Pendle - Libraries

Colne Library is looking for volunteers to help with their many library activities for adults.

Lancashire libraries care and cater for the needs of their local communities and are recognised as a safe space and often the main community hub.

The library service is continually involved with new projects to ensure they provide what is needed locally for all ages. By running regular events and acting as the venue for many other local groups' activities, they endeavour to help tackle the issues leading to social isolation. Their many regular activities and events include:

• Cultural & Creative (Local / Family History, Social Groups, Craft Groups, Promotions, English as a second Language, etc.)
• Digital skills courses / Personal achievement (Digital Champions, Jobs club, etc.)
• Mental Health & Wellbeing groups (Dementia Friendly Sessions, Games Groups, etc.)
• Reading and Literacy (Book groups, Shared Reading Groups, Writing Groups, etc.)

The need for volunteers to help assist the service, by helping under supervision to provide many of the activities and projects, is vital.

Tasks – Under supervision:

• Participate but not lead on ensuring smooth running of various library social events which may include coffee mornings, music recitals, craft activities such as knit & natter, card making, art / hobby,  and games activities such as chess, scrabble, dominoes,.
• Helping to promoting the event -if appropriate (participate but not lead).
• Help in setting up the spaces for sessions.
• Help with refreshments -if appropriate.
• Act as extra set of eyes.
• Assisting at themed events i.e. World Poetry Day, World Health Day, Heritage Open Day and Safer Internet Day
• Welcoming library users to the sessions and be willing to help tackle social isolation by talking.
• Log volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses where applicable via an on-line computer system.
• Complete minimum level training e.g. safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to role.

Qualities

• Be confident at dealing with all members of the public
• Be a good communicator
• Be reliable and committed
• Have patience and understanding
• Be friendly and approachable

Please speak to a member of library staff before applying

Training

Training will be provided where necessary and may be in the form of peer support, distance learning or trainer led. 

Volunteers must have completed the required training before any activity can be undertaken and may be asked to regularly refresh training where required.