Libraries Plus

What is Libraries Plus?

Libraries Plus is a programme run in Portswood Library and Central Library in which students tutor local pupils aged 6-18 in subjects they need support with. The programme is open access for the community, so children sign up to the sessions in advance in their libraries. This is an excellent programme for volunteers looking for a placement where they can support a wide range of subject areas and children.

Placements

We offer a variety of different placements in our local partner libraries at Portswood and Central Library. Placements take place on a Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

Skills and employability

Flexibility, adaptability, time management, academic support, customer services, supporting children aged 6-18, working with children with diverse needs, communication, tutoring, leadership, liaising with parents, behaviour management, leading children’s activities, volunteer management are all skills you will gain by taking part in Libraries Plus. This volunteering opportunity is excellent for anyone who wants experience working in schools, with young people and the community, customer service, or is exploring a career in education/youth work.

 Volunteering commitment

We expect at least one term of volunteering, which typically involves 1-2 hours a week of volunteering during the term, with an induction before your placement starts. Most volunteers continue into semester two, although you may choose to swap placement to a different school or location in the second semester.

Training and support

All of our programmes are supported by students and staff. As part of Libraries Plus, you will have sub-committee members, the Libraries Plus Co-ordinator, and the staff team (Catherine Taplin-Thorpe) to speak to.

The Coordinator and staff team will be leading on your selection workshop, initial training and additional training provision (eg behaviour management, routes into education etc) throughout your placement, as well as any issues with your school placements. The staff team will be in touch with you during your placement to get mid-year and end of year feedback, which is required from all volunteers.

Reasonable adjustments

Libraries Plus is committed to being an inclusive programme, and encourages all students to get involved. We can make reasonable adjustments to application processes, selection workshops, training sessions, your volunteering placement, and other activities on a case-by-case basis. We also provide ongoing support for the students we work with, so if you have particular accessibility needs, including if you want to disclose a disability or special educational needs, please do get in touch with Catherine at catherine.taplin-thorpe@southamptonhub.org and let us know how we can make the activity more accessible.

Volunteering with Libraries Plus won't cost you

We reimburse all Southampton Hub volunteers' travel expenses, including bus and car travel, throughout the project.

Why not volunteer with a friend?

Volunteering for Southampton Hub is social and you'll have the chance to meet many like-minded people, but why not ask a friend to sign up with you too?

Questions?

Email catherine.taplin-thorpe@southamptonhub.org who will be able to answer any questions and direct you to the Libraries Plus committee for any further help and support.

You can also check out similar projects, such as Schools Plus over on our What's On page