Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June 2025) is a time to celebrate the amazing contributions of volunteers across the county. Throughout Powys, our cultural services volunteers play a vital role in enriching our communities.
But this week isn’t just about celebration—it’s also an invitation.
Volunteering with Powys Libraries, Museums, and Archives is more than just giving your time. It’s about discovering new passions, meeting like-minded people, and making a real difference in your local area. Whether you’re looking to build skills, boost your confidence, or simply do something meaningful, there’s a place for you here.
Why volunteer with us?
Volunteering with Powys Cultural Services is a chance to connect with your community, share your passions, and support local libraries, museums, and archives. For anyone interested in books, history, art, or simply helping others, there’s a place for you.
“I wanted to give something back and had the time to do so.” – Debbie, Archives
“I’ve always loved books and read widely.” – Cathie, Y Lanfa
What benefits can you gain?
Volunteering can enrich your life in unexpected ways – boosting confidence, building new skills, and even enhancing your CV.
“Volunteering fosters a sense of self-worth.” – Jennifer, Hay
“It gave me an opportunity to meet new people and keep my brain working.” – Sheila, Knighton
Any Highlights?
Every volunteer experience is unique. Here are just a few of the moments that have made volunteering special for our team.
“Creating order out of chaos from previously unsorted collections.” – Debbie, Archives
“Nothing is quite so rewarding as talking with visitors about the Museum exhibits and the art on display.” – Carla, y Gaer
So why wait?
Ready to make a difference? Sign up to volunteer at any council-run library, museum, or archive in Powys. [link here]
“Go ahead!” – Jennifer, Hay
“Do it! It is fun, you meet new people and get to learn new things.” – Debbie, Archives
“Just try it, you might enjoy it!” – Vanessa, y Gaer
Meet our Volunteers!
Hay Library – Jennifer (75)
Volunteering for 3 years
“Volunteering fosters a sense of self-worth.” “Meeting people and doing something useful.”
Powys Archives – Debbie (57)
Volunteering for 9 months
“I usually work from home on my own so volunteering in an office with other people has been great. Learning about cataloguing has also been helpful in giving me ideas of how to store and label photographs and documents in my own family history collection”
Knighton Library – Sheila
Volunteering since 2018
“As a newcomer to the town volunteering gave me an opportunity to meet new people and keep my brain working rather than vegetating at home and I would suggest to any person with time on their hands to give it a go.”
Llanidloes Library – Sammi
Volunteering for 9 years
“I started when the storyteller I would take my daughter to moved on, so I volunteered to replace her. I love story telling as I can see how much the children and parents/carers get out of coming to my story telling sessions. I’ve made so many connections with the community during my role.”
y Gaer, Brecon – Agi
Volunteering since 2019
“I wanted to become involved with the museum, in particular, as an archaeologist and a teacher. The promotion of history and art is so important and of interest to so many, young, old, residents and visitors. Without a core of volunteers, the little wonders in y Gaer could not be seen or shared. I’ve enjoyed being involved with different aspects of role. The opportunity to both research and disseminate this has been refreshing!”
y Gaer, Brecon – Carla
Volunteering since 2019
“Ever served a glass of wine to a former Archbishop of Canterbury? Ever coaxed a 3-year-old out of a heritage exhibit he’s snuck into? Ever sat quietly among original paintings by a world-famous artist? I’ve had all of these pleasures and much more over the past 5 years as a museum volunteer at y Gaer.”
y Gaer, Brecon – Carol
Volunteering since 2012
“My real sense of community developed once I joined y Gaer Museum, Art Gallery and Library and met such talented staff and other volunteers. This gave me a new perspective and certainly helped my confidence enough to move forward with my ideas and assisted me with all of that. It gave me a real purpose, and I felt valued and professional and part of the staff.”
y Gaer, Brecon– Huw (65)
Volunteering since 2012
“I have enjoyed being asked questions by visitors, some of which I have been able to answer immediately and others which I have researched and learnt more myself!”
y Gaer, Brecon – Ruth
Volunteering for nearly 3 years
“I particularly enjoy the social aspect of volunteering and the calm, peaceful environment in the library.”
y Gaer, Brecon – Vanessa
Volunteering since 2012
“I had always loved museums, wanted to do something useful on a limited regular basis, learn new skills and meet people.”
Y Lanfa Museum, Welshpool – Cathie
Volunteering since October 2023
“If it’s the right place for you, you’ll gain more than you give. I have learned so much, more than I could’ve dreamt of learning! Both Y Lanfa curators are inspirational, motivating and invigorating. They’ve taught me a great deal about how museums function and have given me responsibility for specific projects across a wide range of areas, as well as tasks that simply need to be done.”
