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Jobs and volunteering

Volunteering with Suffolk Libraries

Learn new skills, meet new people and make a real contribution to your community. Volunteer with Suffolk Libraries.

Summer Reading Challenge volunteers wanted!

We’re looking for volunteers aged 12 and up to help with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. You’ll be reading with and chatting to primary aged children in the library over the summer. It’s excellent experience for your CV and great fun!

Volunteers can get involved with Suffolk Libraries in many ways:

  • Helping to reduce isolation by volunteering for our Phone a Friend service
  • Home Library Service - we’re often looking for volunteers to take books to older and disabled people in their own homes.
  • Volunteers support many of our events and activities
  • There are many ways to get involved with our libraries' Community or 'Friends' groups. You might help with fundraising, running events and community outreach.
  • We need hundreds of volunteers to help with the Summer Reading Challenge which runs every year. Please contact your local library if you're interested and check out the role profile below.  

Our volunteers play a vital part in supporting the library service and the services and activities we provide to local people.

They do not replace paid staff, but work alongside them in a range of roles. Libraries are great places to volunteer and there are many opportunities to get involved.

Volunteering roles

Our volunteer opportunities centre around reading, information, learning and skills, community and wellbeing. The roles include:

Some libraries offer volunteering opportunities that can help you get back on your feet and feel part of your community again after a period of ill health. We will always try to accommodate any disabilities you may have.

To find out more about what our volunteers do, see our volunteer case studies

Apply to become a volunteer

What's in it for you?

Research shows that when you give your time to others, there are benefits for you as well:

  • You'll meet dynamic, friendly people, make new friends and help to inspire and support others
  • Choose from a diverse range of opportunities and activities
  • Learn new skills, share those you already have and get some great experience for your CV
  • Help to strengthen your local community

Volunteering ... can have a positive effect on your sense of purpose, autonomy and happiness; it helps to develop skills and self-esteem.

- Summer Reading Challenge independent research study, OPM 2014.

Find out more

Volunteer and Equal Opportunities policies