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Volunteers wanted at Sydenham Community Library

Sydenham Community Library is looking for Volunteers.

Sydenham’s library has been running as a Community Library since 31 May 2011. There are a team of volunteers, but more would enable us to provide a better service, and to extend the activities on offer. We would like volunteers for anytime during the Library’s opening hours, for all or part of the day, or for occasional work-days at weekends.

What do volunteers do?

They work in a team to support the Library Manager. There are some “library assistant” jobs such as enrolling new users, and issuing and returning books; also replacing books on the shelves, and making sure they are in the right place and look tidy. Library users might appreciate help in searching for books, sometimes for school or college projects. Some use the computers, and may need guidance. Although Lewisham have reduced the stock by removing old and less used books, there is some scope for stock development.

Community Libraries

 Sydenham is one of three Lewisham library buildings leased by Eco Computers, a social enterprise run by Darren Taylor, who has run a community centre with a library on the Pepys Estate since August 2010. Lewisham still supply books, but the building is run by Eco Computer Systems, and although there is a community library manager, the library is staffed by volunteers. Sydenham Community Library is open four days a week, from 9.30am to 5pm on Monday and Saturday, and from 9.30 am till 7pm on Thursday and Friday. Users can reserve books, both from Lewisham’s catalogue and from twelve other London boroughs, and collect them from Sydenham. The catalogue can be accessed on-line from home or in the library.

Eco’s ambition is to offer a wider range of community activities and services in the library. Currently, they run computer courses for the over 50s, and offer help with job applications and CVs, for which there is a high demand, on two days a week.

The Library is looking for more people to run events, such as a Seniors Clubs, and additional reading groups – if you have suggestions, please get in touch.

 The library now needs to look after itself, and to earn its living. It can be hired for events, so please consider it as a venue for meetings etc. It can accept donations of books, mobiles, and computers, which are recycled and sold. Volunteers can also help to sell donated books via the Amazon website. There is a backlog of repairs and refurbishment, and help with DIY or deep cleaning would be appreciated, too. Please talk to the Library Manager, Nesrin Ingham on 0208 314 8148, or email nesrin.ingham@ecocom.org.uk

There is a range of weekly events on offer at the library:

Rhyme Time Baby Bounce

Every Tuesday morning, 10.15 – 10.45am

Stages

Interactive storytelling/art workshop every Thursday at 10.00am

 Saturday School

Every Saturday morning, Maths and English, 10.00 – 12.00pm

Crochet group Every Saturday morning from 11.00 – 1.00pm.

Monthly events include:

Over 55s group Third Thursday morning in the month, 11.30 – 12.30pm Book Club