Ever wondered what it would be like to volunteer at a place like Chawton House Library? If so, we will be delighted to meet you!
From greeting visitors on arrival and welcoming them to the Library to helping in the garden, there is something for everyone! In 2016 we will also celebrate the launch of our refurbished Exhibition Room and the opening of our Emma at 200 exhibition.
Following a successful visitor season in 2016 we will be opening to visitors again from 21 March to 28 October 2016 (Mondays to Fridays 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. and Sundays and Bank Holidays 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.)
Recruitment
We currently have the following volunteering opportunities available:
Meeters and Greeters
A warm and friendly welcome for all our visitors is a vital element of this role. Welcoming our visitors and inspiring them to make the most of their visit by highlighting the work and life-stories of the women whose writings are the foundation of Chawton House Library. To sell tickets and to ensure that visitors have a friendly and informative introduction to the Library. Volunteers will also use a till and debit and credit card machine, explain the Gift Aid system and help our visitors to plan and make the most of their time at Chawton House Library.
Room Guide
To look after one or more rooms and to actively engage visitors with Chawton House Library, answer questions, queries and to be a safeguarding presence for the building and collections.
Tea Room and Shop Volunteer
Opportunities available weekdays. Volunteers will be required to help make and serve hot drinks, to serve light refreshments, clear tables, use the till and help in the shop.
Events Volunteer
To welcome the public, help set up and set down for events and take a hands on role during events.
Publicity Volunteer
To help raise the profile of Chawton House Library through local publicity and marketing from distributing flyers to contacting journalists.
Garden Volunteer
To help maintain the garden and estate at Chawton House Library.
Training
Chawton House Library is committed to training and development for staff and volunteers. All volunteers will receive an induction and relevant specialised training as appropriate.
Skills and Experience
Personal skills for all volunteering roles:
- A friendly and outgoing personality
- Punctual
- Able to work as part of a team
- Flexible
- Calm under pressure
- Aware of Health and Safety issues particularly with regard to Chawton House Library. Training will be given.
- An interest in early women’s writing in English and Chawton House Library in general. Training will be given.
Contact
To find out more, please contact Sarah Parry our Visitor and Learning Manager on 01420 595908 or sarah.parry@chawtonhouselibrary.org
Drop-in sessions
We are also holding drop-in sessions for our current volunteers and also anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer. There is no requirement to book just come and see us on the day and at the following times to discover more about volunteering opportunities during our 2016 visitor season.
The next dates are:
Tuesday 8 March 10.30 to 12.00
Monday 14 March 2.00 to 3.30 p.m.
We look forward to hearing from you!