Baby and Toddler Rhymetimes Volunteer in Various Essex Libraries

This opportunity is available in the following libraries:

Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Brightlingsea, Chelmsford, Chigwell, Clacton, Colchester, Fryerns, Greenstead, Harlow, Harwich, Loughton, Manningtree, Mark Hall, North Melbourne,  Old Harlow, Saffron Walden, South Woodham Ferrers, Stanstead, Wickford and Witham. 

What is the role about?

These fun-packed rhyme and story sessions take place in libraries during school term-times. Everyone joins in with singing rhymes and doing the actions, and afterwards families stay to chat, join the library and to choose books to take home.

As a volunteer at baby and toddler rhyme times, you will deliver rhyme sessions, and support the development of children by sharing your enjoyment of books and rhymes.

What will it involve?

• Preparing the children's library for the session - putting out chairs and selecting stories and rhymes

• Meeting and greeting the parents/carers and children and making everyone feel welcome

• Encouraging parents to join in with their child

• Joining in or delivering the session and building a good rapport with the group

• Chatting with families about the benefits of early book sharing and the importance of talking and singing rhymes with their children

• Directing specific enquiries to library staff

• Clearing the area once the session ends

What will you get from volunteering?

• Pleasure from showing parents how singing rhymes and sharing books can be a fun activity that they can repeat at home

• Opportunity to help families learn rhymes and songs together to support children's speech, language and communication skills

• Meeting people and making new friends

• Satisfaction of using your skills and experience to support families in the community

[*A similar opportunity is available as 'Daddy Cool' in some libraries on a Saturday. Please ask on applying.]

Skills

• Warmth and friendliness

• Able to relate to children and their families

• Practical and 'hands on'

• Able to work on own initiative

• Comfortable singing in public (but no voice skills needed)

• Enthusiasm to promote sharing books and reading with families

• An enthusiasm for libraries and awareness of the range of services offered