ALANA GODSLAND
Guildford,Surrey
Summary
Enthusiastic and friendly volunteer with experience at a number of different libraries. Demonstrable skills in community work and inclusion from delivering children's library events and community holiday clubs. Appreciates the library facilities as a regular user of the study spaces; keen to pay that back to the community and continue to develop a love of literature in the youngest members of our community.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Weekend Library Volunteer
Guildford Library
Guildford, Surrey
2025.09 - Current
- Responsible for monthly Nature Storytime for under 5s. This involves choosing books on a different nature-based theme each month, and delivering the session to small groups of parents and children.
- Engaging young readers by leading fun, interactive colouring activities related to literature themes.
- Assisting in monthly Rhymetime sessions for under 5s. Rehearsing nursery rhymes and working as a team to deliver a fun and exciting experience for the children.
- Helping with special events such as bilingual Lego time, and other themed events when necessary.
- Organised bookshelves for easier access to library materials.
- Improved customer experience with friendly customer service and assistance in the use of library.
- Welcoming, friendly and approachable and a familiar face in the children's section for families who regularly attend the Saturday morning sessions.
Library Volunteer
Farnborough Hill
Farnborough, Hampshire
2023.09 - 2024.07
- Bronze Duke of Edinburgh volunteer role.
- Assisted the librarian with shelving, book loan administration and general tasks.
- Supported the running of library events across all year groups.
- Helped maintain and create themed displays.
- Engaged pupils in a love of reading through special events such as live poetry events and Christmas Storytime.
Junior Librarian
Guildford County School
Guildford, Surrey
2020.09 - 2023.07
- Volunteered at lunchtimes to assist librarians in the loaning and returning of books by students.
- Established a welcoming and inclusive environment in the school library for those looking to read or find a quiet space.
- Represented the school in the 2022 Young Carnegie Book Awards.
- Recommended books for students based on discussion of their interests.
- Helped suggest and design displays and themes for the school.
CAFOD Young Leader
Salesian College
Farnborough, Hampshire
2025.09 - Current
- Worked as a team of eight volunteers to design and deliver fundraising events across the College including a staff car wash, ice-cream sales, and football tournaments to raise money for CAFOD charity.
- Lead assemblies and masses for the College on the importance and value of charity.
- Participated in leadership workshops to develop skills in teamwork, helping others, event management and awareness of global issues such as poverty.
Babysitter
Various local families
Guildford, Surrey
2024.09 - Current
- Babysitting for wide range of young people from 1 - 13 years old, including six regular families.
- Have looked after children with a range of special educational needs including autism, mutism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Down Syndrome.
- Includes daytime and night-time care, responsibilities mostly focus on children's wellbeing and safety, designing fun activities, trips out, helping with homework, preparing and feeding meals, and bedtime routines.
- Promoted good behaviour by using positive reinforcement strategies.
- Built strong relationships with families through trust and exceptional care, resulting in long-term babysitting contracts.
- Received positive feedback from parents due to consistent and professional childcare, and my ability to form excellent relationships with the children.
Holiday Club Volunteer
Emmanuel Church Stoughton
Guildford, Surrey
2022.01 - Current
- Volunteer playworker for community holiday club for local primary school aged children receiving free-school meals across many years of school holidays (average of 60 children each day).
- Designed and led games, craft activities, action songs, and bible story time.
- Performed as part of the band for worship and entertainment.
- Supervised meals and socialised with children during quiet times.
- Provided quiet space and 1-2-1 support for children with SEN.
- Worked as a team with other volunteers to create a safe, welcome and loving environment.
- Involved in the preparation, planning and clear up each day.
Education
A-Levels - English Literature, Religious Studies, Psychology
Salesian College
Farnborough, Hampshire 2025.09 -
GCSEs - 9 GCSEs grades 5-9
Farnborough Hill
Farnborough, Hampshire 2023.09 - 2025.07
Skills
- Enthusiastic
- Self-motivated
- Approachable
- Friendly
- Resilient
- Creative
- Supportive
- Community-minded
- Adaptable
Affiliations
- Reading, Scouts, writing poetry, drumming and performing, debating, hiking.
Accomplishments
Deputy Head Girl at Salesian College.
English Captain and DofE Captain at Salesian College.
Debating Captain at Farnborough Hill.
Duke of Edinburgh: Bronze and Silver. Currently doing Gold.
Participant in MACE Debating competition, Model UN and Junior Carnegie Book Awards.
Timeline
Weekend Library Volunteer
Guildford Library
2025.09 - Current
CAFOD Young Leader
Salesian College
2025.09 - Current
A-Levels - English Literature, Religious Studies, Psychology
Salesian College
2025.09 -
Babysitter
Various local families
2024.09 - Current
Library Volunteer
Farnborough Hill
2023.09 - 2024.07
GCSEs - 9 GCSEs grades 5-9
Farnborough Hill
2023.09 - 2025.07
Holiday Club Volunteer
Emmanuel Church Stoughton
2022.01 - Current
Junior Librarian
Guildford County School
2020.09 - 2023.07