Young Volunteers Needed for Worcestershire Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge

Worcestershire County Council’s Library Service is on the lookout for enthusiastic young volunteers, aged 13-24, to embark on an exciting journey this summer.

If you have a passion for reading and a desire to ignite the love of books in children, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

As a volunteer, you will gain invaluable skills and experience, make new connections, and most importantly, have fun! All volunteers will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from our dedicated library staff.

Tiffany, a previous Summer Reading Challenge volunteer, who now works for the library service, shared her experience: “I have spent many years volunteering for the Summer Reading Challenge and found it to be a fun and brilliant experience! I got to spend time chatting about books with children, encouraging them to read, helping with events at the library, and making so many new friends! Volunteering has been incredibly rewarding, and I continued for five years. It really helped build my confidence in talking to others and managing my time while dedicating myself to a challenge that helps so many children!”

During the summer, volunteers are asked to dedicate at least five hours to assisting library staff.

Last year, 116 young volunteers played an integral part in helping deliver Worcestershire Libraries’ annual Summer Reading Challenge. They completed an impressive 1,600 cumulative hours. Among them, six volunteers contributed their hours from SRC activities towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award accreditation.

The Summer Reading Challenge, a nationwide initiative coordinated annually by The Reading Agency in partnership with libraries across the country, aims to encourage children between the ages of 4 and 11 to keep reading during the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for a great start to the new term in the autumn.

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities at Worcestershire County Council, added: “Volunteering at your local library during the summer holidays is a wonderful opportunity for young people. As a volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge, you are able to experience a deeply rewarding experience. By igniting children's love for books, you can not only make a real difference in their lives, but you can also develop skills, make new friends, and create cherished memories."

To sign up online, please visit the Summer Reading Challenge section of the Worcestershire County Council website. Alternatively, you can call 01905 822722 or visit your local library and talk to a member of staff.