The Library Takeover
What’s it all about?
Somerset Libraries are looking for people with Learning Disabilities to take part in our new project ‘The Library Takeover: Creating a Space for All’. We want to find out how we can make our community spaces more welcoming to everyone, and we need your help to do it. We are looking for volunteers to come in and help run our libraries for a few days, and then to design a new community space.
The project will be running in Bridgwater, Glastonbury, and Street Libraries, so you will need to be able to get to these areas to take part. Sound like fun? Then read on!
What will you be doing?
We are looking for two different types of volunteers – ‘Takeover Volunteers’ and ‘Film Volunteers’
Takeover Volunteer - You will help to run our libraries during ‘Takeover Days’ doing many different jobs like helping customers, sorting books and helping to run events
- You will help to redesign our libraries during a number of fun and creative workshops - You will help create a display that shows the local community what you think libraries should look and feel like. Film Volunteer - You will help to make a film about the project. - You will work with local charity Somerset Film, who will train you in how to make and produce a film. - The training, filming and making of the film will all happen in the library
When do you need to be free?
The project will run from the 12th March until the beginning of June.
Ideally we are looking for volunteers who are available for half a day each week, but it does not matter if you are not free every week. More information about dates will be available after you apply.
What type of person are we looking for?
We are looking for volunteers who have a learning disability and who are aged 16 or over. You do not need to have any particular skills, but just be keen to help make our libraries and community spaces better for people with disabilities.
Takeover Volunteers may need to be able to read. If you need help to read, our staff can help you with that.
Bridgwater The project will be taking place in Bridgwater, Glastonbury Glastonbury and Street libraries and so you Street will need to be able to get to one of these libraries.
Please note that if you are under 18, you will need parental consent.
Will it cost me anything to take part?
No, the project is free to take part in. We can also pay you back for the cost of getting to the library.
Why should you take part?
There are lots of good reasons to volunteer on this project. Have fun. All of our workshops will be fun, creative and enjoyable with lots of opportunities to try new things.
Learn new skills. New skills you can learn include communication skills, film making, interviewing skills, event planning, and other art skills
Help your community. You’ll be helping to make your community better for people with disabilities
Work Experience. The project will give you the opportunity to work in a library for a few days and there may also be an opportunity to do more volunteering in libraries after the project ends.
What next?
If you would like to find out more about the project, you may like to come to one of our open days. There will be staff available to answer questions and we can also help you to fill out the application form. They are happening on the following days
You do not have to attend an open day in order to take part
Where? When? Bridgwater Library Tuesday 13th February Binford Place Drop in at any time between Bridgwater 10am and 2pm. TA6 3LF
Street Library Thursday 15th February 1 Leigh Road Drop in at any time between Street 10am and 1pm BA16 0HA
Glastonbury Library Thursday 15th February 1 Orchard Court Drop in at any time between The Archers Way 2pm and 5pm Glastonbury BA6 9JB
How to apply
You can apply to take part using one of the following ways:
Application Complete the application form below, and then either email, post Form it or hand it in at your local library. Paper copies of the application form will also be available at the open days
Email [email protected]
Post Library Takeover Project, Somerset Libraries, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY
At a library Drop it off at any library in Somerset marked for Alex Cunningham-Scott – Development Team
Phone You can tell us why you want to take part by phone. Please ask Conversation for Alex.
07976 691860 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm only)
Film a video You can film a video of yourself telling us why you want to take part and email it to us.
Email: [email protected]
You will need to send your applications to us by Friday 23rd February
There are a limited number of spaces to take part in the project and so unfortunately we may not be able to say yes to everyone.
We will contact you to discuss your application during the week starting the 26th February.
Questions?
If you have any questions please contact Alex Cunningham-Scott
Phone 07976 691860 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm only)
Email [email protected]
Application Form
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Are you under 18? Which library project do you want to take part in?
Bridgwater Street Glastonbury
Which volunteer role are you interested in?
Takeover Volunteer Filming Volunteer
Tell us why you want to take part in a few words:
Please let us know if you have any support needs:
Data Protection: All data is held securely by Somerset Libraries in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Data will be treated confidentially and will not be disclosed outside of the service without your prior permission.
If you require one to one support, please bring someone with you to provide this. Please include their name and contact details here
Is there any additional information about you that you think it would be useful for us to know?
During this project we will be filming participants and also taking photos. These will be shown to the public. Please tick this box if you are happy to be filmed and to have your photo taken Under 18s only – Parental Consent
If you are under 18 you must have the permission of a parent or guardian to take part. (You do not need to fill this part out if you are 18 or over)
I have read and fully understood and am satisfied with the details supplied about the project. I agree permission for ……………………….. (Name of Young Person) to take part in the project. I know of no medical reason why they should not participate and I am happy with the above arrangements regarding photography.
Signature:
Print Name: Date:
Data Protection: All data is held securely by Somerset Libraries in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Data will be treated confidentially and will not be disclosed outside of the service without your prior permission.