Meet Reader Leader, Heather: ‘It sets me up to get going and enthusiastic for the week!’

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

LOCATION: Doncaster’s Edlington Library  

ROLE: Reader Leader  

WHY DID YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE READER?

Initially I spotted this group as something to go to myself as it is close to where I live, then The Reader advertised the role of a volunteer Reader Leader, so I applied. I did my Read to Lead training alongside Helen Foster, (Cultural Services Manager for Doncaster Council) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our trainer was brilliant. 

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

I work with a gorgeous group of six to eight women who are now retired. It is a very well-established group. I have been running it since before the pandemic. 

Edlington Library is a real community hub and our members have become very good friends, and some people also belong to the same book club. They are so full of life. I love the fact it is first thing on a Monday morning as it sets me up and gets me going and enthusiastic for the week. My group are always causing chaos – and the laughter is always there!  

“It’s so lovely listening to their reflections and seeing how the stories trigger memories. Quite often a member of the group will say ‘that was a lovely reading’ or they will tell us how being a member of the group has enabled them to read stories they would not have otherwise read.” 

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

As a charity we rely on the generous support of individuals and organisations to help us change lives through Shared Reading. A donation allows us to train volunteers, provide resources for groups and help reach more people. We want to make sure everyone can attend a Shared Reading group, no matter their background, income or situation, and we'll be so grateful for your help. Make a donation