ST JOHN Ambulance is calling for new volunteers to extend its library service. While St John volunteers are used to administering bandages and dressings some also realise that a humble library book can be a lifeline. The charity?s library service distributes books each week to patients and residents in various caring establishments. These include the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and the Nuffield Hospital in Wonford where more volunteers are needed to expand the number of days on which the service runs but opportunities are available in most parts of Devon. St John library service manager Ken Griffiths says: ?Anyone who?s been in hospital will recognise this service ?the trolley of books that come round the ward. ?Volunteers give an hour or two each week on a regular basis ? but the book often just acts as a prop to engage the patient or resident in conversation. It can be a vital link to the outside world and friendly face to look forward to. ?The sort of people we are looking for are caring and understanding with a genuine interest in people and their well-being, able to chat easily and listen to patients. ?The role is not too demanding but volunteers need to be physically fit.? Travelling expenses are reinbursed and anyone interested in volunteering should contact Ken Griffiths on 01736 793598.