Volunteer at our Libraries

Volunteering in the Library

Give back to your local community by volunteering with City of Ryde Libraries which offers a variety of services and programs to the community.

Volunteering is a great way for you to connect with the community and to use your skills and time to help others.

Important Information

  • Due to the volume of applications received, suitable applicants will only be contacted when a vacancy becomes available.
  • We will make every attempt to match volunteers with their area of interest and availability, however, we are not able to offer all applicants a volunteer role due to limited availability. Therefore, all applications are only held for six months from their date of lodgement.
  • Successful Children's Activity assistants will be required to obtain a free Working with Children Check (Volunteers). 
  • Volunteering roles with City of Ryde Services are not a pathway for employment. References cannot be provided for a volunteer.

How to Register Your Interest

  • Submit your expression of interest in a volunteering role by completing the appropriate form for the role you wish to apply for.
  • When a role becomes available, suitable applicants will be contacted and asked to attend an interview with City of Ryde Libraries staff.

Roles

We seek enthusiastic volunteers for the following:

  • English Class Tutors
  • Justices of the Peace (JPs)
  • Kids Activities Assistant
  • Musical Mornings Assistant
  • Local History Photograph Digitisation

The ideal volunteer will be warm and friendly and is passionate about engaging with members of our community to help us create inclusive social spaces in our Libraries.

English Class Tutors

Role Description

We seek volunteers as English teachers and tutors to run our English Conversation Classes for adult migrants who do not speak English as a first language.

The classes are designed to target adult migrant learners with a focus on improving conversation skills at beginner and intermediate levels. Participants will be adults across a variety of ages and cultures. Volunteers are encouraged to share their cultural experiences and knowledge of living in Australia with the students.

Please note:

  • Classes run for 2 hours weekly during school terms at Ryde Library and West Ryde Library.
  • The maximum class size is 10 — 15 students.

Volunteers would also ideally be qualified teachers (including ESL) or have experience teaching English as a Second Language to migrant learners.

Click here to view form.

Justices of the Peace

Role Description

City of Ryde Libraries offer Justices of the Peace service to the local community. If you are a currently registered Justice of the Peace and have time to volunteer to serve our diverse community, we would love to hear from you. Skills in Languages other than English are beneficial but not essential.

Please note:

  • JPs volunteer for 2 hours either per week, fortnight or monthly at a City of Ryde Library of their preference.
  • Day and evening time slots are available.

Click here to view form.

Kids Activities Help

Role Description

Libraries are home to fun children's activities that include singing, reading and engaging crafts, and allows them to meet other kids. Kids activity assistants will be required to help with:

  • Setting up and packing up of activities, including moving furniture with other volunteers and/or staff.
  • Handing out of craft kits at Storytime sessions.
  • Joining in to sing at Rhymetime sessions (tunefulness is strictly optional!) as well as answering basic questions and ensuring prams are parked clear of exits.

Please note:

  • This is a weekly commitment during school terms, with opportunities for the occasional School Holiday activity assistance.
  • As your full attention will be required, volunteers are unable to supervise children in their own care whilst volunteering.
  • This role will require some ability to lift, kneel and bend.
  • Skills in Languages other than English are beneficial but not essential.

Successful applicants will be required to obtain a free Working with Children Check (Volunteers).

Click here to view form.

Musical Mornings Help

Role Description

Musical Mornings program is hosted at Ryde Library every second Monday of the month from 9.00am — 12.00pm. We are looking for a volunteer that can commit during those 2 hours and can be tasked with:

  • Assisting with set up and pack up of the event space.
  • The welcoming of and chatting with attendees.
  • Setting up a tea and coffee station, as well as tending to it during the musical performance (when the COVID-Safe plan allows for it)

Click here to view form.

Local History Photograph Digitisation

Role Description

Do you have admin skills and an interest in local history?

We are seeking motivated and interested people to assist with the digitisation of the library’s photograph collection.

Full training for the requirements and procedures will be provided however some experience with scanning equipment and PCs is desirable. Ongoing support by library staff will be available.

Am I right for this role?

  • Interest in local history
  • Technical experience in scanning and saving images
  • Attention to detail 
  • Self-motivated but also able to work as part of a team

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Angela Phippen, Local Studies and Family History Librarian, 9952-8353 or angelap@ryde.nsw.gov.au.

Click here to view form.

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