Ben Haydock

Ben Haydock, age 19, was one of Bolton Libraries first ever Computer Mentor volunteers, helping computer beginners get to grips with IT.  Ben is a Saturday Assistant at the new Breightnet Library and is an undergraduate student at Manchester Metropolitan University studying librarianship.

Young people, volunteering & accreditation

Key government policy, new funding streams and the statutory duty to provide local positive activities, all point to an urgent imperative to involve young people in library services. Dr Terry Ryall, CEO of V, the leading national charity for youth volunteering, sounds a compelling call to action for libraries to engage young volunteers during an economic crisis which is having a catastrophic effect on young people's employment chances. Claire Styles from The Reading Agency argues that reading-based volunteering is the answer; whilst Ben Haydock talks about his personal journey from young volunteer to the start of a promising career with Bolton libraries.