Library Volunteers

The Home Library Service

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer. Without the help of volunteers, the Home Library Service would not exist. Please use the FAQ's below to find out more about how you can apply and what you will be doing.

How does the Home Library Service work?
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
Who can volunteer?
Can I claim any expenses as a volunteer?
Can volunteers request items for readers?
What the library service expects from volunteers.
What volunteers can expect from the library service.
How do I apply?

How does the Home Library Service work?

Volunteers visit their local library at times arranged between the reader and the volunteer. Volunteers collect items from the library and deliver them to their readers. These are issued on a ticket which is given to the volunteers. On delivery, the previous items are collected and returned to the library.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone can apply to be a Home Library Service volunteer. You will need to fill in a registration form, and give the names of two referees. Once the references are received, the volunteer co-ordinator will invite you for an informal interview. Your details will be sent off for a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Can I claim any expenses as a volunteer?

Mileage and parking expenses can be claimed using the expenses forms from the volunteer co-ordinator. There is also a mileage claim for bicycles. For current rates please ask Special Services Staff.

Can volunteers request items for readers?

Readers are encouraged to request as many specific titles as possible for free. You can place reservations in the normal way at any library or on-line.

What the library service expects from volunteers:

To collect and deliver readers books at least once a month.
To select appropriate material for each reader.
To request specific items from the library if required by the reader.
To respect the confidentiality of their readers and not to compromise their safety.
To claim mileage payments regularly.
To ensure that you car insurance covers voluntary work.
To co-operate with Health & Safety and Equal Opportunity requirements.
To wear Bath & North East Somerset identification badge on all visits to housebound clients.
To inform the volunteer co-ordinator if you have any concerns about the work involved with the Home Library Service.

What volunteers can expect from the library service:

To receive a personal introduction to all your readers.
To provide assistance in selecting material if required.
To maintain volunteer and reader records at the library. A print out of all items on loan is always available on request.
The facility to check loans, and to make reservations and renewals on-line is available by using the borrower number and PIN number.
The facility to use any B&NES library to borrow items (although this may need the reader’s card details to be copied to your chosen libraries in advance).
To provide relief volunteers when necessary.
To organise an opportunity for all volunteers to get together at least once a year.

Please note: All the library requires the volunteer to do relates directly to the provision of a library service to housebound people. Any further activities carried out by volunteers for their readers is their sole responsibility. The library service can take no responsibility for this.

How do I apply?

Just ask a member of staff for an application form and information pack. You will need to provide certain details before we can process your application.

Bath & North East Somerset Council