Outreach Community Library Volunteer, Fallowfield

Volunteers will initially be working alongside experienced library staff. We ask for a minimum committment of 3 months. It is an essential part of this role that you are punctual and reliable.

A group of volunteers called Friends of Fallowfield came together to save Fallowfield Library from closing. One Manchester offered Friends of Fallowfield support in order to transform the library into a community asset and a sustainable enterprise going forward.  For volunteers this is an exciting time to get involved and become part of something which has become a vital community asset within Fallowfield. 

As a volunteer your role may include:
•    Meeting and greeting customers and talking to them about  what the Community Outreach Library has to offer
•    Helping customers to use the self-service machine: showing them how to take books out, return and renew books
•    Showing customers how to book a computer to use
•    Showing customers how to join the library online and how to order (reserve) a book online 
•    Supporting customers by offering basic IT help - e.g. fill in forms online and setting up an e-mail address
•    Keeping library area tidy
•    Keeping notice-boards tidy, removing out of date information 
•    Creating displays to promote book stock and events
•    Putting books in order on the shelves
•    Unpacking deliveries of new books and books that have been ordered and putting them on the correct shelves
•    Dealing with customer enquiries : (a free-phone will be available to contact library staff based in the nearest  (buddy) library for advice / support)
•    Helping to plan and develop activities which may be one-off events e.g. an author event, or a series of events e.g. Summer Reading Challenge

You may be asked to get involved in other library initiative as and when they are put into place.

What’s In It For You:
    Benefits:
•    Gain experience of planning, delivering and helping with events/activities
•    Gain experience of working with the public
•    Opportunity to increase self-confidence
•    Valuable training and experience that can be included in CVs and job applications
•    Improve self-esteem 
•    Enhance your communication and personal skills
•    Be part of something worthwhile
•    Networking opportunities to meet lots of different people
•    Out of pocket expenses paid
•    Receive a reference 
•    Hopefully have fun

Training
•    A full induction will be given
•    Library training will be given before you commence volunteering
•    Further ad hoc training will be available that you could take advantage of – to be discussed with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Regular support and guidance will be given by a named library contact and / or a named member of The Friends Group.

Skills or Qualifications

There are no set skills required to volunteer, but we do ask that as a volunteer you:
•    Are punctual and reliable
•    Enjoy being with people  
•    Enjoy helping others
•    Are confident and well mannered
•    Have good communication skills
•    Are interested in books, reading and libraries 
•    Are willing to support other activities that may be happening in the library 
•    Are willing to undergo a DBS check

If you are interested please apply now!