+44 (0) 1273 386849What is a community library? How you can ensure happy, thriving volunteers
In need of positive news? More than ever, we need a quiet place to read a good book or a welcoming space to feel part of a community. I’ve been talking to a variety of community librarians around the UK and learning about their incredible work. Community libraries are much more than books – they are hubs of connection, learning, and support.
Run by dedicated volunteers, these libraries provide a warm, safe space where people of all backgrounds can come together, access information, and feel part of something bigger. In this post, I explore the various types of community libraries, what inspires library volunteers, and how communities are adapting to change. Read on to be inspired to take part in your area!
What are community libraries in the UK?
Community libraries offer something vital: a free, welcoming, and safe space for all. They are places where young families can attend story time sessions, older adults can find companionship, and students can access a quiet area to study. They can be a refuge for people who feel isolated or need a coffee and cake break (if available!).
They come in many forms, blending local efforts with varying levels of charity or local authority support. Many are partnership libraries, where local authorities collaborate with community groups to run services. These partnerships keep access to council resources while volunteers manage day-to-day operations.
Others are completely independent, like Grappenhall Library in Warrington or the Old Library in Skircoat Green Road. They own, manage, and run their buildings through a Community Asset Transfer. There are also pop-up initiatives like Hawkesbury Upton’s village hall library in South Gloucestershire.
Faith-based spaces also fill gaps caused by library closures, such as the Methodist churches in Bradford offering alternative access to books after mobile services were cut. Supported by Cornerstone Methodist Church, the Cornerstone Library is another volunteer-run organisation that aims to provide library and community services to their local area.
Supporting everyone in the community
I wanted to start my series on communities by thinking about the people responsible for community libraries – the amazing administrators and volunteers who maintain services. In my conversations, I wanted to understand why people volunteer, what sort of work they do, and importantly, how these important people can be supported in their work.
Why do people volunteer in community libraries?
One of the most common reasons volunteers step forward is the desire to give something back to their community. They spoke of the fulfilment they get from knowing they are making a difference.
- Whether they have a background in librarianship or not, they see the community library as a place where they can contribute their skills. From cataloguing books, managing and organising events, or simply offering a friendly face to those who walk through the doors.
- For some, volunteering fills a gap – whether they are retired, between jobs, or looking for new ways to engage with their community. Others were inspired by national initiatives such as King Charles III’s The Big Help Out. Friendship is a recurring theme and one of the most heartwarming aspects of volunteering.
- Preserving local heritage is also a key motivation. When a public building falls into neglect, it affects how the town or village looks and feels. Fresh paint, new seats and signage, and colourful outdoor planters can boost community pride and make a real difference.
Regardless of people’s motivation, the sense of satisfaction and well-being that comes from working together to provide a valuable public service is a common thread among community library volunteers.
What do community library volunteers do?
Volunteers wear many hats! It turns out that being a community librarian isn’t just about shelving books or even saying shush (thank goodness!).
There are various levels of volunteer engagement – from the paperwork heavy initial library set-up, library service management and scheduling, fundraising and events, to the many cataloguers and coffee machine experts. Real-life examples of what volunteers can be involved with include:
- Community links – Partnering with local schools to run homework clubs;
- Seasonal events – Santa’s story time at Christmas or seasonal craft fairs to strengthen community ties;
- Online initiatives – building vibrant Facebook communities, launching interesting and engaging websites, creating online catalogues to ensure the library remains relevant and valued.
In a later post, I want to focus further on the work of the community library and how you can engage with more people to build a younger and broader end-user base. Watch this space.
What do community library volunteers need to succeed in their work?
The most seasoned professionals need investment in their learning and development. Your volunteers are no different. They deserve the most effective and accessible training to feel confident, empowered, and fulfilled. We know from experience that everyone learns in different ways, so here are some volunteer insights to consider.
See, do, teach!:It turns out that “instruction manuals are not regarded as being very useful”. Although manuals are essential for library best practice, volunteers prefer to be shown what to do, with hands-on experience to ensure they understand everything. Short instructional videos have proven more useful than written materials in volunteer training sessions.
Regular meaningful practice: Volunteers sometimes lack confidence, especially with technology. It can be an issue if they aren’t doing something regularly enough for it to become second nature. Experienced volunteers need to be on hand to offer instant refreshers or give support when necessary.
Excellent vendor support: Support from library management system providers – and other relevant vendors – is vital. If the tech goes down or you have any questions about functionality, you need timely support. Choosing the right software vendor who is service focussed is an important part of setting up your library.
Embracing change in the community
To survive, community libraries must listen to their members and think about their volunteers and the library services they offer. There are challenges to overcome – funding, space, building regulations, type of stock, type of event, etc. – but they need to work within the scope of what is possible.
Some libraries, for example, have reassessed their collections to better match their audience and make the most of their space. To better serve their readers, they replaced out-of-date gardening and medical books with graphic novels, crime fiction, and children’s literature – genres that consistently attract borrowers.
At the heart of it all, community libraries continue to exist because of the people who believe in them – the volunteers who give their time, the members who support them, and the wider communities that recognise their value. As public libraries face cuts and closures, these volunteer-run spaces are stepping up to fill the gaps, ensuring that the love of reading, learning, and community connection remains strong.
This is just the beginning of our series on community libraries. Next, we’ll explore practical ways to support and train volunteers, ensuring they have the confidence and skills to thrive in their roles. If you’re involved in a community library, we’d love to hear your thoughts – what makes your library special, and how do you see its role in your community?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is a community library in the UK?
A community library is a volunteer-run space that offers free access to books, information, and events. Often supported by local authorities or charities, these libraries provide safe, welcoming places for learning, connection, and community support.
2. How do community libraries differ from public libraries?
While public libraries are usually managed by local councils, community libraries are run primarily by volunteers. Some operate independently through community asset transfers, while others are partnerships with local authorities.
3. Why do people volunteer in community libraries?
Volunteers are motivated by a desire to give back, connect with others, preserve local heritage, and support literacy. Many find friendship, fulfilment, and purpose in their roles.
4. What roles do community library volunteers take on?
Volunteers handle tasks like cataloguing books, organising events, managing social media, running reading groups, maintaining facilities, and offering a warm welcome to visitors.
5. How can I support volunteers in my community library?
Support volunteers through hands-on training, mentoring, accessible resources, and reliable support from your library software providers. Confidence-building and regular practice are key to helping volunteers thrive.
6. What are the challenges community libraries face?
Community libraries often deal with limited funding, lack of space, building regulations, and changing community needs. Adapting services and collections to match local interests is essential.
7. How can community libraries stay relevant in changing times?
By listening to community feedback, diversifying book collections, hosting inclusive events, and embracing digital tools, libraries can stay vibrant and well-used.
8. Can anyone start a community library?
Yes, with community backing, a suitable space, and support from local authorities or charities, it’s possible to set up a community library. Many start with pop-up models or shared spaces.
9. What is the best way to recruit and retain library volunteers?
Focus on meaningful engagement, clear communication, recognising contributions, and providing flexible roles that suit different interests and skill levels.