Home Library Service – Skelmersdale Library

Home Library Service – Skelmersdale Library

We require volunteers to help the Library deliver books to Home Library Service customers and spend a little time with each customer to have a chat. 

Volunteers must be able to drive and have access to a vehicle.

This role requires a DBS enhanced check which will be done free of charge.

Visits are scheduled by the Library service and at the moment, the delivery day is Wednesday, every 4 weeks (This can be subject to change for the right volunteer).

Please speak to a member of staff before applying to ensure the role is suitable.

The Home Library Service is provided to library customers who are unable to visit their local library because of poor health (including physical and mental health), disability, caring responsibilities or mobility problems. Being a Home Library Service volunteer is much more than just collecting and delivering books, it is around spending a little time with each person, a friendly face and a chat can make a real difference helping them to feel cared for and valued by their community. In the current climate this is done in a socially distanced and Covid-safe way.

What the role offers you:

• Volunteering would give you the opportunity to share your love of reading and meeting new people in the local community
• an induction programme & designated member of staff as a contact for assistance and feedback
• Training and support
• An opportunity you can include on your CV
• Reimbursement of out of pocket travel expenses

This role will be on one morning or afternoon on a monthly basis. At the moment it’s Wednesday but this is flexible and the precise day can be discussed with the library.

Tasks:

• Regularly collecting pre-packed books from the library and delivering to home library service customers.
• Chatting to vulnerable people and helping to combat loneliness
• Reporting any concerns to library staff or Lancashire Volunteer Partnership as appropriate
• To regularly support the individual by socialising – The role is unique to every individual’s needs and circumstances
• To provide regular feedback on the progress of the individual or report any concerns.
• To log your volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses (where applicable) on-line.
• To complete minimum level training e.g. safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to the role.
Please speak to a member of  library staff about this opportunity for more information before applying.

Required Qualities:

• Respect for equality and diversity
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use own initiative
• Be able to deal with difficult situations in a professional manner
• Genuine interest in books and reading
• Ability to use basic ICT systems