Book lovers can indulge their passion for page-turners while helping Greater Dandenong residents in need.
The council’s Home Library Service is desperate for volunteers.
It delivers library services to people within Greater Dandenong who are unable to access branch or mobile libraries due to illness, frailty or disability.
Sandra Davidson signed up to the program just over 10 years ago because she was looking for something to do after her husband passed away.
“I like books, I don’t live that far from the library, and that’s how I started,” she said.
“We go to the library, we choose the books for our clients, we take the books to our clients and return the other ones they’ve read.”
Ms Davidson said clients filled out a form with their likes and dislikes.
“It’s very social. You get to know the people. You learn about their family. You become family,” she said.
Volunteers need excellent communication skills, familiarity with a range of books, the ability to use library resources, and the ability to understand and work with the elderly or people with disabilities.
Knowledge of language other than English is a bonus, a driver’s licence is preferred and a clear police report is essential.
Volunteers need to be able to carry up to four kilograms and offer two hours per client, usually once every three weeks.
They receive ongoing training with the Home Library Co-ordinator and are reimbursed for petrol expenses.
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/volunteer for more information.
Sandra Davidson and the Home Library Service.
