Do you have a few hours a week to spare? Looking for useful skills to add to your CV? York libraries and archive have a number of volunteering opportunities. Our volunteers extend and enrich the service we provide to our local communities. It's also a great way for you to make a real difference to people's lives.

Which opportunities are available?

You could:

• Help read stories to under 5s
• Be an IT buddy by providing help and support to customers using our IT equipment
• Help out at author events
• Help with shelving our books (shelving vacancies at all libraries except York Explore)

If you want to find out more about each role, further information can be found on the appropriate role description, available in the 'documents to download' section of this webpage.

We also have volunteers working in the Archives, but these volunteer roles are currently full.  If this type of volunteering appeals to you please do check back at a later date.

What is the time commitment?

The roles available vary from a couple of hours a week to a day a week. There may be opportunities to volunteer for longer hours if you wish to volunteer for more than one role. Some volunteer opportunities are at weekends and evenings as well as during the day and are available for a limited period of time. Details of these are given in the role descriptions, available in the 'documents to download' section of this webpage.

Where can I volunteer?

All of our libraries and the archive have volunteering roles, but not all libraries will have vacancies at any one time. We have four Explore Library Learning Centres and nine community libraries across the city, so you should be able to find one located near your home if this is more convenient for you.  The Archives and Local History department is located at Explore York Library Learning Centre.

Can I claim expenses?

Volunteers should not be out of pocket as a result of volunteering for us! We will reimburse reasonable travel costs within City of York boundaries.

Do I need to supply references?

We like to take up two references for all roles and ask that you supply this information on the application form. They should be someone with whom you have had recent contact and could be a current or recent employer, teacher, neighbour or family friend but should not be a relative

What skills and experience do I need?

Many roles just require your time, energy and enthusiasm! Any additional skills required will be provided on the role description. These might include previous experience with IT for example.

What support and training will I be given?

All of our volunteers will be given the training and support necessary to do the role, as well as an induction. You will also be invited to the library where you will be volunteering to meet the staff and get to know the building. Ongoing support will be provided by local library staff.

What do I do now?

Complete the application form (available in the 'documents to download' section of this webpage), and hand it in at any of our libraries. Alternatively, you can email it to libraries@york.gov.uk. You will be contacted within seven days. You will be asked to come and have a chat to find out more about the volunteering role as well as have the opportunity to ask questions.