Library Home Delivery Service volunteer

Purpose of role

Our Library Home Delivery Service volunteers help people who are unable to get to a library because of disability, serious illness, or caring responsibilities, by bringing books and audio books to people in their own homes. Our volunteers visit some of the city’s most isolated residents on a regular basis and can also signpost people to additional support if needed. 

* Please note, that home visits are replaced with doorstep book deliveries, as required by government guidelines, during the Covid 19 pandemic *

Main tasks

To select and reserve library materials for the customer, talking account of his/her reading preferences

To pass on requests for specialist books or information to library staff

To deliver library materials to customers on a regular basis, at times previously agreed between yourself and the customer(s)

To return loaned items to one of our libraries and ensure items have been removed from the customer’s library account

To inform library staff if the customer wants to engage with other support services/organisations, so that we can provide details and support him/her to make contact

To keep a record of your visits and pass this information on to the library service for statistical purposes as required

To comply with health and safety legislation

To maintain the standards of the council’s Equalities policy

Skills

A friendly and patient manner

Reliability

Empathy

An interest in people, books and reading

Experience of dealing with older or disabled people, either in a personal or professional environment, is desirable for this role

A current driving license (optional)

*PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS ROLE WE REQUIRE YOU TO PROVIDE ONE REFERENCE AND UNDERGO A DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE (DBS) CHECK. PLEASE ENSURE YOU INCLUDE THE NAME, PHONE NUMBER, POSTAL  AND EMAIL ADDRESS OF YOUR REFEREE WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS ROLE*

Benefits

You will gain experience of working with older or disabled people on a one to one basis in a home environment.

You will increase your knowledge of libraries and the services they offer, and support your local library.

You will increase your knowledge of and involvement in your local community, and have the satisfaction of knowing that you have improved the quality of life of more vulnerable members of the community.

You will meet other volunteers, both from within the library service and partner organisations, who share a desire to help the residents of Brighton & Hove.

Volunteering is known to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

You will be entitled to a reference from the Library Manager after six months. The manager can only comment on aspects relevant to your volunteering role.

Practical Considerations

As volunteers will come into regular contact with vulnerable adults, they will also be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

It is not essential to be able to drive for this role, many of our volunteers use public transport, walk or cycle. When a personal vehicle is used, proof of valid driver’s license, appropriate insurance, and MOT will be required.

You must be able and willing to co-operate and adhere to Health and Safety Policy, practices and instructions.

Once trained and matched with a client, you will be accompanied on your first home visit by a member of library staff, in order to support both yourself and the client. Further training may be identified as you and the role develop to ensure you are supported to develop new skills and enhance your volunteering experience.

All volunteer roles within the library service support the existing work of paid staff and do not replace the work of paid staff. Support will be given to ensure that boundaries are maintained by staff and to ensure there is no replacement or substitution of staff by volunteers. 

When do I need to be available?

Details	Availability to visit the customer(s) once or twice per month. Times and dates of visits to be or arranged between the volunteer and customer(s)

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Register your Interest