Hermione’s Volunteering Story
Home library service volunteers work with the local libraries to enable people who are housebound, or that cannot access the library, enjoy the books, audio books and DVDs by choosing, delivering and collecting items from the library to their clients. Volunteers in this role also help to combat loneliness and are aware of resources that they can signpost their clients to if required.
Jenny Oliver of the Central Volunteer Team spoke to Hermione to speak about her experience of being a Home Library Service Volunteer.
What does your volunteering role involve Hermione?
My primary role with the Home Library Service is to take books to or order books for people who can no longer get out themselves to do it.
The people I support let me know what they want, or names of authors they like. I also get them things that I think they will like by listening to them and what authors or genres they have liked in the past.
I currently have three clients, two ladies who live at home with care and a gentleman in a care home. I have been with him since I started and have seen him through three care homes and covid. Sadly, his vision has now gone and so I bring him audio books instead. We have a wonderful close relationship; he has almost become my dad! After years of knowing somebody that well you can’t help it but get emotionally attached to them, I always remind myself that I am volunteering for the council and I must keep
that in mind, that you cannot get too close, however it is very difficult when you have built up such a close relationship.
How long have you been volunteering for?
I have been volunteering since 2018. I believe that I have helped around 5-6 people in my role over the years. It has been so lovely to keep in touch with the older generations as I have none of them left in my life from that time. They have so much to say, and they are all so interesting, I value the conversations we have.
Why did you start volunteering?
I stopped working full time, and moved to part time, and found myself with enough time to commit without having to cancel commitments. I haven’t got young kids anymore, am working less and wanted to do something and give back!
What keeps you volunteering?
It is so rewarding! You know you are making a difference to somebody else and bringing them joy. I like that I can and have the support to do it. It all adds to the motivation, I know that I am making a difference.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
My favourite thing is chatting to my elderly friends and having interesting conversations. I enjoy keeping in touch with that generation and the social contact that I get from it.
What difference has volunteering made to you? For example, making new friends or enhancing your skills.
I have made new friends, and I find it rewarding knowing that someone is grateful for what I am doing. We bring company and happiness to the clients; many don’t have regular visitors and can’t get out. They have limited social contact and so they really like and appreciate us, they are always so thankful. It makes it all worthwhile.
Over Covid this was very different, we only swapped bags with our masks on. Luckily, we are back to being much more sociable again now.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
Do it! This role certainly does keep you meeting and being in touch with a lot of different people.
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
Every little bit helps! It helps me and it helps others.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would encourage other people to do volunteering whatever it may be. It is a worthwhile commitment to make at least once in your lifetime. It really does give you a sense of community and being involved is fulfilling.
If this has sparked your interest, you can find this role and others here. What are you waiting for!