Colin’s Volunteering Story
Volunteers are one of the factors that make Somerset Libraries a great place to be.
Being a Team Support Volunteer with the Library Service involves a mixture of customer service and back-room tasks, such as book stock and shelving. This role is a great for developing communication and customer service skills, as well as gaining a greater understanding of what Somerset Libraries offer.
Jenny Oliver, of the Central Volunteer Team, spoke to Colin about his experience of being a Library Team Support Volunteer.
What does your volunteering role involve Colin?
I assist people that work in Wells Library. I help with a variety of tasks, as and when they are needed. These include sorting and organising books that have been ordered, putting returned books back on the shelves, dealing with customer queries and helping customers with the self-service machines.
How long have you been volunteering for?
For about a year now.
Why did you start volunteering?
I wanted to volunteer to help keep the library open. It is such a valuable resource. I have always been interested in adult literacy and I also volunteer as a coach with Readeasy, a charity helping adults learn to read. I find the library role is a good source of information to support the readers I work with at Readeasy too.
What keeps you volunteering?
I can fit my role in with other volunteering I do. I find the work enjoyable and stimulating and learn something new every week.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
I enjoy searching for books on the shelves that have been reserved and dealing with the “drop box” which is for books going out to different libraries.
What difference has volunteering made to you? For example, making new friends or enhancing your skills.
It has enhanced my skills and I have met lots of new people. I know many of the staff at the library and get on well with them. My role has also encouraged me to read a wider range of books.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
Give it a go! The libraries are a very friendly and welcoming place, and you receive good tuition on what to do. You get a lot out of it and feel you are part of a team helping the library be a good experience for customers.
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
You really can make a difference in even just a short space of time, it’s good for your mind and your soul.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
My library work helps me combat depression – it makes me happy that I can make a difference and be part of something productive!
If this has spurred your interest, you can find this role and others here. What are you waiting for!