Meet our Bookshop Volunteer, Barbara: ‘My volunteer experience has become an added dimension in my life.’

The UK’s largest Shared Reading charity celebrates its amazing team of volunteers this month inspired by Volunteers’ Week 2025, Monday 2 June – Sunday 8 June.  

NAME: Barbara 

WHERE DO YOU VOLUNTEER? The Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool 

ROLE:  Reader Bookshop volunteer 

WHY DID YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE READER? Among the many interests throughout my life, three remain; my passion for literature, an endless fascination with people and their stories and a deep love of the natural world. When The Reader and its bookshop opened, the many walks in the park suddenly had an added dimension. Gradually, over the years, a germ of an idea grew, and I began to wonder if at my great age, I may be able to become a volunteer. I applied and, to my great joy, was accepted. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE? It was with some trepidation that I approached my first day in the wonderful Reader Bookshop. I knew I wanted to be there but was less certain that they would want me.  

Then I met Reuben who was to become my shop mate. Reuben is 24 years old and has been volunteering at The Reader for four years – both in the bookshop and on the Welcome Desk. His encyclopaedic knowledge of subjects about which I know nothing and his incisive approach to technology, about which I know even less, was utterly reassuring. I immediately knew that his assets would fill in some of the gaps in my sluggish brain and that we could become a team. Even now I dread customers bearing book tokens but with Reuben at my side, I have nothing to fear. We will cope.  

My volunteer experience has become an added dimension in my life and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone who may have doubts about their abilities. 

If you would like to find out more about The Reader and the volunteering opportunities, we offer please visit here. Volunteers receive full training and ongoing support from The Reader.