After joining Doorstep Library when her youngest daughter left for university, Beverley discovered that reading with children offered far more than she expected — moments of laughter, glimpses of progress, and connections that stayed with her long after each session ended. This is her story of ten years spent bringing books and confidence to young readers.
How It All Began
“I volunteered for ten years, mostly at Fulham Court. I first heard about Doorstep through a friend of a friend who was volunteering there at the time. My youngest daughter had just left for university, and I was feeling a bit at a loose end. I’ve always loved reading and interacting with children, so when my friend said her friend was enjoying it so much, I thought, why not? I applied, came in for a chat, and did a taster session.
I’ve always been an avid reader – books can take you anywhere and expose you to different times, cultures and mindsets broadening your views of the world and your place in it. They let you step into someone else’s shoes -live their struggles, joys, thoughts and dilemmas. Volunteering didn’t change that, but it did open my eyes to what different children enjoy.”
Discovering What Children Enjoy Most
“Some love a proper story, others prefer joke books or poems. Discussing the books and characters in them with the children was so interesting. I loved hearing about a book they had particularly enjoyed. It was also wonderful to witness reading progress and see how proud and pleased the children were when I complimented them and told their parents. It always gave me a buzz when I suggested or produced a book which was enthusiastically grabbed by a keen reader.
With younger children, I enjoyed talking to them about the pictures in the books and seeing how much fun they had in joining in with a repetitive chorus such as in We’re Going On A Bear Hunt. I’d always found reading with my own children fun and rewarding, and this felt like a natural extension of that.”
Being Welcomed Into Families’ Homes
“Families were very welcoming. Some treated us almost like part of the family – giving us little Christmas presents or food they’d prepared to take home. One family often made flatbread and foisted – in the nicest possible way – fresh juicy dates sent from relatives aboard on us. Others would regularly sit in on sessions, especially those learning English, and ask questions. It was lovely to share little everyday phrases and bits of slang too. I remember one boy who didn’t know what a “quid” was – and of course that crops up all the time. He’s 16 now and still living on the estate. On my very last day we bumped into each other and said, “Thank you so much for all you’ve done. I’ll always remember you.” That meant a great deal to me.”
The Joy of Volunteering
“It really has been a joyful experience. I loved laughing with the children, reading silly poems, swapping knock-knock jokes. Even on a grey November afternoon, when I might not have felt like going, I always came home on a high. My favourite part? Being welcomed into families’ homes and seeing how happy the children were to see us and how enthusiastic they were to read and be read to. And of course, the friendships I made with other volunteers – many of whom I keep in touch with.”
