Volunteer at an Oxfam shop
There’s never a better time to join one of our hundreds of shop teams around the country before Bookfest kicks off in July.
In 2009, we thought we’d spread the love, by launching Oxfam Bookfest – a fortnight of book-filled events in Oxfam shops up and down the country. Our first ever Bookfest was such a runaway success that we are making it an annual celebration of all things books.
Which is where you come in. We are looking for stacks of book-loving volunteers to help out in their local Oxfam shop. You may already be passionate about books: into your favourite genre; know everything there is to know on trains, cookery, or science fiction. Which in our eyes, makes you an expert.
Click here to see more videos of our fantastic volunteers.
How to get involved
Simply drop into your local Oxfam shop for a chat and if you're interested, fill in one of our application forms. Download your volunteer form here. [PDF]
Meet Georgia Boon
I first volunteered with Oxfam when I was a student in 1999. I was walking down Byres Road in Glasgow and saw a small, handwritten sign in the window saying: ‘Oxfam Bookshop opening here. If you can help, come along on Saturday morning.’
I was very nervous, but it turned out everyone was very welcoming. I was asked what kind of books I liked – I said poetry, and that I was studying Classics – so I was put in charge of those sections!
I felt great at the end of that first day. I’d been proactive and hands-on, but there was loads of training and support as well. I surprised myself what I was capable of.
I carried on volunteering in the shop until I graduated. I then volunteered in my local shop when at home.
Book volunteering – it’s a two-way thing
If you know a thing or two about books on any subject – to us you’re an expert. It can be sci-fi or sport, children’s books or current fiction – literally any topic. Your expertise can help us double sales.
We provide training and more. You can exercise your artistic talents on the book displays, anticipate finding the hidden gem in the next bag of donations, get to know customers and make their day by uncovering that sought-after title.
Every book volunteer contributes something special – together they’ve raised millions and made Oxfam Europe’s largest second-hand bookseller. And in return our 20,000 Oxfam volunteers have experienced something special too.
Best sellers
There are lots of things you can do: sorting, shelving, pricing, and the best bit – sharing your enthusiasm for books with our customers and making a sale into the bargain (we can hear the tills ringing now). So if you’ve got time to spare (between books that is), and you want to indulge your passion, come join us. And because all our books are donated, you never know what you’ll find – a rare first edition worth thousands, if you’re lucky.
