Volunteers are being encouraged to help land a hand at libraries across the borough.

Barnet Council has already received 35 applications from people wanting to take part in their library volunteers scheme, but is eager to recruit as many as 60 by the end of September.

The post would involve helping staff to deliver story and rhyme sessions for under fives, IT sessions and an after school homework club for children aged eight and over.

The council is also looking at how the volunteer programme can support additional children’s activities at the interim library at the Arstdepot in Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley.

Councillor Robert Rams, cabinet member for customer access and partnerships, said: “We’re looking at a wide range of opportunities for volunteers to work with children and adults to support literacy across the borough.

“Becoming a library volunteer is a fantastic opportunity for people to make a contribution to the wider community by giving up a little of their spare time.

“For those volunteering it’s also a great chance for them to meet new people and gain a range of new skills.”

For more information on becoming a library volunteer visit www.barnet.gov.uk/volunteer, email lendahand@barnet.gov.uk or call Hannah Richens on 020 8359 7779.