Home Library Service volunteer

Choose and deliver books to those who can't get to a library.

About the role

The Home Library Service is run by Oxfordshire County Council and serves 770 customers across the county. With the help of volunteers, it looks after and delivers books and audio-visual items to those who struggle to physically visit a library due to their personal circumstances. The service is completely free of charge to customers, many of whom are elderly or housebound, and it can also be used on a short-term basis following illness or hospitalisation.

Working alongside library staff, volunteers select and take books, audiobooks and DVDs to customers in their homes and care home settings. Volunteers help to reduce social isolation and support independent living by developing an understanding of their customers’ reading tastes and sharing an enthusiasm for books and reading.

What we need from you

A commitment to visiting your customer once every 3 weeks, undertaking a DBS check, having your photo taken for a photo ID badge to be worn when visiting customers, providing two references, and undertaking an initial hour of training with the Home Library Service manager. You will need to be at least 18 years old.

What you can expect from us

We value all our volunteers and our commitment to you is spelled out in our Library Volunteer Charter (pdf format, 92Kb). You will receive an initial hour of training and ongoing support from the Home Library Service team to enable you to feel confident in undertaking your role.