Volunteer readers needed to help children

Each year, Rotherham Borough Council's Library Service challenges children aged from four to 11 to read six books over the summer holidays.

It is a national event designed to encourage children and families to get excited about reading.

If you are aged from 12 to 16 years old and have some spare time on your hands over the summer break then you could help support the activities taking place in your local library as part of the Reading Challenge.

Library group manager Mark Heaton said: “Becoming a young volunteer will give you the opportunity to meet new friends and, apart from being great fun, the experience will help to build your confidence and skills for the future.

“We always award certificates to our volunteers at the end of the summer holidays.

“If you feel you can give some time in libraries to register children, listen to them talk about the books they have read during this year's challenge or support library staff with craft activities, then this could be the thing for you.”

The Summer Reading Challenge runs from Saturday, July 14, to the end of the summer holidays.

This year’s challenge sees younger children invited into the Story Lab for six weeks during which time they are challenged to read six books of their choice.

Mark added: “Young volunteers don't need to be fluent readers—they won’t be tested on their reading skills.

“Although they may join younger children in the challenge, the role could include preparing for the session by putting out chairs and equipment, preparing craft materials, giving out stickers and rewards, and helping with craft activities and displays.

“They will also be encouraged to chat to children about what they have read and to help them find more books, support children to finish the challenge, help children use the Summer Reading Challenge website and assist with tidying up after the sessions.”

Story Lab is the brainchild of Prof Cortex, the Story Lab’s on-board computer— a hi-tech HQ that attracts stories from all over the world.

Children are able to read, collect, share, create, transmit and broadcast stories. 

And as the children progress through the books, they will collect stickers and other rewards for each book they read. If they read six books they are awarded a medal and certificate.

Last year, over 2,500 children took part in the initiative, with over 1,600 successfully completing the challenge and receiving their medals in September.

Anyone interested in volunteering can obtain further information and details about applying either by asking directly in any local Rotherham Library or by checking the website at www.rotherham.gov.uk/libraries