Young volunteers wanted to help coordinate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge in Westmorland and Furness libraries.

Westmorland and Furness Libraries is asking for volunteers between 14 and 24 to help coordinate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge, organised by the Reading Agency, encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books over the summer holidays.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is themed ‘Marvellous Makers’ which seeks to spark creativity within young minds, encouraging them to create their own narratives through the power of reading. In support of this initiative, libraries are now calling for enthusiastic young volunteers to get involved and make a meaningful impact in their community.

Every year, young people aged between 14 and 24 play a pivotal role in helping to coordinate the event by guiding children through the challenge, registering participants, assisting with book selections, engaging in discussions about their reading choices, and facilitating library activities. As the school holidays approach, this initiative not only champions a love for reading but also helps prevent the summer learning ‘dip’, ensuring children are ready for the upcoming academic year.

All volunteers are given training before the challenge starts and if they are working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award or similar, their logged hours can be counted towards it.

Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, Councillor Virginia Taylor, said:

“We’re excited to invite young volunteers to play a part in this fantastic initiative which has proved really popular. Getting involved offers a lot both to volunteers and to the children who take up the reading challenge.

“Books open up a thousand worlds – of the past and the future, exploration, wonder, science, fun and inspiration. A love of reading and books gives children a great foundation to find what they want to do in life and then go on to achieve it.

“Volunteering for the reading challenge is a great opportunity for young people who want to get involved in their community. They’ll develop important life skills, gain valuable work experience, be part of a team and build confidence – not to mention learning new things, making friends and having a good time.”

To learn more about the volunteering opportunity and to apply, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to their local library or visit the council’s website.

Additionally, a recruitment drop-in event is scheduled at Barrow Library on Tuesday 28 May from 1.00pm to 2.30pm.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.