Summer Reading Challenge volunteers wanted

Volunteers are needed across the county’s libraries to encourage children to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge which aims to keep youngsters reading during the long summer holidays. 

Available from mid-July to mid-September in all East Sussex libraries, the minimum requirement for the volunteer roles is one shift per week lasting approximately two to three hours.

Volunteers will be involved in motivating children to complete the challenge as well as handing out rewards for each book read and talking to parents and primary school aged children about books and reading.

They can also help with planned activities in the library, such as craft events, if they wish. Full training will be given and volunteers must be aged 13 years and over.

Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and the environment at East Sussex County Council, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to ensure our young readers keep reading throughout the long summer break, but we need your help to successfully run the Challenge in our libraries.

“If you love books and enjoy reading and would like to be involved in encouraging local children to continue reading during the summer, please do get in touch. Our library team would love to hear from you!”

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six books during the school summer holidays.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is called Marvellous Makers. The theme centres around creativity and has been developed in partnership with leading arts charity, Create.

The 2024 Challenge starts in East Sussex Libraries on Saturday, July 6.

To find out more about being a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer, or to apply, visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/local/volunteering-roles-in-libraries/summer-reading-challenge-volunteer