Beckenham volunteers wanted for home library service

A borough-wide library service which brings books to people who cannot get to a library is looking for Beckenham volunteers and volunteer-coordinators who love books and reading.

The Bromley Home Library Service is run by the Royal Voluntary Service. Volunteers are tasked with arranging book deliveries to clients, recruiting new volunteers for the service and building relationships with local community groups.

The service covers the entire London Borough of Bromley and is on the lookout for volunteers for Bromley Central, Beckenham, Biggin Hill, Burnt Ash, Chislehurst, Hayes, Mottingham, Orpington, Penge, Petts Wood, Shortlands, Southborough, St. Paul’s Cray and West Wickham libraries.

Volunteers for the service choose and deliver books and share their love of reading with service users. They are a friendly face and are regular visitors to people whose mobility and social interaction are limited.

Shauna Teevan, service manager for Bromley Home Library Service, said: “For people who enjoy reading or listening to an audio recording but find getting out of the house challenging, this service offers a vital link to the local library.

“The service enables people to carry on doing something they enjoy and helps alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.  We want to be able to link even more people to local libraries which is why we’re looking for more volunteer-coordinators and volunteers to help us expand the service across Bromley.”

No previous experience is necessary as full training is provided. Royal Voluntary Service welcomes volunteer-coordinators and volunteers of any age over 17 years. Driving skills are essential for volunteer co-ordinators and preferable for volunteers.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer-coordinator or volunteer with Bromley Home Library Service, call Shauna Teevan on 07464 524846 or email shauna.teevan@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.