Library Housebound Service Book Selection Volunteer - Sutton Cultural Services

Help us bring the enjoyment of reading to residents who are unable to visit their local library by selecting books for our Housebound Library Service.

About the Organisation

Sutton Council's Cultural Services manages and promotes the borough's libraries, museums, and archives, and supports and promotes arts and heritage within Sutton. We provide a Housebound Library Service for residents who are unable to visit a library.

What you will be doing

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help select books and talking books from our library shelves based on the interests and reading preferences of our housebound customers.

This is a library-based role – you will not be required to deliver books to customers' homes.

You will:

  • Select books and talking books for Housebound Library Service customers.
  • Use information about customers' favourite authors, genres and reading preferences to help choose suitable titles.
  • Explore the library collection to find new books that customers may enjoy.
  • Prepare selected items ready for collection and delivery.
  • Work with library staff and use feedback about customers' preferences to help with future selections.
  • Help ensure housebound customers continue to receive a varied and enjoyable selection of library materials.

What's in it for you?

  • Gain valuable experience to strengthen your CV and future job applications.
  • Develop new and transferable skills, including organisation, decision-making and attention to detail.
  • Build your confidence and gain experience working within a professional library and local authority environment.
  • Develop your knowledge of books, authors and different genres.
  • Gain experience working independently as well as alongside library staff.
  • Meet new people and become part of the Sutton Libraries team.
  • Make a positive difference by helping residents who are unable to visit their local library.
  • Receive support and guidance from experienced library staff.
  • Gain a valuable reference following a successful period of volunteering.

What skills will you need?

We are looking for volunteers who:

  • Enjoy books and reading.
  • Are interested in helping other people discover books they will enjoy.
  • Are reliable and organised.
  • Have good attention to detail.
  • Are comfortable following information about individual customers' reading preferences.
  • Are able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Are happy to ask library staff for guidance when needed.

You don't need to be an expert on books or authors – our library staff will provide guidance and support.

What's the time commitment and where? 

Time commitment:

The role will take place at Wallington Library, Cheam Library and Circle Library. Volunteers can choose the days and times that suit them, subject to agreement with the library service.

Location:

Multiple locations as above

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

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