Information about volunteering and work opportunities, and group activities in Cambridgeshire Libraries.
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Older people and EngAGE
EngAGE is a partnership by Cambridgeshire Libraries and Community and Adult Services to develop new and useful opportunities for people over 50 years old. It offers:
- monthly social and information events at local libraries
- basic computer assistance for beginners provided by our Computer Buddies
- new opportunities to volunteer and support your local library
- meeting places for Knit and Natter knitting groups
- venues for some exercise opportunities
Follow this link for full details on EngAGE events
Opportunities for you to EngAGE with your Library
Memory boxes
EngAGE has created memory boxes with 10 different themes, which are available across the county. These are frequently used to support Reminiscence sessions at EngAGE in the afternoon/morning events.
These boxes are for loan to community groups and individuals who are using the boxes for non-profit making events - free of charge for those attending.
EngAGE in the afternoon/morning events
These are monthly social and information events held in libraries across the county. Come along to hear an interesting speaker, have a cup of tea, meet new friends and use the library. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to help set up or support a group in your area please contact the EngAGE Project Coordinator on Maggie.brown@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Computer buddying
- One-hour free sessions aimed to help and assist people over 50 years with basic/beginner IT/Computer skills
- Led by volunteer tutors
- Flexible to suit individual needs
You can try a number of online Digital Unite guides to help with basic computer skills before booking a free buddying session.
This service is currently available at the following libraries:
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Reading and knitting groups
Cambridgeshire Libraries encourages and promotes reading in the community. Many of our libraries have reading groups where readers can discuss books and share ideas. We also hold author events where guests come in to talk about their work.
Visit the Reading and knitting groups webpage for information on dates and times.
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Libraries friends' groups
The following libraries have friends' groups set up:
Friends' groups policy.pdf
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Volunteering in Libraries
Cambridgeshire Libraries welcomes and greatly values volunteer help. We currently have volunteers to help with the following:
- delivering books to the housebound (the Doorstep Service)
- providing story time sessions and supporting other children’s activities, including the summer reading challenges
- trained as IT tutors (in Learning Centres and Community Access Points)
- teaching basic internet skills to the over-50s (EngAGE Project)
- promoting and fundraising for individual libraries (Friends' Groups)
- staffing Library Access Points, which provide limited library facilities in ten communities
- participating in planning, decision-making and monitoring of library services on a Community Management Board
- preparing for Duke of Edinburgh awards, or doing work experience
- indexing and sorting historic documents (in Archives and Local Studies)
Our volunteers receive interviews, training and CRB checks when appropriate. If you are interested in supporting your local library by volunteering please download full details and application form on the bottom of this page.
Working in Libraries
All Libraries vacancies are advertised on the County Council job vacancies website, not in individual libraries.
We also offer work experience opportunities for students where possible. Apply by visiting your local library or writing to us.
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