LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS ENJOY NEW CHAPTERS
Women have gained new skills and confidence thanks to giving their time to help others
TWO keen volunteers are urging residents to check out the huge range of opportunities on offer at Manchester’s libraries.
Stefania Camilli and Moira Corcoran are among almost 200 volunteers who have offered 17,000 hours of time in the past year at libraries across the city.
Volunteers can get involved with anything from helping people learn to use computers to reading stories to under-fives – and several people have used the experience gained to find new jobs.
Stefania, who lives in Ancoats, comes from Italy and started volunteering to meet new people and improve her English.
She said: “Central Library is the perfect place for me to volunteer, as I’m passionate about history and heritage.
“I was offered a role as a ‘meet and greet’ volunteer and given customer service training. My language skills weren’t great, so it was challenging at first, but the staff were supportive and I found it really rewarding.”
Stefania, who now volunteers in the library’s Archives+ Centre and works part-time as a fundraiser for the Museum of Science and Industry, added: “Volunteering gave me the confidence to apply for jobs. I would encourage anyone, whatever their abilities, to give it a go.”
Moira Corcoran volunteers at her local community outreach library in Miles Platting.
She said: “The staff are wonderful and I’m learning new skills all the time. I know lots of people locally and many of them come into the library when they know I’m there. I love it and feel that I’m putting something back into Miles Platting.”
Executive member for culture and leisure, Coun Rosa Battle, said: “With volunteers doing everything from supporting young people at homework clubs to exploring and explaining local history, Manchester’s libraries offer opportunities to suit everyone’s talents and interests.”
Manchester Libraries are currently seeking volunteers to help with the Summer Reading Challenge – a campaign encouraging children to read during the summer holidays. Anyone aged 13 and over can help by talking to children and families about books, or by participating in one of more than 100 events and activities taking place as part of the challenge.
If you are interested in gaining new experience or sharing your skills by volunteering, visit www.manchester. gov.uk/libraries, or call 0161 227 3796.