Home Library Service Volunteer

Do you love books, conversation and making a meaningful difference in someone’s life?

We are seeking compassionate and reliable Home Library Service Volunteers to support residents of the Mornington Peninsula who are unable to visit the library due to age, illness or disability. This rewarding role combines a love of reading with the opportunity to build genuine connections within the community.

By delivering library materials and providing friendly social interaction, you will help reduce social isolation and bring the joy of reading and companionship to people in their own homes.

About the Program

The Home Library Service provides a free, personalised library service to eligible Mornington Peninsula residents who cannot easily access library branches. Volunteers are matched with borrowers based on shared interests and are supported to develop an ongoing connection.

For many borrowers, their volunteer visit becomes a valued source of friendship, conversation and community connection.

About the Role

As a Home Library Service Volunteer, you will select and deliver library materials tailored to each borrower's interests and spend time connecting through friendly conversation.

Responsibilities

• Select library items based on the borrower's reading interests and preferences.
• Deliver library materials directly to borrowers in their homes.
• Provide companionship and social connection through regular friendly visits.
• Build positive and supportive relationships with borrowers.
• Assist in reducing social isolation and loneliness within the community.
• Communicate with library staff as required and follow service guidelines.

About You

The ideal volunteer will have:

• A love of books, reading and lifelong learning.
• A friendly, caring and patient nature.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliability and a commitment to maintaining regular contact with borrowers.
• Respect for privacy, confidentiality and personal boundaries.
• The ability to work independently while being supported by library staff.

Volunteer Requirements

All Mornington Peninsula Shire volunteers are required to:

• Complete a Police Check and Working with Children Check.
• Undertake any required training and induction activities.
• Comply with Mornington Peninsula Shire volunteer policies and procedures.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing support will be provided.
• Volunteers are carefully matched with borrowers who share similar interests, helping to foster meaningful and rewarding connections for both participants.

Volunteer Impact

The Home Library Service does much more than deliver books. It helps build friendships, reduces feelings of loneliness and creates positive social connections throughout our community.

"I'm so grateful for the Home Library Service that's offered by the Mornington Peninsula Shire. It must be at least five years that I have had the same wonderful Home Library Service volunteer coming to my home every week. Through this amazing service not only has a wonderful friendship developed, but I have also been guided in many different directions with my reading material. I would recommend the Home Library Service to others in the community."

Further Information

For more information about becoming a Home Library Service Volunteer, please contact the Mornington Peninsula Shire Libraries team.

Help bring books, friendship and connection to members of our community who need it most.