Volunteers’ Week 2020

Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of volunteers and all the time and support they give. 

In previous years, North Somerset Libraries have sent out certificates, created videos and shared volunteering stories. This year, we all find ourselves in a situation that we have never experienced before. 

Library volunteering stopped when libraries closed their doors on Friday 20 March. At this point, we do not know when it can restart, as so many of our activities depend on people being closer than social distancing allows.

Plans for this year

NCVO, (the national organisation that champions voluntary action and who lead on Volunteer’s Week each year), have made the decision that Volunteers’ Week shouldn’t go ahead as usual in the current circumstances. Everyone’s priorities have understandably changed dramatically as peoples’ structures and routines have been altered. North Somerset Libraries are following NCVO’s lead.

However, we cannot let the week pass by completely unnoticed! All library volunteers are such a vital part of our teams and we want to thank you for everything that you do, and for the support you continue to give week in and week out. 

We are looking forward to welcoming you back as soon as it is safe to do so, and we can restart all those activities that are enjoyed by volunteers, staff and customers alike. In the meantime, we will stay in touch with any updates and you can contact us in the usual way if you need to. Most importantly, please keep yourselves safe and well.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) are highlighting the amazing work that volunteers carry out in the community. Search #VolunteersAroundNorthSomerset on social media for good news stories of just some of the activities that volunteers have been involved in over the last year, both pre and post COVID-19.