Wiltshire Council’s library service is celebrating its volunteers It was during the financial crisis ten years ago that the local authority sought volunteers to help keep the county’s libraries open. Now the council is recognising their contribution giving time and energy to support their local libraries, and delivering books to those who aren’t able to visit themselves.
Since September 2011, Wiltshire’s Community Library Volunteers have operated all the opening hours in nine of the council’s smallest libraries and supported staff by providing extra volunteer sessions at six slightly larger libraries, ensuring these services remain available for local people to use and enjoy. Over the 10 years, the library volunteers have collectively given 163,679 hours of their time.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “As a library volunteer myself, I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to support my community and see first-hand the huge value and joy that libraries can bring to all ages. If you have a bit of spare time I would definitely recommend looking in to becoming a volunteer – our libraries are particularly looking for volunteers at Box, Downton, Lyneham, Ludgershall, Mere, Purton and Wilton so please do get in touch if you’re interested in the role.”
The BA12 Agenda 