Hour or two?

Home Library Service - Reading Friend

Role title	Home Library Service (HLS) Volunteer
Purpose of role	To make libraries accessible to people who can't get to the library
Main activities and tasks	1. Deliver and collect books and other items for Home Library Service customers (usually once or twice a month). 2. Provide companionship and conversation using the reading materials as a basis for discussion. 3. Keep HLS customer’s details and book preferences up to date by informing library staff of any relevant changes to their requirements. 4. Find out more about how Oldham libraries can support HLS customers. 5.. Let Home Library Service users know about other service they can access from home.
Qualities, skills and experience sought	A reliable, confident and responsible individual, with enthusiasm and effective communication and interpersonal skills. Have a patient and approachable manner. Ability to empathise with older people and people with disabilities. Ability to build rapport through conversation Should be physically fit, be able to climb stairs and carry bags to deliver books to customers’ homes. Have the ability to cope with the duties and responsibilities of the role and the associated environment, including an understanding of health and safety. Able to follow guidelines/instructions. Initiative and the ability to work without supervision. Willing to learn new knowledge and skills. Have an understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
Location	Home Library Service Volunteers needed in Shaw, Royton and Lees areas.
Time commitment	Ideally, visiting two customers at least once every 4 weeks. Although time commitments of this role are tailored to individual service user and provider requirements/availability.
Training and support	Volunteers will be inducted and trained prior to carrying out this role. They will also have a named supervisor who will provide ongoing support. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed as agreed on production of receipts.
Additional Information	You must be 18 or over for this role. As 12 books are delivered at a time, car users are most suitable. A DBS check will be required.

What's involved?

You will be working in partnership with Age UK and library staff to deliver books to those no longer able to access the library. You will be delivering up to 12 books at a time and returning those read to the branch library so car users are preferred. You will taking feedback on preferred reading to enable a supply of suitable reading. Visits are generally once a month.

Why get involved?

Share your love of reading.

Support people in your community.

How to get involved?

Accept the Challenge and the Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to discuss further.

You must be over 18 and have access to transport. Regular library users preferred.

A DBS check will be required.