Volunteering
Libraries are at the heart of their communities. They play a vital role connecting people, combatting loneliness, supporting people's health and wellbeing and creating a safe and inspiring space for all.
You can help us make a vital difference in your community by volunteering with your local library.
Can you give a warm welcome, support someone in a new space, or guide someone with using a computer? Are you able to help people find the right book, share the magic of stories with families and children, host groups, share your ideas, bring your enthusiasm?
If you are a library supporter we want to hear from you. Download and complete the application form and return to libraries@derby.gov.uk.
What volunteering roles do you offer?
Our volunteering opportunities are:
- Adult Reader Events volunteer
- Adult Reading Support volunteer
- Book Club volunteer
- Code Club volunteer
- Coffee Morning volunteer
- Derby Local Studies Library volunteer (project-based)
- General Library volunteer
- Home Library Service volunteer
- Homework Help volunteer
- Job Club volunteer
- Key Digital Skills Sessions volunteer
- Lego Club volunteer
- Normanton Library Theatre volunteer
- Reading Project volunteer
- Rhymetime volunteer
- Storytime volunteer
- Summer Reading Challenge volunteer
What skills do I need?
Full training will be given, you will be well supported and will be joining a friendly and welcoming volunteer team, supported by library staff.
Basic computer skills
You may be helping someone with email, showing someone how to use a computer and the internet, and placing holds on books using the library catalogue.
Interpersonal skills
You will be communicating and supporting a diverse range of library members, including families, and volunteering as part of a team supported by library staff.
Enthusiasm
You will share a love of books, and enthusiasm for everything a library has to offer, you will encourage people to join the library, help them make the most of their membership, signpost people to activities, and promote national initiatives such as the annual Summer Reading Challenge.
Basic literacy and maths skills
You will put library book stock in order, help people explore the library book shelves, handle cash and use the library till.
Organisation skills
You may be unlocking and locking up of the library building and setting / un-setting the intruder alarm.
Where can I volunteer?
We are looking for volunteers across Derby Libraries:
• Allenton Library
• Allestree Library
• Alvaston Library
• Blagreaves Library
• Chaddesden Library
• Chellaston Library
• Derby Local Studies and Family History Libraries
• Derwent Library
• Home Library Service
• Mackworth Library
• Mickleover Library
• Normanton Library
• Riverside Library
• Sinfin Library
• Spondon Library
• Springwood Library
How much time do I need to commit?
We realise that people have various commitments but what we do ask is that you commit to either a morning or an afternoon per week (approximately 3 and a half hours)
Why might I want to volunteer?
Develop your CV, show off your skills, meet people, support your community, make a difference. Full training will be given, you will be well supported and will be joining a friendly and welcoming volunteer team, supported by library staff.
Contact libraries@derby.gov.uk so we can send you more information. We look forward to meeting you.
What training will I get?
Library training includes how to organise the book stock with library classification systems, how to create eye catching displays, how to use related software and customer care.
What our volunteers say
‘After being out of work for a while volunteering helped build skills and a CV and lead to getting a new job’
‘My love of books and (unfulfilled!) dreams of being a librarian inspired me to join the library as a volunteer on my retirement. I have also joined the book group which has expanded my reading – trying books I wouldn’t normally have chosen.’
‘I wanted to be part of a team without committing too many hours whilst feeling useful. The team at the library are friendly and we are always striving to offer more than just books to the public – very fulfilling’
‘Working at the library can be very fulfilling especially helping customers choose books’
‘The library is such an important part of any community. It opens knowledge and education to children.
As we get older, many of us experience loneliness. A trip to the library, seeing friendly faces and choosing a new book to read is so beneficial to well-being. It also provides a warm, safe place to study and use a computer.’