For Doorstep Library
Doorstep Library Reading Volunteers visit the same families online over Zoom, every week with an array of online or physical books to share their love of reading with the children they visit.
Our volunteers don’t just read stories though; they do silly voices, handpick the books, and give special recommendations for each child.
Through our long-term approach, our volunteers build trusting relationships with families, helping to connect them with the community and signposting to additional sources of local support. We are there to support children and families who need us most.
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.
Be able to make a regular weekly commitment during school term time of at least 9 months
Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS and Child Barred List check and provide two 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 efficiently with Team Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
| Slot | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Afternoon | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Evening | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
We have volunteer opportunities on either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday afternoons starting at 4.30 pm and finishing at 6.30 pm. Volunteers only visit during school term times so there are plenty of breaks throughout the year including 3 one week breaks for half terms, 3 weeks for both Christmas and Easter as well as 7 weeks for the summer holidays. Volunteers are also entitled to 2 absences per term. Overall, volunteers just volunteer for approximately 31 weeks of the year! If you cannot make a regular commitment, we also have a Stand-In volunteer role where you will stand in for when weekly volunteers are not available. We ask Stand-in volunteers to volunteer 12 times across the academic year which works out between 1 and 2 volunteer sessions per month.
This opportunity can be carried out whilst working from home.
Wheels For All
Surrey Libraries
Girlguiding
Girlguiding UK Woking
Active Surrey