Volunteers’ Week 2026

May 19, 2026

Volunteers’ Week returns from 1–7th June 2026, offering a national opportunity to recognise, celebrate and inspire volunteering across the UK.

For community managed libraries, this week is especially significant. Volunteers are not just supporters, they are the lifeblood of your service, ensuring doors stay open, collections are cared for, and communities remain connected.

Volunteers’ Week is a chance to:

  • Say thank you to your volunteers and recognise their contribution
  • Raise your profile locally, showing the value your library brings
  • Attract new volunteers, ensuring sustainability for the future
  • Strengthen relationships with your community and stakeholders

Volunteering plays a vital role in building strong, connected communities across the UK, with millions contributing their time and skills each year.

A powerful alignment with Libraries Change Lives Week

This year, Volunteers’ Week coincides with Libraries Change Lives Week (1–7th June 2026), which celebrates the impact libraries have on literacy, learning and community wellbeing.

This alignment creates a unique opportunity for community managed libraries to:

  • Highlight how volunteers enable life‑changing services
  • Share stories showing how your library supports reading, wellbeing and community connection
  • Demonstrate your library’s value to funders, partners and decision‑makers

Libraries Change Lives Week puts libraries on a national platform to showcase their impact and advocate for their importance in society.

How your library can take part

You don’t need a big budget to get involved. Simple, meaningful activities can have real impact:

Celebrate your volunteers

  • Host a thank‑you tea, social, or informal gathering
  • Share volunteer stories on your website or social media
  • Recognise long‑standing volunteers or specific achievements

Tell your story

  • Showcase how volunteers help deliver services such as reading groups, digital support, or local history
  • Share photos, testimonials and case studies
  • Use hashtags like #VolunteersWeek and #LibrariesChangeLives

Engage your community

  • Invite local residents to “try volunteering” sessions
  • Partner with local organisations or schools
  • Run events highlighting the role of volunteers in your library

Support advocacy

  • Share your impact with local councillors or stakeholders
  • Contribute case studies to sector campaigns
  • Link your activities to wider themes such as literacy, wellbeing and access to information
  • Let us know what you have planned! Email us at info@communitylibrariesnetwork.org 

Why it matters now

Community managed libraries are a powerful example of what volunteering can achieve.
By celebrating Volunteers’ Week, you:

  • Reinforce the value of community-led services
  • Make visible the social impact of volunteering
  • Help ensure libraries remain vibrant, inclusive spaces for all

At a time when libraries continue to demonstrate their importance in supporting literacy, wellbeing and local resilience, your stories matter more than ever.

Get involved
Find resources, ideas and campaign materials at:

Let’s use this week to celebrate your volunteers and show how community libraries truly change lives.