Stoke-on-Trent Libraries

Volunteer Application Form – Read and Connect

Title: / Full name: Date of birth:
Address (including postcode):
Email address: Telephone number:
Can you tell us about your skills/abilities and how you would like to support the library service?
Do you have experience of volunteering or working with the public? If so, please provide examples.
Please indicate which day/s when you could be available as a volunteer
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
AM
PM
Please provide any further information to support your application
Please provide the details of two people who can be contacted to obtain references. Ideally, these would be a current or previous employers, or someone who knows you well but isn’t a relative.
Reference One / Reference Two
Name: / Name:
Address: / Address:
Telephone number: / Telephone number:
Email address: / Email address:
How this person knows me: / How this person knows me:

Declaration

I agree to Stoke-on-Trent Libraries using my information to find me a volunteering opportunity within the service. I understand that reference and/orpolice checks may be taken before I am offered voluntary work. I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure I have the appropriate insurance documentation if I am using my car.

To the best of my knowledge the information given on this form is correct. I understand that the information provided will be used by third parties for monitoring and statistical research purposes only and that all personal data will be processed in line with the Data Protection Act 1988.

Signed: Date:

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Interview conducted by:-
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Role description –Read and Connect

Department: Stoke-on-Trent Libraries

Contact

Main activity – Working as one of a team of volunteers across the city of Stoke-on-Trent to lead shared ‘Read and Connect’ reading groups. To select reading material (short stories and poems) appropriate for the group(s) and lead discussion with group members.

Tasks will include:

Choosing short stories and poems appropriate to be read aloud as part of the group and discussed by group members.

Encourage group members to feel comfortable to share their thoughts and feelings about the short story or poem that you have read aloud.

To hold a library ticket on behalf of the group that books used for the group can be issued to – this ticket is for use with the group only.

Attend occasional volunteer meetings and events.

What could you get out of it?

  • Volunteering for Stoke-on-Trent Libraries gives you the chance to get involved in a real variety of events and activities. Our volunteers help us to provide services that have a massive impact on people’s lives and they are highly valued.
  • Volunteers are offered free places at any reader development activities, for example, Reader Days or author visits, held by the library service.
  • You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

When?

You must be able to commit to running regular (preferably weekly) sessions for your group at a particular setting. You will let the setting know when you will be visiting so they know when to expect you.

Read and Connect sessions usually last for 90 minutes.

You will discuss with the setting how often and when you will run your Read and Connect group.

If you struggle to find a location for your group Stoke-on-Trent Libraries can help you to find a setting and set up a group.

Is this for you?

We are looking for:

  • A friendly person who is able to interact with other volunteers and the general public – you must have excellent social skills and be a warm, caring person who can engage well with people who may be isolated and vulnerable
  • Someone with patience and good listening skills
  • Someone with a reasonable knowledge of books
  • An ability to read aloud well and with expression
  • A willingness to comply with the City Council’s Data Protection, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity and Environmental policies

What we do for you

We offer full support to our volunteers both in the selection and supply of books and with any issues that arise as a result of your visits.

You must be willing to undergo a DBS check.

Library volunteer application form template 2016