Summer Reading Challenge 2021

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Would you like to help your local community? Do you have some spare time this summer? Why not volunteer to help with the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library!

The Summer Reading Challenge runs in public libraries every year between July and September, and challenges children aged between 4-11 to read six books during their summer break from school. 

The theme this year is ‘Wild World Heroes’. The Reading Agency have joined-up with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for a special nature-themed challenge that will inspire young readers to stand up for the planet. 

Volunteer roles

Volunteers are a vital part of how we run the challenge in public libraries. We need volunteers who can encourage children to complete the challenge by talking to them about the books they have read, helping them to choose their next read and handing out rewards of stickers, posters and medals.

Why the challenge is important

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.

In previous years, The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge has encouraged over 700,000 children to regularly visit libraries and read books during their holidays.

There is no other free reading activity that involves so many children, introduces families to their library, encourages children to choose books freely and independently and is endorsed by parents, teachers and the Department for Education.

How you can help

This is a short-term volunteering opportunity between Saturday 10 July and Saturday 11 September 2021 and is open to adults and young people aged 14 and over. Flexible volunteering sessions are available at libraries across North Somerset and full training will be provided. 

If you are interested in getting involved, we would love to hear from you. You do not need any previous experience of volunteering or working in a library.

The closing date for volunteering applications is Monday 14 June.