A new online system is making it easier than ever before to volunteer at Croydon’s libraries, allowing people to select from a range of different activities.
Volunteer opportunities include offering IT help, leading reading groups, befriending services and even volunteering in The Museum of Croydon. Volunteers who give more than 100 hours of their time qualify for a Value You card, offering them discounts at local shops and on the purchasing of gift vouchers for two years.
Ellie St. John-Roberts is a 16-year-old who volunteers as a library ambassador at Selsdon Library alongside her 13-year-old sister. One of Ellie’s main projects is volunteering on the Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging young children to read during their summer break.
She said: “The children come in for the Summer Reading Challenge and bring a book or pick one up and I help them read it and ask them questions about it. I started volunteering because I spent a lot of time at the library and even did work experience there.
“I think volunteering is good because a lot of people can spend time at home, but it’s really nice to get out and help children.”
The borough’s volunteers will be thanked for all their hard work at a drop-in celebration in Central Library on Katharine Street, between 11am and 2pm on Saturday 18 January.
Prospective volunteers are also invited to the event, where they will have the chance to find out more about volunteering in Croydon libraries, meet other volunteers from across the borough and enjoy a free performance by poet, comedian and musician John Hegley.
“Thousands of people use our libraries every year and our volunteers help many of them make the most of the facilities.
“I’m grateful for the time all of our volunteers give to help our staff and would encourage others to get involved. If you’re looking for something new to do this year why not find out more about volunteering at your local library.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
Find out more about volunteering in Croydon libraries online.
