or events co-ordinator
· Supporting new volunteers with basic induction training

What skills and qualities do I need?

· An interest in books and using library IT · An ability to promote
library stock and services and to welcome customers
· Discretion and sensitivity to customers’ needs
· Good social and organisational skills
· Ability to work safely and reliably in a team


• We are looking for volunteers for our community library in London
Colney Library. The library is entirely run by volunteers, with
support from St Albans Library. We are always on the lookout for
new team members. Tasks include shelving books, finding stock
and helping customers.
• We are also looking for an IT Champion on Saturdays in St Albans
Library – this person needs to be very tech savvy.