Libraries in Arnold, Carlton and Mapperley are looking for people who have an enthusiasm for reading and love working with children to become volunteers for their forthcoming Summer Reading Challenge.
As part of the challenge, children are encouraged to read up to six books of their choice, earning rewards along the way.
It’s a great way to boost children’s literacy skills and enthusiasm for reading during the holidays.
Last summer was the most successful challenge in the county with over 10,600 children taking part and more than 70 volunteers giving up some of their spare time – a total of 1282 hours – to support the campaign and help children discover the pleasure of reading.
Inspire, the company set up by Nottinghamshire County Council to improve the county’s libraries, has now formally launched its volunteer search for this coming summer.
People have until May 19 to register their interest. They are looking for people aged 14 upwards, to be able to commit around 12 – 15 hours (averaging 2 – 3 hours a week) between 26 July and 6 September.
The following libraries in the borough are recruiting for Summer Reading Challenge volunteers: Arnold Library, Carlton Library and Mapperley Library,
Trainee teachers, young people seeking to develop their CV and employability skills and many book lovers within local communities have benefited from the volunteering opportunities in recent years.
The tasks involved are:
- Sharing enthusiasm for reading by listening and chatting with children about books they read during the challenge
- Explaining to children and their parents/carer how the challenge works
- Helping register children for the challenge and handing out stickers and rewards when they complete various progression stages
- Keeping challenge records up to date by completing and filing registration cards.
Volunteers will also be able to claim for reasonable travel costs to and from the library and will receive a certificate for taking part which will be useful to add to their CV.
Peter Gaw, Chief Executive of Inspire commentred ; “Our Summer Reading Challenge volunteers work with library staff to help run and promote the Summer Reading Challenge, their enthusiasm and dedication plays a significant role in its ongoing success”.
To find out more or to apply online visit www.inspireculture.org.uk/volunteers .