Home Library Service Delivery Volunteer

Vacancies are available in Stock, Braintree, Clacton, West Mersea, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Chelmsford, Harwich, Manningtree, Shenfield, Freyerns and Waltham Abbey libraries. 

What is the role about?

To deliver library items to Home Library Service customers in their own homes, sheltered housing or in care homes. These are customers unable to get to their local library and these deliveries enable them to continue to enjoy reading.

What will it involve?

• delivering a selection of books, audio books and DVDs to customer’s homes (whilst observing socially distancing guidelines)
• phoning customers to tell them you’re delivering and ask how and where they want the items placed
• these items will have been selected by library staff for the customer (usually based on their personal preferences for format and genre)
• exchanging a brief, socially distanced, chat with the customer to check they are ok
• if appropriate flagging up to the library contact any need that the customer may express (so we can either signpost to other organisations that help or refer the customer)

What will you get from volunteering?

• satisfaction of helping people carry on reading; an activity that they enjoy and can bring real health and wellbeing benefits
• opportunity to help people who are isolated, support them to live at home and keep them in touch with their local community
• satisfaction of giving something to the community

Skills

• access to a car and a full driving licence 
• an interest in people
• enthusiasm for books and reading is not necessary but would be a bonus
• good communication and people skills
• able to work on own initiative 
• ability to carry moderate amounts of books and other library materials 
• a practical and patient nature