We share the story of a long-term Doorstep Library volunteer, Rachel, who has been reading with children for over 16 years, building relationships with families across London and showing how small, regular moments can make a big difference.
Starting out volunteering with Doorstep Library
I found out about Doorstep Library when I was at uni. This one stood out because it was a reading organisation, and reading was always important to me when I was younger. I thought it would be both fun and meaningful – something I had a personal connection with.
I’ve been doing it since then – since 2008 or 2009 – so about 16 years now. I started on the Fulham Court project when it wasn’t even Doorstep Library yet! Me and Katie, Doorstep Library’s CEO, were volunteer partners on that project. Later, I moved to France and volunteered with a similar charity in Paris. When I came back, I returned to Fulham Court until just before COVID. Then I did some online volunteering and now I’m at Somers Town. So a few projects, lots of families, lots of years.
Why I chose to become a reading volunteer
Reading has always been really important to me. When I was learning to read, I didn’t want to because I thought if I learned, my parents would stop reading to me – which was true, but only because I wanted to do it myself! Reading has always been my escape and something I deeply value – it’s the only way I can fully immerse myself in something else.
Interacting with families has always been positive and easy. They enjoy our visits, and even when kids are reluctant, the sessions are short and low-stakes. What makes it easier is that we’re not teachers; we’re there to make reading enjoyable.
The impact of reading with children
A lot of the reward is the gradual and incremental changes you see, rather than big shout-about-it moments. One standout memory was a boy who was quite hyperactive and clearly very bright – his mum was very motivated for him to read, but in more of a teacher-y way, and we were more relaxed. After about a year and a half, we had a breakthrough: he sat and read a whole chapter aloud, and when we left, he carried on reading silently. That was such a difference from the boy we first met. There are lots of moments like that, but honestly, the real reward is in the small, gradual changes – seeing kids develop their taste in books, express opinions, and feel comfortable telling you what they like and don’t like.
How volunteering changed my life
Volunteering has impacted my life in lots of ways. Every Monday, I think I’m too busy at work and don’t have time, but I do. It reminds me of that and puts things in perspective. It gets me out of my desk job and into the community. I always leave feeling more energised than when I arrived. My favourite thing? Building relationships with families and knowing that showing up every week really matters. For some families, it’s significant and meaningful. It’s humbling to know that your commitment matters and is noticed.
