Joining the DL Team
What does Doorstep Library do?
Do you remember a character from a childhood book as fondly as an old friend?
If you do, you’ll know the magic of being able to slip into another world as and when you need to, or how books can make your world a bigger, brighter place.
For bookworms especially, it’s hard to believe that anyone could see reading as anything other than empowering, or even just a pleasure. For the third of children from disadvantaged areas who leave primary school without being able to read well, often it’s nothing but a chore.
That’s why we like to turn up on the doorstep, with backpacks of books, two little stools, and a pair of volunteers who know that words take you places
Whatdo Home Reading Volunteers do?
Our volunteers bring the magic of reading directly into the homes of families living in disadvantaged areas every week.
Armed with a backpack full of books and two little stools, Doorstep Library volunteers visit the same 5 families every week to share their love of reading with primary school aged children. Doorstep Library volunteers don’t just read stories though. They do the silly voices, hand pick the books, and give special recommendations. By making it fun first, we inspire children to experience the joy of stories and books, and transform them into budding readers.
By really getting to know the families, week after week, we empower parents to get stuck into the sessions too and encourage them to get involved in their children’s education. Sometimes though, we’re just there to give a bit of extra support, whether we’re passing on info about a family activity, lending an ear, or even just being a friendly face. Then, before we go, we leave behind a selection of books for each child to borrow for the week.
Why do it?
In fact, our volunteers often tell us that coming to Doorstep Library is the best part of their week. Not only can they share their joy of reading, but can also be part of a book loving team. Our volunteers build friendlier communities and break social barriers by interacting with and befriending families from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. You can volunteer with Doorstep on your doorstep and give back directly to your local community.
Where do we do it?
We work in disadvantaged areas because poor reading skills are inextricably linked to economic disadvantage and reduced life possibilities. For various reasons, children from thepoorest families are less likely to have books, less likely to read with their parents and less likely to read for pleasure. Not only are they more likely to fall behind in their studies as a result, they fall behind in their lives. We go to them because much of what support there is doesn’t reach its target and we leave our most vulnerable children behind.
How can I get involved?
If this sounds like the role for you, these are the basics.
- We run projects at various locations across Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Hammersmith and Fulham projects run from 3.45pm-6.30pm.
- Westminster projects run from 4.30pm-7pm.
- Our volunteers always work in pairs, and build relationships by visiting the same 6-8 families each week.
- To get the most out of your volunteer experience, we ask volunteers to make a sustainable weekly commitment of at least nine months.
I can’t commit on a weekly basis. Can I still get involved?
We have a stand in volunteer option too which doesn’t require a weekly commitment, but is essential to the smooth running of projects. Being a stand in also gives the chance to work with different families from hugely diverse backgrounds and to share your love of reading with a child who may feel daunted even by the prospect of a book.
What’s the next step?
Simply email to book your place on one of our up and coming Information Sessions to find out more about what we do, why we do it and how you can get involved.
Watch our short video on volunteering at
Doorstep Library Network is registered with the Charity Commission: 1158197.
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