Fallowfield Library Volunteer

A group of volunteers called Friends of Fallowfield came together to save Fallowfield Library from closing. One Manchester offered Friends of Fallowfield support in order to transform the library into a community asset and a sustainable enterprise going forward. For volunteers this is an exciting time to get involved and become part of something which has become a vital community asset within Fallowfield.

As a volunteer your role may include:

• Meeting and greeting customers and talking to them about what the Community Outreach Library has to offer
• Helping customers to use the self-service machine: showing them how to take books out, return and renew books
• Showing customers how to book a computer to use
• Showing customers how to join the library online and how to order (reserve) a book online
• Supporting customers by offering basic IT help - e.g. fill in forms online and setting up an e-mail address
• Keeping library area tidy
• Keeping notice-boards tidy, removing out of date information
• Creating displays to promote book stock and events
• Putting books in order on the shelves
• Unpacking deliveries of new books and books that have been ordered and putting them on the correct shelves
• Dealing with customer enquiries : a free-phone will be available to contact library staff based in the nearest (buddy) library for advice / support
• Helping to plan and develop activities which may be one-off events e.g. an author event, or a series of events e.g. Summer Reading Challenge

You may be asked to get involved in other library initiative as and when they are put into place.

Benefits:

• Gain experience of planning, delivering and helping with events/activities
• Gain experience of working with the public
• Opportunity to increase self-confidence
• Valuable training and experience that can be included in CVs and job applications
• Improve self-esteem
• Enhance your communication and personal skills
• Be part of something worthwhile
• Networking opportunities to meet lots of different people
• Out of pocket expenses paid
• Receive a reference
• Hopefully have fun

Training:

• A full induction will be given
• Library training will be given before you commence volunteering
• Further ad hoc training will be available that you could take advantage – to be discussed with the volunteer Coordinator.
• Regular support and guidance will be given by a named library contact and / or a named member of The Friends Group.

Time commitment: Volunteers will be required to commit to 3 hours per week. You can do more if you wish.
• Monday – 1pm – 7pm
• Wednesday 2pm – 5pm
• Thursday 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm
• Saturday 10am – 1pm

Volunteers will be working along side experienced library staff.

We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 months