WARWICKSHIRE’S libraries are offering youngsters an exciting volunteer opportunity this summer.
The libraries are looking for enthusiastic 13-19-year-olds to assist with the annual Summer Reading Challenge, the UK’s biggest free reading for pleasure programme for children.
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged between 4-11 to read for pleasure during the summer holidays, and is coordinated annually by The Reading Agency who work in partnership with libraries across the country.
The chosen teen volunteers will play a crucial role in supporting children to complete the challenge, and to help them to discover new books and authors as part of their reading journey.
Each volunteer will need to be able to commit 10-15 hours of time to the role over the course of the summer holidays and bring qualities including a love of reading and the ability to share this passion with younger children – as well as patience, punctuality, and reliability.
It also offers young people a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience working with children, develop their interpersonal and communication skills, and to contribute to their local community. All volunteers will receive training and support from library staff and receive a certificate of participation.
Rob Powell, Strategic Director for Resources at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic initiative that encourages children to develop their reading skills, and for young people to step forward, gain new skills, and make a positive difference within their local communities during the summer holidays.”
The library encourages interested individuals to apply online before the deadline on Monday May 29. The application process is simple and straightforward, and Warwickshire Libraries welcomes all young people who are passionate about reading to apply.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries or ask a member of staff in your local library for more information about the Warwickshire Summer Reading Challenge.
To join in with more volunteering opportunities across the county, on Monday May 8 people will be doing their bit and volunteering as part of The Big Help Out, a national coronation initiative. Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/volunteering for more information.
