Celebrating volunteers at the Ermine Library and Community Hub

This July, we are celebrating the incredible individuals who give their time and energy to make a real difference in our communities.

At the Ermine Library and Community Hub, our dedicated volunteers aren’t just supporting vital services,  they’re gaining confidence, learning new skills, and building paths toward employment. 

We’re proud to share a selection of our volunteers’ journeys with us, and how they help to bring our social purpose to life! 

Audrey, A Level Student 

Audrey is an A Level student who lives locally to the Ermine Library and Community Hub. After completing a work experience placement in the Business and Community Engagement team at BGU, she was offered the opportunity to volunteer at the library and is now a regular member of the team. She helps with the kids craft activities and Community Cuppa sessions, as well as handling books.

Through volunteering Audrey has learned how to use the library systems and gained customer service skills. She has also been able to get used to being in a work environment, giving her valuable experience for CVs and personal statements in her future education and career.

Audrey said: “I really enjoyed my work experience at The Ermine Library, so much so that I have continued volunteering. My confidence has improved during my time here and I really enjoy it.”

Ben, BA Applied Drama in the Community student 

Ben initially became involved with the Ermine Library and Community Hub in early 2024 after contacting them about carrying out his final-year degree project. 

He started a paid role at the library in July 2024 and has become a key member of the team. He runs learning through play sessions for parents, carers and their children, organises events, carries out community outreach and assists with meetings. His work centres around the idea of ‘hidden learning’. For example, the Lego club he runs helps to improve children’s public speaking and teamwork skills while ‘not feeling like work’. 

Ben said: “Volunteering at the Ermine Library has helped me tremendously, as it has allowed me to use my learned degrees kills in real scenarios. This has led to me becoming more employable and better prepared for what comes my way.”

Kayleigh, MA Health and Social Care Leadership Student 

Kayleigh started volunteering at the Ermine Library and Community Hub in 2023 as an undergraduate student. She helps with arts and crafts activities at the library, as well as making displays and providing general assistance with books and using the library system.

Kayleigh is now studying for her master’s degree in Health and Social Care Leadership. The support she has received as a volunteer at the library has built up her skills and confidence, leading to her starting to volunteer with Age UK.

Kayleigh said: “Volunteering at Ermine Library and Community Hub has helped me boost my skills in health and social care, meaning the library is not just a place to read books - it is also a place for students to talk to and support lonely or vulnerable individuals.”

Nicole, Teaching Assistant 

Nicole was a regular visitor to the Ermine Library and Community Hub with her children when she began volunteering. She helps with kids sessions and Arty Tots craft sessions at the library, as well as assisting with visiting groups from local schools.

Nicole had been a full-time mum since having children and was struggling with confidence around going back to work, as well as finding it difficult to find employment that would fit in with school holidays. The library has provided her with a supportive environment to boost her confidence and skills, learning how to use the library systems and working with children.

Nicole said: “Volunteering at The Ermine Library and Community Hub improved my confidence. It encouraged me to volunteer as a teaching assistant at my local school and inspired me to return to education to complete my level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification”

Sam, BA English Literature Student 

Sam started volunteering at the Ermine Library and Community Hub in October 2023 and has since worked there in both paid and voluntary roles. He is a key member of the team, helping to train and mentor other volunteers as well as carrying out general librarian duties.

Sam is a BA English Literature student and his work at ELCH has inspired his career goal of becoming an academic librarian and given him valuable work experience.

Sam said: “It has given me vital experience toward my goal of working as an academic librarian, but more than that it has helped me develop strong interpersonal skills.”