Volunteers needed for the home library service

Shropshire Council’s library service is on the lookout for volunteers to help housebound readers get their books to and from the library. 

The home library service consists of a number of helpful volunteers who choose books for people unable to get to their local library and then deliver them to their home.  Their old books are then taken back to the library. 

Of course there are many variants to this system, as each volunteer/customer pairing makes their own arrangements to mutual convenience.  It is a fantastic and rewarding act that makes a great difference to housebound people who often adore reading and aren’t able to get to the library themselves. 

Without the help of volunteers, the service cannot run.  There is currently a growing list of waiting customers in the Shrewsbury area, despite our current volunteers’ valiant efforts. The home library service simply needs more people. 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for libraries, said:

“If you, or someone you know, thinks they might be able to spare some time, weekly, fortnightly or even every three weeks, please get in touch.  The average volunteer only spends an hour or two every couple of weeks on this – that’s all it takes to bring a lot of joy to a housebound person.” 

To discuss this service, with no obligation to sign up, people should get in touch with Siobhan Hinton at Shrewsbury Library on 01743 255308.  Siobhan is the librarian in charge of organising the home library service in the Shrewsbury area, and she will be more than happy to talk through what is involved, as well as how the work can be shaped to fit around other commitments. 

Librarians are holding an information and recruitment event for the home library service at Shrewsbury Library on Tuesday 30 October 2012.  They will be signing people up on the spot if they wish, and providing all of the information both for people wishing to sign up for the service, and people wishing to volunteer.  Staff will be available to answer any questions.