Help children start reading

Young volunteers keen to build their skills and confidence are needed to get involved in a summer reading challenge.
Councillor Dave AllenCouncillor Dave Allen
Councillor Dave Allen

The Summer Reading Challenge run by Derbyshire County Council encourages four to 11 year olds to read six books borrowed from their local library during the summer holidays and earn certificates and medals.

Volunteers aged 13 to 24 years old are needed to help run the challenge and they gain useful work experience and help their local communities by getting involved.

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They will create displays, encourage children to sign up, listen to children chat about books and help out at events. All the volunteers are provided with full training before the Challenge begins.

Cabinet member for health and communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “Last year 95 young people signed up to help with our Summer Reading Challenge and this year we are hoping for even more.

“It is a great way for them to get work experience – perhaps testing the water to see if they like working with young children or getting valuable experience if they are already working with or planning to work with children.

“The volunteers are enthusiastic, great ambassadors through their love of reading and have a lot of fun as well. By helping children of all reading abilities they are equipping them with important life skills.”

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The Summer Reading Challenge starts on Saturday 16 July. It will be launched with a family fun day at Chesterfield library and then runs until September 17 in every library in Derbyshire.

Youngsters aged 13 to 24 who want to get involved as volunteers can find out more at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge or ask in their local library. The closing date to sign up as a volunteer is Saturday, June 4. This volunteering experience can be submitted as the community service element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.