READING Borough Council is seeking mentors to help younger children engage with reading as its annual event in libraries across Reading.
July will see the return of the Summer Reading Challenge, where children are encouraged to discuss their taste in books and take part in activities led by older teens.
It is aimed at attracting younger readers to the library and motivate them to keep reading during the summer holidays.
The council is seeking volunteers aged 14-18 to mentor the children taking part by making recommendations and helping library staff with events and activities.
Volunteers are given training, supervision, and support, while learning new skills and developing work experience.
It also provides an opportunity for further attainment in accreditation for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as well as a certificate of volunteer work and a reference letter for those who complete their agreed commitments.
Volunteers are needed across all branches, including Battle Library, Caversham Library, Central Library, Palmer Park Library, Southcote Library, Tilehurst Library and Whitley Library.
More than 40 volunteers signed up in last year’s Summer Reading Challenge, helping children aged under 11 read at least six books during the course of the programme.
This year features the Marvellous Makers challenge, open to children aged 4-11, with other events open for those under 5.
Donna Pentelow, Reading Borough Council’s Assistant Director of Culture, said: “I am delighted that our libraries are able to offer this brilliant opportunity once again for the town’s budding readers.
“Volunteers will have the opportunity to hone new skills, gain valuable work experience, and have lots of fun while doing it! The only qualification required is a love of reading.”
She explained: “We know children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure, which impacts on their progress at the start of the next school year.
“Volunteers supporting the Reading Challenge this summer will play a valuable role in keeping children engaged with books by being positive role models and advocates for reading.
“Our Reading Challenge is always popular, but after such a difficult and unsettling couple of years for children the programme is more important than ever, keeping minds and bodies active while school’s out for summer.
“In previous years the challenge has seen thousands of children in Reading take part and I’m eager to see as many youngsters as possible to make the most of all seven of our wonderful local libraries this summer.”
The Summer Reading Challenge takes place in libraries across Reading from Saturday, July 6, to Saturday, September 21.
Applications for volunteers close on Friday, July 19.
More information, including how to apply as a volunteer, is available via: reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/
