Volunteers are central to the shop. They welcome readers, look after the shelves, help organise events and make collective decisions about how the organisation develops.
Ways to take part
On Sundays and Mondays, volunteers run the whole shop. During the rest of the week they work alongside our manager, but volunteering extends well beyond shop-floor shifts.
In the shop
Help customers, use the till, sort donations, price books and keep the shelves useful and welcoming.
Behind the scenes
Support events, stocktaking, administration, publicity, social media, maintenance or online selling. Specialist skills are welcome, but not required for every role.

The lovely, welcoming environment means that I look forward to my volunteering shift every week.
Getting started
- Pop to the shop, and meet someone from the team.
- Complete two practical training sessions.
- Et voilà!
Volunteer Agreement
To ensure mutual understanding and a positive experience, volunteers are asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement after completing two training sessions in the shop. This agreement emphasizes flexibility, encouraging volunteers to commit only the time they are comfortable offering. The bookshop understands that individual responsibilities and circumstances can change, and it strives to make volunteering rewarding and enjoyable.
Volunteering at People’s Bookshop isn’t just about supporting a store—it’s about contributing to a movement rooted in collective action and shared ideals, fostering a welcoming environment for both readers and activists alike.
Click here to see our Volunteer Agreement

