Volunteer in our libraries, or help with our archaeology and local history work

Volunteering is a great way to discover the past of County Durham and help to make sure our history is available to everyone in the present. You can also get involved in helping us enhance our library service with a range of volunteering opportunities.

Libraries

Digital Buddy

Help to inspire people to gain basic online IT skills and promote/access relevant online information. Where possible give one-to-one support, and be there to answer any questions. Support people in their next steps to becoming confident computer and internet users. Join our Culture and sport volunteering portal for more information.

Books on Wheels

Books on Wheels is a free service that delivers books to people who have mobility problems and who cannot use their local library, or have no one able or willing to go to the library for them. Your role is to pick up bags of books from a designated library, and deliver them, and then to return finished books back to the library.

Story Tellers

Read to children and young people, creating magical and transformative experiences for our young customers. We are looking for inspirational individuals to help young people to read adventurously and to develop confidence in expressing their opinions.

Archaeology

You can assist with enhancing our Historic Environment Record. This is desk-based work using computers and hard copy information. There are also occasional opportunities to participate in research excavations. For more information get in touch with our Archaeology team.

Archives and local history

You can volunteer with the Durham County Record Office to help preserve our history and make it accessible to a worldwide audience. Our Durham at War project is revealing the impact of the First World War on communities in County Durham, and telling the story of their people - many volunteer opportunities can be carried out at home or in your local library.