Dorset libraries volunteering opportunities for adults

We warmly welcome volunteers who want to support their local library.  A variety of roles are available, each offering a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in your community.  Before applying, please take a moment to read the relevant role descriptions.  We provide a full induction and training for every role, so you’ll feel confident, well-prepared, and understand the aims of our service.  

Each library can only support a limited number of volunteers at a time, and opportunities may vary. If a suitable role isn’t available right away, we’ll be happy to add you to our waiting list.

Current volunteering opportunities

Please see our current list of opportunities below.  Once you’re ready to apply you can do so at any time using the Apply Now button at the bottom of the page.

Volunteer-supported Library access

We are delighted to have additional opening hours supported by volunteers at Crossways and Sturminster Newton Libraries. This has been possible with the help of dedicated and trained volunteers who help us keep the library welcoming and accessible, extending access to the community.  We’re currently seeking volunteers to support Library access for the following locations:

• Beaminster Library on Friday mornings
• Crossways Library on Monday afternoons; Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons
• Shaftesbury Library on Thursday mornings
• Sturminster Newton Library on Monday afternoons
• Swanage Library on Saturday afternoons

And Volunteer Co-ordinators for:

• Beaminster Library
• Shaftesbury Library
• Swanage Library

Read the Volunteer Coordinator role description and the Supported Session Volunteer role description to learn more.

Apply for Volunteer-supported Library access

Rhyme time session support

Do you enjoy working with young children and their families?  Rhyme time volunteers help deliver fun, engaging sessions that support early literacy and social interaction. Volunteers assist with setting up, welcoming families, and joining in with songs and rhymes.  Currently we would love to have volunteer support for our rhyme time sessions at the following libraries:

If you're interested, just select the ‘Events and Activities volunteer’ role when you apply and choose from the libraries listed above.  Find out more from the role description.  We’d love to hear from you.  

Apply for Rhyme time session support

Code Club volunteer support

Code Club helps children learn to code through fun, creative projects in a supportive library setting. We’re looking for adult volunteers 18+ who are enthusiastic about digital skills and enjoy working with young people.

If you're interested in supporting a Code Club at your local library, please apply through our volunteering process first. This helps us understand where interest lies and allows us to guide you through both our own training and the official Code Club steps.

You’ll receive full support from us, including guidance on completing the required Code Club training and registration.

Apply for Code Club volunteer support

English Conversation Club support

We’re also excited to invite you to support our English Conversation Club at Weymouth Library and Learning Centre.  This is a wonderful opportunity to help people practice and improve their English speaking skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.  

Take a look at the role description for full details.

Apply for Conversation Club support

Home Library Service volunteer

We are proud to partner with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), which runs our Home Library Service. This service delivers library books to readers who are unable to visit the library and helps with book selections.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the RVS, please let us know via the Apply Now button, and we’ll pass your details on to our RVS Service Manager.

Apply for Library Service volunteering

Apply for volunteering opportunities

Volunteering at Community Managed Libraries

Burton Bradstock, Charmouth, Chickerell, Colehill, Corfe Castle, Puddletown, Stalbridge, and Wool Community Managed Libraries are independently run by dedicated volunteers.  Each library manages its own volunteer recruitment and co-ordination.  If you’re interested in volunteering at one of these libraries, please contact the relevant library directly.