At a Glance
- Tasks: Help run a charity bookshop, sorting and selling pre-loved books.
- Company: Join the Lions Charity Bookshop, a community-driven initiative.
- Benefits: Gain retail experience, develop skills, and make a difference.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Why this job: Support local and international charities while indulging your love for books.
- Qualifications: No specific skills needed, just enthusiasm and a team spirit.
Our Lions Charity Bookshop is based in Hemel Hempstead and is run by six local Lions Clubs. We are looking for volunteers on Saturdays pm (1-5pm).
The Lions Charity Bookshop based in the Marlowes Centre, Hemel Hempstead, Herts has been operating for about 20 years and has a long tradition of selling pre-loved/second hand books and related items. The bookshop is currently administered and lease held by St Albans Lions Club. We are open 7 days a week and our website is lionsbookshop.org.
We receive lots of generous donations and we handle a massive range of different types of books in terms of value and subject area - from paperback novels to collectible items, children’s books, fiction and non-fiction. Our team of book volunteers ensure the efficient running of the shop alongside Lions Members who volunteer and deal with the public gaining donations for all six clubs which are key to supporting Lions grant donations locally and internationally.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Depending on the needs of the shop and your interests, you may be involved in the following:
- Using the shop's manual guidelines to sort books ensuring all books are sold at the quoted prices and marked up if possible above this level.
- Identifying and setting aside possible collectible items so that our visiting bookseller can view and buy these items.
- Creating attractive displays across the shop including refilling empty shelves where needed.
- Sorting the donated books into the store at the back of the shop or putting donated books onto the shelves.
- Ensuring the window displays are fully stocked.
- Providing customer service on the shop floor including locating requested books, taking card payments/money at the check out and answering customer queries.
- Identifying those items which are unsaleable and arranging for these items to be recycled for which we receive a fee.
- Sorting black bag rubbish and cardboard for disposal where necessary.
- Taking in unused eye glasses which are recycled and sent to Eye Clinics in Africa and also giving out Hearing Aid Batteries on behalf of Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
We encourage our shop volunteers to develop an understanding of all aspects of the shop's work so that they can support as necessary.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIESYou do not need specific skills and experience but the following will be useful:
- Commitment to the Lions aims ('We Serve') and values of Lions Clubs International. This includes empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness.
- Ability to work within the Lions Bookshop policies and shop manual guidelines.
- Enthusiasm for reading and an interest in books.
- Experience of being responsible for taking card payments/cash and ensuring the shop is kept secure (locking up, turning lights off at close of play etc).
- Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative.
- Able to deal with all ages and types of customer appropriately and in a good-humoured manner.
You will be joining other volunteers who give their time voluntarily in support of grant giving to local and international charities. You will work alongside Lions Members who live and breathe the Lions aim and ethos of 'We Serve' serving communities.
- Opportunity to utilise and develop your portfolio of skills and experience – relevant for CVs, job hunting, applications for courses etc.
- Deepen your knowledge about books and their subject matter.
- Free parking in the Marlowes when volunteering.
- Gain valuable experience in retail at a well-known international charity.
- An opportunity to volunteer on regular days of the week, usually timetabled every three months by Clubs.
- An opportunity to get to know Lions and Lions Members with a view to doing other volunteering with Lions or becoming a Lions Member.
Contact us in the first instance via stalbanslionsclub.com.
APPLICATION PROCESSIf you have the relevant skills & experience we will contact you as soon as possible after application and will arrange a convenient time for you to visit the shop and have a chat about volunteering and what it entails. As soon as you have had an initial chat with us and after receipt of suitable references and DBS, we can agree a start date.
St Albans Lions Club has been going since 1966 and its volunteers support local and national/international charities. Our primary fundraising is running the 2nd hand bookshop in Hemel Hempstead. We also run a Christmas Float and carry out service activities for the community.
If you are interested in volunteering with us please contact us via our website: www.stalbanslionsclub.com.
Lions Charity Bookshop Volunteer in Hemel Hempstead employer: DeedMob B.V
Joining the Lions Charity Bookshop in Hemel Hempstead offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful community service while working alongside passionate volunteers and Lions Members. Our welcoming work culture fosters inclusiveness and teamwork, allowing you to develop valuable skills in retail and customer service, all while supporting local and international charities. With flexible volunteering hours and the chance to deepen your knowledge of books, this role is perfect for those looking to make a positive impact in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lions Charity Bookshop Volunteer in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Lions Charity Bookshop inside out! Spend some time visiting the shop, chatting with current volunteers, and understanding how everything works. This will not only help you feel more confident but also show your genuine interest when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t be shy about reaching out! Use our website to contact us directly. A friendly message expressing your enthusiasm for volunteering can go a long way in making a great first impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for books! When you chat with us, share your favourite genres or authors. This personal touch can help us see how well you’d fit into our book-loving team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible with your availability. We’re looking for volunteers on Saturdays, so if you can commit to that, let us know! Showing that you’re ready to jump in and help out will definitely make you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Lions Charity Bookshop Volunteer in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Books:When you're writing your application, let us know about your love for reading and any specific genres you enjoy. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about being part of our bookshop community!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since we work closely with other volunteers and Lions Members, it’s important to show us that you can work well in a team. Share any experiences where you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences without going off on a tangent.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get back to you quickly about volunteering opportunities.
How to prepare for a job interview at DeedMob B.V
✨Know Your Books
Brush up on your knowledge of different genres and types of books. Being able to discuss your favourite reads or recent bestsellers can show your enthusiasm for the role and help you connect with the team.
✨Understand the Lions' Values
Familiarise yourself with the Lions Clubs International mission and values, especially 'We Serve'. This will demonstrate your commitment to their cause and how you align with their goals during the interview.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlighting your ability to collaborate and support others will resonate well with the volunteer ethos of the bookshop.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask about the role and the shop's operations. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively as a volunteer.
