Burngreave Library Volunteer Case Study

Volunteering is a great way of not only building your own skills but also helping your local community. Burngreave Library wouldn't be what it is today without the fantastic team of volunteers based there. Read on to hear from Paul, a former volunteer now in an employed position in a library:

Having completed my degree but unable to take on the profession studied I was unemployed and feeling rather low. For some time I had wanted to pursue another career, librarian being one of them. While searching on Citizens Advice I came upon Burngreave Library. I noticed the position Volunteer Library Assistant was being advertised and realised this was a good opportunity to gain experience in this field whilst allowing me to provide help to the community.

The staff I worked alongside were professional whilst being kind and understanding. As a result I made new friendships and met many new people in the day to day running of the library.

Volunteering with SOAR has given me the confidence to move forward with my future. A large portion of my renewed self-esteem and confidence is due to the impact of everyone I have worked alongside at Burngreave Library.

I would heartily recommend volunteering at Burngreave Library, as it has provided me with experience, friendships, a purpose, a way of building self-esteem, and an outlet for providing a sense of community.

The SOAR staff at Sorby House have been friends, mentors and companions on my journey.