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. 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.

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.

The volunteer will help participants feel welcome, choose titles, and read them aloud to the group, prompt people to share their thoughts, plan literary based activities, pass on feedback from participants to library staff, and have an input into the future direction of the group.

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 the volunteer will:

• Assisting staff in the preparation and delivery of Shared Reading sessions.
• Involved in 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 (participate but not lead).
• 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 via an on-line computer system.
• Complete minimum level training e.g. safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to role.

Required 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