LIVEWIRE’S library team is launching a bid to find young volunteers in Warrington to help with an ‘out of this world’ reading scheme taking place this summer.
The event is to mark national Volunteers Week which runs from Saturday 1-7 June.
The Summer Reading Challenge, which runs from Monday July 1 to Sunday September 8, is the Reading Agency’s annual scheme aimed at encouraging children to read more and visit their local library.
This year’s theme is ‘Space Chase’ – children taking part in the challenge will follow clues to help intergalactic family ‘The Rockets’ track down books that have gone missing from their favourite moon library!
Over the course of the summer, children will be challenged to read any six books, receiving rewards along the way, and a special prize on completion of the challenge.
All of Warrington’s LiveWire-run libraries will be taking part in the challenge.
Young people aged between 14 and 25 can sign up to be Summer Reading Challenge volunteers, encouraging young children to take part, and helping to run activities and events during the summer.
Young volunteers will help with tasks including:
- Helping library staff to encourage children to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.
- Helping children choose new books.
- Talking to children about the books they have been reading.
- Giving out incentive rewards and certificates as children progress through the challenge.
- Helping to promote and run summer activities such as craft and activity sessions.
Young people between 14 and 25 can apply by filling out an application form (references must be supplied) and all volunteering is under the supervision of LiveWire library staff.
Matthew Entwistle, LiveWire Community Librarian, said: “We are looking for young people who want to help out in their own community and think they can help encourage younger readers this summer – and what better time than Volunteers Week to highlight this opportunity. We love the energy and great ideas that our young volunteers bring and volunteering provides the chance to develop new skills and boost confidence that will help with future training and employment prospects.
“As a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer you will gain new skills, meet lots of people and have a great time – as feedback from last year’s volunteers shows. It is also really nice for children talking part in the challenge to know there will be a familiar face at their local library throughout the summer.
“We would love to hear from anyone who thinks they might fit the bill and is interested in volunteering for an ‘out of this world’ summer project.”
For more information or to sign up please email LiveWire’s Rachel Ralston on [email protected]. To keep up to date with all that LiveWire-run libraries offer, visit www.livewirewarrington.co.uk/libraries. And for more information on the Summer Reading Challenge visit: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
