Summer Reading Challenge Volunteering

Summer Reading Challenge Volunteering 

Are you age 14 or over? Are you looking for something to do during the summer holidays? Why not become a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer. 

 

 

What is the role about? 

The Summer Reading Challenge is a national programme that runs during the school summer holiday. Children of all ages are encouraged to read six library books. All children taking part receive a certificate and a medal when they complete the challenge. You will be working with children and their parents or carers, encouraging them to join the challenge and talking to them about the books they have been reading. 

 

 

What will it involve? 

• Joining children to the Summer Reading Challenge 
• Talking with children about the books they have been reading and encouraging them to share their views and ideas 
• Handing out reading rewards including stickers and medals 
• Helping children to have fun and enjoy the Summer Reading Challenge 
• Encouraging children to read for pleasure 
• Assisting with administration, eg membership, filing 
• Assisting with other library duties when time allows 
• Helping customers by referring enquiries to library staff 
• Completing a post-volunteering survey 

 

What will you get from volunteering? 

• Valuable work experience and new skills, good for the CV 
• Confidence in talking to children and adults 
• Meet new people 
• Pleasure of encouraging children to enjoy reading 
• The opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community 

 

What skills and experience do you need? 

• A good team worker, able to work with library staff and other volunteers 
• Reliable, well organised and calm under pressure 
• Enthusiastic about encouraging children to read 
• Able to communicate with customers of all ages including parents 
• Able to talk to children about the books they have been reading 
• Friendly and approachable 
• Committed to helping libraries and our customers 

 

How much time would you be asked to contribute? 

To be agreed, but a minimum of 18 hours (approximately 6 sessions of 3 hours each). You’re welcome to complete more hours, and it may also be possible to volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge at other libraries, by arrangement with the relevant libraries.  

 

 

What training and support will you receive? 

Your placement library will invite you to a training session where you’ll be given a tour of the library and the opportunity to meet library staff. We’ll send you a number of email updates during the summer with information about your role, details about the Summer Reading Challenge and links to training and resources. There will also be ongoing support from local library staff. 

 

 

How do you apply? 

Apply online – closing date 23 June 

Please note - volunteers must be 14 and over by 1 September this year. 

The form will take approximately twenty minutes to complete. You will need to provide up to two references which will incluce email address, telephone number, address and the consent of your referee, emergency contact and if you are under 18, parent's contact details (email address). 

 

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.  For libraries on a shared site (South Woodham Ferrers, North Melbourne and Stock) a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required if 16 or over.