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Volunteer at a library
Find out what you can do as a volunteer, the benefits of volunteering with us, and how to apply.
Volunteering at Southwark libraries is a great way to give something back to your community.
Libraries are at the heart of our communities, allowing you to engage with residents and have a meaningful impact.
Volunteering at your local library is a fun way to:
- gain confidence
- meet people
- be part of a community
- learn new skills
- get a reference
- improve your job prospects
Your role as a library volunteer would involve working with our staff to provide:
- interactive and fulfilling events for children and adults
- an inspiring and informative visitor experience
We have voluntary roles for people who want to get work experience or for young people who would like a Duke of Edinburgh Award placement.
What you can do
We welcome volunteers to help with events for children and adults in our libraries, including:
- homework help clubs
- Chatterbooks
- Rhymetime
- Bookstart
- babies and toddlers groups
- reading groups
- poetry groups
- film clubs
- coding and STEM Clubs
- arts and crafts groups
- creative writing groups
- conversation café and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
Apply to volunteer
Email us at libraries@southwark.gov.uk if you’d like to volunteer at a library.
Roles are available at libraries throughout Southwark.
All prospective volunteers will need to complete a free DBS and reference check.
We’ll pay your travel expenses and provide training and an induction to the library service.