Volunteering in Libraries

Role: English Conversation Group Facilitator

Support and encourage people from different cultures to improve their spoken English skills and to help them integrate with the City through stimulating and varied conversation

Key Tasks:

• Plan and deliver weekly sessions using a wide range of appropriate discussion topics and materials
• Complete and submit basic weekly attendance records to help monitor and develop the service

What are we looking for:

• A non-judgemental, open-minded and friendly person with good spoken English and the ability to encourage people from all communities
• Ongoing commitment to at least one of the following weekly sessions:

Mondays        12.45pm to 2.45pm at the Dales Centre Library

Wednesdays   12.45pm to 3pm at St Ann's Valley Library

Thursdays       2.15pm to 4.30pm at Nottingham Central Library

Role: Events and Activities Volunteer

A flexible role offering opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities such as crafts, festivals, literacy events, book sales, theatre shows and much more across all Nottingham City Libraries.

Key Tasks:

• Tasks vary but could include setting up events, refreshments, welcoming people, craft activities, reading, gathering feedback, encouraging participation

What are we looking for:

• A good communicator who can relate to people of all ages and backgrounds and is flexible yet reliable
• We are particularly interested in people who have a skill such as music, art, crafts etc
• A DBS check will be carried out for this role

You can find out more information about some of our activities and events here.

Role: Home Library Service Volunteer

Enable people to enjoy books, film, or music once they are unable to visit their local library for reasons such as disability, mobility, illness, or caring responsibilities

Key Tasks:

• Deliver books, music, films and information to people in areas of Nottingham City
• Take time to discuss with the customer what further books, music, films etc they would like, giving any suggestions or ideas

What are we looking for:

• A friendly, enthusiastic and reliable person who is able to communicate with a diverse range of people
• We are particularly interested in people who have fluency in other languages that represent the diversity of Nottingham
• Ability to commit to at least 1 round per every 3 weeks (various times available) for 6 months or more
• A DBS check is required for this role

 Information about the Home Library Service is featured on our Accessible Library page.

Role: Homework Help Volunteer

Contribute to improving a young person’s education with after school activities using library resources (books, computers, games, other materials) in our safe, welcoming spaces

Key Tasks:

• Set up sessions with appropriate materials and clear away at the end
• Encourage and support pupils to develop their reading and literacy skills, understand their homework, and use their own initiative
• Listen to children read, help understand text, and encourage them to engage with a wide variety of reading materials

What are we looking for:

• An encouraging, non-judgemental person with good spoken and written English and a genuine interest in supporting young people from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and situations
• Regular commitment to at least one weekly term-time session between 3.30-5.30pm. Session locations and days can be found here
• A DBS check will be carried out for this role

Role: Language Café Volunteer

Support and encourage Nottingham’s diverse communities to learn and develop new languages, share knowledge, and meet new people in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

 Key Tasks:

• Prepare the room with refreshments, books etc and clear up at the end of the session
• Welcome new members, match them appropriately based on chosen language and teach and converse with participants using your own language skills

What are we looking for:

• An encouraging, non-judgemental person with good spoken English and a genuine interest in supporting people from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and situations
• Minimum 3 month commitment, for at least one Saturday afternoon per month from 12.45 to 3.15pm at Nottingham Central Library

Role: Library Friend

Help combat loneliness and social isolation by hosting regular library activity sessions at one of our new Games Cafés.

 Key Tasks:

• Prepare an area of the library with refreshments, games etc and clear up at the end of the session
• Welcome attendees, mainly older people and young families, to the activity
• Encourage people to feel included and participate in the group, e.g. introducing to others, playing games with them

What are we looking for:

• A friendly, reliable person with a genuine interest in supporting people to overcome loneliness
• Minimum 4 month commitment to at least one 2 hour session per week from 10am to 12pm on the following;

Mondays at Basford Library, Clifton Library or Sherwood Library.

Thursdays at Aspley Library or Meadows Library.