Volunteers needed for libraries
A marketing campaign promoting the need for library volunteers has launched this month, encouraging people to consider making a difference in their communities by helping keep libraries open.
Libraries are recruiting volunteers to help with a variety of duties, from running children’s story time sessions to helping customers and organising books.
There are currently ten community-managed libraries operating across the county, with a further 20 planned as part of a reconfiguration of the service due to come into effect next year.
This change is a direct result of cuts in government funding that have seen the library service budget reduced from £7.8m in 2010 to £4.3m in 2017/18.
County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, Executive Member for Library and Information Services, said: “The response thus far has been superb.
“I feel confident that the new
community libraries will be in safe hands. However, we must not be complacent.
“This campaign is an important reminder of the need for more volunteers in all our libraries and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch. Regardless or your age, background or experience, everyone has something to contribute and a great deal to gain from volunteering.”
The campaign focuses on the real people who volunteer their time in North Yorkshire libraries. By sharing these stories, the County Council hopes other people will make the first move in contacting their local library.
In return, libraries can offer people the chance to make a positive difference in their local community and the opportunity to learn valuable new skills.
Many libraries have held successful recruitment sessions and more events are planned during this month and January, along with a volunteer training programme.
People can go into their local library and talk to members of the team about volunteering opportunities or, alternatively, more information can be found on the council’s website, www.northyorks.gov.uk/libraryvolunteers.