Suffolk’s Libraries Industrial Provident Society (IPS) Ltd (Suffolk Libraries) is an independent and charitable organisation set up to run Suffolk’s library service.
The library service has recruited volunteers for many years but in the past few years the independent and community model has increased the opportunity for volunteers to become involved in many aspects of the library service. Every library now has its own community or ‘friends’ group – a group of volunteers who provide help and support to their local library and raise money to help improve it.
There are a number of volunteer roles that people can do within libraries, such as:
- Home Library Service volunteer (HLS). The HLS is a service which provides books to people who are housebound and is fulfilled by volunteers throughout the county.
- Reading Quest volunteer. The Reading Quest is a reading initiative which encourages children to read throughout the summer holiday. Reading Quest volunteers are pivotal in supporting this.
- Community group volunteer. Most libraries in Suffolk have a community group – a group of volunteers who help and support their local library and raise money to help improve it. Community groups also form the governance of the organisation with the Suffolk Libraries board elected by community groups, from community groups.
- General library volunteer. These are volunteers who support the day to day running of the library through assisting with reading groups, stacking and tidying shelves and running IT support sessions.
- Event organisers. Regular and one-off events are run throughout Suffolk Libraries and volunteers are pivotal in planning and organizing these events.
Suffolk Libraries also supports those who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award by providing volunteering opportunities.
It is important to Suffolk Libraries that volunteers do not replace paid staff but work alongside them. Volunteers should feel valued and supported.
Got any questions? Contact us at volunteer@suffolklibraries.co.uk to find out more about volunteering with us.
