Volunteering and libraries

What you can do

There are many ways you can join in and help people with library services. You can even earn a qualification at the same time. Find out about earning a volunteering qualification.

• Home library service volunteer
  Choosing, packing and delivering library materials to people unable to get to a library easily. Please note, you will be carrying a number of books which can get quite heavy. Read about library services for people with disabilities.
• Mobile library champion
  Helping promote the mobile library service in areas of the county without a library nearby. Read about mobile libraries.
• Local studies volunteer
  Organising local studies material, including newspapers, photographs and postcards. Read about local studies resources in libraries.
• Children's services volunteer
  Helping with our summer reading challenge, rhymetimes, storytimes and homework club at Peacehaven Library. Read about what's on in libraries for children.
• Computer buddy
  Helping people to learn the basics of using the computers in the library. Read about using computers and the Internet in libraries.
• Reading group volunteer
  Supporting new and existing reading groups. Read about reading groups.
• Practical or occasional volunteer
  Help with tasks such as book sales, surveys, events and planting flowers. Read about:
  - Donating, selling and buying books and other items
  - Consultation and engagement
  - What's on.

How to become a volunteer

We will ask you for provide a reference for all our volunteering roles.

If your role will involve unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults, you will also require an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. We will arrange this free of charge. Existing CRB disclosures cannot be used.

Appropriate training will be provided and we will meet with you regularly to ensure all is going smoothly.

We pay agreed out-of-pocket expenses such as mileage costs if you use your own car for our home library service. We will need written confirmation from your insurance company that your car is insured for voluntary work.

If you're interested in volunteering, please fill in our:

• Volunteering in libraries – leaflet and application form.