Volunteering is all about giving back to communities, trying something new, or improving a skill. It is generally very rewarding and benefits everyone involved.
Volunteering for libraries can be special, and there are many opportunities to get involved. At Manchester Libraries we value our volunteers greatly and many of the amazing things we do would look very different without the brilliant people who give us their time, talent, creativity, and love.
There are several volunteering opportunities at Powerhouse Library, from LEGO Club, to chess club, to homework club volunteer. Homework Club volunteering at the library has been a massive success. We are coming to the end of our second year of Powerhouse Library Homework Club in its current format and there have been over 40, yes 40!, different volunteers giving back to the children in Moss Side during this time.
Some have been with us, the whole time, and some come when they can. It would be fair to say that we have one of the greatest age-ranges of volunteers, ranging from just 16 years old to 72 years old! There is a wealth of knowledge and life experience that our children can benefit from. Some of our volunteers are college or university students, some are working, some retired, and some speak English as a second language. But they all want to give the children who come the best support they can.
Homework club has been a great support in many of Powerhouse children’s lives for the last two years. They have made the successful transition between Early Years and Key Stage 1, others making great gains in their English and Maths across Key Stages 2 and 3. Whatever the children are learning or struggling with, the volunteers always do their best to help, explain, and nurture. One year 2 child reports that they feel much more confident about their Maths now that they have worked with our volunteers this year.
If you think that volunteering with Manchester Libraries is something you are interested in, check out all our opportunities on mcrvip.com!