Over the first few weeks of the new volunteer run system in Chorleywood Library, more than 50 individuals turned up to work shifts with the support of Herts library staff.
The volunteers have divided themselves into “open-uppers” or “closing downers” to unlock and lock up the building. (Doors have to be opened on the dot!) Other tasks include preparing the automated kiosk, the till, the photocopier, getting the right “floats” then checking the computers, library terminals, the footfall counter and the lift. All this as well as dealing with books!
“Teaching so many volunteers the same thing over and over must be frustrating for the professionals” says Angela Killick, Chairman of the Library Volunteers. “But they have been patient and without them we couldn’t have managed.”
Photo: Library volunteers Kate Brightwell (l) and Sue Kesteven (r) . Sue helped obtain the 2,250 signatures on the petition to keep the library open.