We have a range of volunteering opportunities in libraries across the city.
There are still many people in Plymouth who don't have a computer or tablet or don't know how to use one.
They aren't able to access online services, online discounts or keep up with family and friends on social media and Facebook.
As a computer buddy you'll:
- support people who want to learn how to use computers but don't know how to go about taking the first step
- share your IT knowledge and offer help and information to customers
- work with library staff and partners
Work club volunteer
Job or work clubs operate across the city at a range of venues. The library service is a partner in several job clubs which take place in libraries.
As a work club volunteer you'll help customers:
- with basic PC use
- create an email address
- use Universal Job Match
- create CVs
- with job application
Summer Reading Challenge volunteer
The Summer Reading Challenge is a UK-wide programme which aims to keep children reading during the summer break.
Research has shown that children who take part in the Summer Reading Challenge keep up their reading skills much more than those who don't.
As a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer you will:
- help prepare the Summer Reading Challenge
- help promote the Summer Reading Challenge in local schools and elsewhere
- listen to children telling you about the books they've read
- hand out rewards to children at appropriate stages of the Summer Reading Challenge
- encourage children to complete the Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge runs between July and September every year at all Plymouth libraries. You'll need to commit at least six hours over the course of those months.
Local history is a popular hobby for many people. As well as being a fun way to learn more about where we live, it instils a pride in those places and brings people together.
As a local history volunteer with the local history collection you'll:
- assist with indexing and organising areas of the stock
Home library service volunteer
There are hundreds of people in Plymouth who love reading but can't visit a library.
The home library service enables people to continue to access the library by taking books to them in their own home.
As a home library service volunteer you'll:
- deliver books and audiobooks to customers who can't access the library service, whether they live independently or in a care home
- keep accurate records of your car mileage (you'll receive a monthly payment for using your car)
- work with other services that support older and disabled people in the city to develop strong communities for citizens across the city
Visitor survey helper
We want to know more about why people use libraries (or don't use them), about what they like and don't like and what they would like to improve.
As a visitor survey helper you'll:
- help with twice yearly count of library visitors
- help with surveys
Family history buddy
Family history is a popular hobby for many people.
As a family history buddy you'll:
- help people starting out on their family history for the first time on a one-to-one basis
- show people websites, microfilm and printed resources and help them to use them
- understand the importance of keeping accurate records
- be empathetic when people hit a brick wall or discover something unusual or disturbing
Our sessions are designed for children to learn new skills and develop existing coding and digital making skills in a fun and exciting way.
We provide children with various online resources including Scratch and Code Kingdoms and physical resources including BBC Microbits and Raspberry Pis to help them learn about coding languages and electronics.
As a coding/digital making volunteer you will:
- be enthusiastic and enjoy helping others to be creative with technology
- have an interest in coding/gaming/digital making
How to apply
Complete the application form below and hand it in at any library or email a copy to library@plymouth.gov.uk.
We'll be in touch as soon as we have something to suit you.