Library of Things Volunteer - Quedgeley

Library of Things Volunteer - Quedgeley Library

The Library of Things enables people to hire useful items for their homes and gardens from their local library (just like a book). Saving money, preventing waste and helping people to access more. Our volunteers check the items between uses and undertake basic testing to ensure the equipment is clean, safe and ready to be borrowed again.

What we’re looking for:

• Flexible but regular availability usually around 1 hour a week during library opening hours.
• Able to safely lift equipment like pressure washers and carpet cleaners and move smaller items on and off shelving units
• Comfortable following agreed processes and able to record basic information about testing & condition of items 
• Mindful of health and safety
• Happy to work with others (e.g. library staff and other volunteers)
• Willing to clean returned items as required
• Willing to learn basic PAT testing (You don't need any special skills or knowledge and training will be provided. The PAT process is quick and simple.)
• Happy to notify our charity staff of any spare parts or repairs needed.

If you have technical skills, there may be opportunities to help with repairs or DIY ‘how to’ demos/workshops but this is not expected.

What you get:

• PAT testing training and certification will be provided
• Manual handling training will be provided
• Experience of volunteering and a reference if you need one
• FREE use of the LOT items (no hire charges)
• Be part of a friendly team
• Help your community to waste less and share more
• Opportunities to use your practical or technical skills and share your knowledge

Tasks:

• Once a week pop into the library and look through the returned items. 
• PAT test electricals as needed (includes visual inspection of cable and plug, turning on the the PAT machine, recording pass/fail result.)
• Check everything is present and in good condition, record any issues
• Top up consumables like cleaning fluids, replace strimmer wire check batteries are working ok.
• You may need to clean some items and flag anything in poor condition, needing repair or with parts missing
• Keep the storage areas and workrooms clean and tidy and well organised
• We will make sure you have someone with you until you feel confident of the process.

Optional: If you are skilled in repairing or electricals there may be opportunities to support with maintaining and fixing items. There may also be opportunities to teach others repair skills and help us run ‘how to’ workshops on basic DIY. You can also help with registering guarantees, taking photos of new items, creating how to videos and guides, scanning manuals if this interests you. As well as promoting the LOT in your local area!