Current library volunteering opportunities

We currently enjoy the support of over 100 volunteers working with the Richmond upon Thames library service, participating in a number of different activities.

Current vacancies

• Code Club Champion
• Community Garden Volunteer at Ham Library
• Chess and Games Afterschool Club at Twickenham Library
• Garden Volunteer at Teddington Library
• German Club Volunteer at Ham Library
• Heathfield Community Noticeboard Volunteer
• Lego Club Volunteer at Whitton Library

Volunteering role descriptions

• Chess Club Volunteer
• Chess and Games Afterschool Club Volunteer
• Code Club Champion
• Code Club Mentor
• Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer
• Gardener
• Home Delivery Service Volunteer
• Italian Conversation Group Volunteer
• Local Studies Volunteer
• Noticeboard Volunteer
• Novel Steps Volunteer
• Reminiscence Group Facilitator
• Stock Assistant
• Spanish Conversation Group Volunteer
• Work experience placement

Apply for a volunteer role

There are specific instructions for applying for a work experience or Duke of Edinburgh Award placement.

To apply for all other volunteer roles, please fill out and return a volunteer application form.

Email your completed application form to libraryvolunteer@richmond.gov.uk.

There is an informal interview process for prospective volunteers and successful volunteers may be asked to supply two references. Certain volunteer roles will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We will not be able to process applications from library members who have previously been excluded from the library service.

Work experience placements

We offer a limited number of work experience placements each year to give students a real insight into what it’s like to work in a library. Our placements are designed especially for Year 10 and Year 11 students and run for two weeks, with a mix of daily tasks and one-off activities that reflect the day-to-day operations of our libraries.

View the Work experience placement role description.

To be eligible, applicants must live or study in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Due to the very high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to offer placements to everyone who applies. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a placement. All opportunities depend on staff availability and the capacity of the library team.

During the placement, students are assigned to one library cluster for the full two weeks and typically attend from 9.30am to 5pm each day.

If you would like to be considered for a work experience placement, please complete a work experience application form and email it to libraryvolunteer@richmond.gov.uk. 

If you have any questions or need help with the application process, please do get in touch.

Duke of Edinburgh Award placements

We offer volunteer placements for students completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Find out more about Duke of Edinburgh library placements including how to apply.

More information

For more information please email libraryvolunteer@richmond.gov.uk or phone 020 8734 3301. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!