Padiham Library – Shared Reading Support

Padiham Library – Shared Reading Support

Padiham library are looking for volunteers to help with their Shared Reading 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. The need for volunteers to help assist the service, by helping under supervision to provide many of the activities and projects, is vital.

This volunteering opportunity involves helping to set up and run the sessions, to support staff to deliver to a group reading session, and to encourage all participants to contribute to the discussion sessions.

In discussion with library staff, you will identify appropriate material to use within a group reading session to stimulate discussion and conversation by

• Reading aloud to the group
• Generating discussion and encouraging people to contribute

What are we offering to you?

• An opportunity to share your knowledge
• Training and support
• An opportunity to assist us in an important area of library use
• A designated member of staff as a contact for assistance and feedback.
• An opportunity you can include on your CV

Reasonable public transport costs or mileage can be claimed for this role (maximum amount applicable).

On this occasion, we are looking for a new volunteer on a Monday morning to look after our ‘Literary Listeners’ group; for adults to come in, listen to short stories and poetry, discuss their thoughts and feelings on the literature, find a bit of company, and have a chat.

Applicants will require a DBS check to be completed, which will be paid for by Lancashire County Council. Please speak to a member of library staff before applying to ensure it’s suitable for you.

Tasks:

• Assisting staff in the preparation and delivery of Shared Reading sessions.
• Involves assisting with the research and identifying suitable reading material that can be used during the sessions.
• The facilitator will read the material to attendees.
• To engage in the group and to guide discussions and activities based on the book or set theme.
• Helping to promoting the event – if appropriate
• Help in setting up the spaces for sessions.
• Help with refreshments – if appropriate.
• 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) on-line.
• Complete minimum level training e.g. safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to role.

Required Qualities:

You should have good ICT, communication and listening skills.

• Passionate about reading
• Be a good communicator
• Have patience and understanding
• Be friendly and approachable
• Be reliable and committed