[E]very year volunteers aged 14 to 24 help Cumbria’s libraries make the Summer Reading Challenge a success across the county. In 2017, over 1,000 children in Cumbria engaged in reading over the long school holidays as part of the challenge. Cumbria County Council is now seeking young people to help run the challenge this year.
Volunteers may be asked to help run the challenge for the whole holiday, or just a few weeks, depending on how much time they have available.
They’ll be asked to talk to children about the books they have read and help with a variety of summer activities.
Young people will gain useful new skills and experience to enhance their employability and add to their UCAS or job application forms. Previous volunteers have reported an increase in their confidence, social skills and literacy, all whilst making a positive contribution to their local communities.
It’s not just the keenest of readers who volunteer – many volunteers have been those who struggled to engage with books at school, or who don’t have lots of formal qualifications, and find that engaging with the Summer Reading Challenge is a good way to make them think again about the benefits of reading.
Further information about this volunteering opportunity, along with an application form, can be found via the council website at www.cumbria.gov.uk/libraries or packs can be picked up at any library in Cumbria. The closing date for applications is June 30.
