Library Friends volunteer

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 16 August 2025
LOCATION
Thurrock
TYPE
Volunteer
LEVEL
Entry-level
CATEGORY
Community Services
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Communication Empathy Active Listening Group Facilitation Patience Reading Comprehension

FULL DESCRIPTION

Summary

Meet with Library Friends participants in a group setting, to use reading – books, magazines, websites or any other reading activity – as a way to start conversations. This role requires strong communication, empathy, and a passion for reading.

  • Lead group reading activities and facilitate conversation using reading materials as a basis for discussion
  • Make arrangements to identify and select suitable materials that focus on the groups' interests e.g. books, newspapers etc
  • Be able to speak in a group setting, listen to others and engage in conversation for the duration of the sessions.
  • Be able to build connections with group members through conversation.
  • Have a patient and sensitive approach, able to empathise with others with a friendly and approachable manner, whilst understanding the need for confidentiality.
  • A love of reading is ideal and a desire to share this with others.
  • Be able to follow guidelines and instructions, and volunteer without supervision.

Role summary

Meet with Library Friends participants in a group setting, to use reading – books, magazines, websites or any other reading activity – as a way to start conversations.

Location

Various libraries across Thurrock. Location will be agreed and mileage can be claimed back.

How to apply

Complete the application form at www.thurrock.gov.uk/volunteering-vacancies

Tasks and responsibilities

  • To lead group reading activities and facilitate conversation using reading materials as a basis for discussion
  • To make arrangements to identify and select suitable materials that focus on the groups' interests e.g. books, newspapers etc
  • To speak with staff about preparing chairs, tea etc in advance of each session, and tidy-up after the session has ended
  • To be sensitive to the needs of those in the group, making sure everyone is able to contribute to the session, feels welcome and involved, maintaining awareness of appropriate boundaries
  • To lead on various themed activities where appropriate – for example, memory boxes
  • To help with the evaluation of the group and feed-back any issues or concerns to staff
  • To help ensure reasonable care is taken at all times for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and other persons, policies relating to health and safety will be shared with you.

Skills and experience

  • Be able to speak in a group setting, listen to others and engage in conversation for the duration of the sessions.
  • Be able to build connections with group members through conversation.
  • Have a patient and sensitive approach, able to empathise with others with a friendly and approachable manner, whilst understanding the need for confidentiality.
  • A love of reading is ideal and a desire to share this with others.
  • Be able to follow guidelines and instructions, and volunteer without supervision.
  • Be willing to learn new knowledge and skills.

Time commitment

• 1-2 hours a week for the session.
• Attendance at initial training session and regular supervision meetings.

Support you will get

  • provide induction training
  • provide on-going support during the times allocated
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