We’re proud of the library outreach programs we offer here in Yarra, aided by many of our wonderful volunteers.  

One of these is Chatty Café, where library visitors can come and chat with other community members from all walks of life and have a free tea or coffee. It is based on the national Chatty Café Scheme, a registered charity which aims to getting people talking to boost safe and respectful social connections and help reduce loneliness.

Community members who have used Chatty Café in the past include people sleeping rough, newly arrived migrants keen to practice their English, and nannies looking after children who are after adult company.

Meet Chatty Café volunteer Lisa

Richmond’s Lisa Cooke signed up to volunteer with Yarra Libraries in 2022 - and she usually contributes a few hours to its Chatty Café program at Fitzroy Library every Monday. She loves volunteering and has previously volunteered with Yarra Primary School assisting migrant children with literacy and as a Tourism Information Officer with the City of Melbourne.

Lisa is friendly, personable and curious about people. She finds volunteering with Chatty Café a perfect outlet to connect with other community members while learning new things from people she wouldn’t normally meet, such as those from different cultures or socio-economic backgrounds.

Volunteering has so many social, cultural, health and wellbeing benefits. By volunteering at Chatty Café, Lisa feels good knowing just one conversation with someone who could be having a rough time, feeling lonely or dealing with another issue can really help them out.

Get involved

Are you keen to get a dose of the feel-good vibes Lisa gets from volunteering? Do you have skills and expertise you’d like to offer our community?  

Find out more about our current volunteering opportunities and the programs and services on offer at Yarra Libraries.