Volunteers

We are always looking to strengthen our Kirkcudbright Book Week team of volunteers.

Kirkcudbright Book Week is designed to showcase the developing literary scene in the town and surrounding area and the next one will take place between March 3-8, 2025. It will comprise more than 20 events featuring more than forty authors from Dumfries and Galloway and further afield, including those travelling in from elsewhere in Scotland and England.

Organised by the Kirkcudbright Book Week Society, a non-profit organisation which is supported by a number of local organisations and venues, the annual week includes talks, recitals, meet-the-author sessions and book launches, and includes appearances from authors working in genres ranging from poetry, short stories, novels and general non-fiction to children’s writing, crime fiction, romantic fiction, historical fiction and memoir.

Volunteers play a key role in making the week the success that it has become. For instance, ahead of each week, we have thousands of posters and leaflets printed (having been designed by volunteers) and volunteers help to distribute them in the next few weeks. It’s a crucial task as we need to do everything our power to spread the word.

Volunteers fulfil other key roles, everything from organising events, liaising with venues and authors, overseeing our ticketing system and recording podcasts in the run up to Book Week, to, during the week itself, looking after our authors, meeting and greeting audience members, checking tickets and helping with the sale of books.

Many audience members say that they appreciate the cheery way that our volunteers do their job but what do the volunteers get out of it?

Careers website Indeed (indeed.com) recently compiled a list of the benefits of volunteering which fit Book Week perfectly, including:

It says that:

You may be able to find greater purpose through volunteering and becoming part of something greater than yourself. For instance, if you’re retired, unemployed or have lost a loved one, helping others can give your life new meaning and keep you mentally stimulated.

Volunteering can help you feel connected to your community.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends. As a volunteer, you’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds.

Volunteering can boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. When you do something you feel is worthwhile and valuable for your community, it gives you a sense of accomplishment.

The hands-on experience you gain while volunteering can help you learn new skills as well as build upon ones you already have

Along with acquiring valuable skills and experience, volunteering also looks good on a CV if you are applying for a job. Kirkcudbright Book Week Society will happily provide references if our volunteers mention their experience when applying for a job.

Volunteering is fun.

It often feels good to contribute to projects and organisations that mean something to you. These good feelings can help lessen the effects of stress, anger or anxiety in your life.

Volunteering may provide you with the tools you need to be a happy and well-rounded individual. Building bonds and connections with people you volunteer with also may counteract any social isolation.

Through volunteer work, you may overcome the personal challenges of leaving your comfort zone and doing something new with people you may not know. You may be faced with various problems to solve as a volunteer that require you to exercise critical thinking