Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Milton Keynes City Libraries.

We are unable to hold volunteer information unless you are actively volunteering with us and would appreciate applications ONLY for the roles we are advertising and not general requests.

We are currently seeking:

• Code Club volunteers at Central Library (Mondays 3.45-5.15pm)
• IT Buddy at Olney Library for monthly sessions on either a Wednesday or Thursday morning (details to be agreed)

Please note that the times shown include time before/after each club to set up and tidy away.

Apply to be a volunteer at one of the Milton Keynes libraries by completing the online form

If you prefer, you can download and print an application form and hand it to staff at any library.

The minimum age to volunteer with us is 13 years old (17 years for Code Club volunteers).

Any information provided by you in your application form will be held in the strictest confidence. If your application is unsuccessful or when you stop volunteering with us your information will be deleted. You can read the privacy statements for Milton Keynes City Council (MKCC) and MKCC libraries on the website. 

Volunteering

We welcome volunteers at all nine of our libraries.

There are many interesting opportunities for volunteers at Milton Keynes libraries and there's bound to be something that suits you. We have previously recruited for a variety of roles, including:

• General library support - to help staff provide efficient customer-facing services to library users and help customers use the library facilities.
• Library shelver - to shelve library stock accurately and appropriately and help to keep the libraries tidy.
• IT buddies - to help our customers with basic computer skills and getting online.
• Home library service volunteers - to visit homebound library users with regular deliveries and collections.
• Duke of Edinburgh volunteers - a scheme for teenagers, nationally coordinated through schools. Information can be found on the official Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.

If you feel that you have any particular skills to offer MKCC libraries as a volunteer, we would love to hear about them.

You can read detailed role profiles on the Library volunteer roles web page.

Volunteers will be given training and guidance to provide high quality frontline services to library users. In return we're looking for a regular and reliable commitment from our volunteers.

We appreciate your interest in MKCC libraries and hope that you'll complete the online application form. You should hear from us about an interview within 2-4 weeks, but you can contact the library if you have any queries.

Milton Keynes City Council expects employees and volunteers to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of any child or adult using our services.

Any person responsible for or working with children or vulnerable adults (whether paid or unpaid) is considered both legally and morally, to owe them a duty of care. This includes behaving in a manner that doesn't threaten, harm or put people at risk from others. All employees working for or on behalf of the council must report any child or vulnerable adult protection or welfare concerns.

Duke of Edinburgh volunteers

There is no formal application process for Duke of Edinburgh placements and each library decides if they can accommodate you. We're always happy to provide placements if we can, but there are a limited number of spaces.

You can contact any of the branch libraries in Milton Keynes directly to see if they are able to help you. They'll be able to tell you if they have any possible openings and dates.

If you're interested in opportunities at Central Library, we are currently full for Autumn term 2023.

We accept applications in September/October and again in January. You can complete the online application form - please make it clear that you are applying for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and list the times you are available.

Volunteer strategy

This volunteer strategy describes the arrangement between Milton Keynes City Council libraries and volunteers. It's meant to let volunteers know that we appreciate them and intend to make the experience enjoyable and rewarding. 

There are ten MKCC libraries and 92% of households live within two miles of a library. Libraries provide safe, welcoming spaces and aim to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or studies in Milton Keynes. Volunteer roles are created to support the library services and support, but not replace, paid staff. In line with current legislation both training and attendance is not mandatory for a volunteer role.

1. Recruitment

• Volunteer roles will be advertised on the library website, social media, posters and in response to personal enquiries.
• Applicants are asked to complete an application form and will be given information about the role and any simple selection tests which may apply.
• Proof of eligibility to volunteer will be required.
• Volunteers meeting the criteria will be invited for an interview. A simple test may be required and there will be a trial period of six weeks.

2. Induction and training

• Volunteers will be given information and training on the work of MKCC libraries, its staff, and the volunteer role.
• The MKCC libraries volunteer information pack provides full details.

3. Supervision and support

• Every volunteer will be assigned a named member of library staff with whom they can discuss their volunteering and any successes or problems.
• Supervising staff will explain the service standards expected and then encourage and support volunteers to achieve and maintain them.

4. Recognition

• MKCC libraries recognise the support provided by volunteers and aim to provide an annual event in appreciation of this.
• Library volunteers will be provided with a reference from the service after completing six months.

5. Health and safety

• Volunteers will be provided with training in compliance with the libraries' health and safety policy, a copy of which is in the MKCC libraries volunteer information pack.

6. Insurance and expenses

• The library service will provide insurance to cover volunteers while they undertake approved and authorised voluntary tasks. However volunteers will be responsible for ensuring vehicle insurance cover for voluntary work, if this is required by their insurer.
• Volunteers will be reimbursed expenses when applicable.

7. Problems

• Any problems, grievances and difficulties volunteers may have while volunteering in the library service will be resolved as fairly as possible.

8. Confidentiality

• Volunteers will be bound by the same requirements as paid staff to maintain the confidentiality of information within the organisation and on behalf of its customers.