At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:
- Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
- Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions
- Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references. Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.

 

Activities

Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Teaching & Training,General & Helping

 

Skills & Attributes

Basic IT skills - internet & email, Reading & Writing, Communication Skills, Listening Skills

 

Skills Description

Be able to make a regular commitment Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all Have comfortable fluency in English Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff) Be confident using technology – for connecting with families viz Zoom and completing records Be organised – be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs.