STOCKTON Council is calling on volunteers to lend a hand with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Stockton libraries, in partnership with The Reading Agency, will once again launch the Summer Reading Challenge for young people aged four to 11 years old – this year with the theme of ‘Record Breakers’.
The annual Summer Reading Challenge invites children to read six books during the summer holidays, encouraging them into libraries to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the school break.
The Record Breaker theme brings together fact and fiction for young readers to discover some of the incredible real-life achievements and world records featured in the Guinness World Records books.
Along the way they can collect stickers and discover six categories of fascinating world records – Cool Tech, Way to Go!, The Big Stuff, Animal Magic, People Power and Action! Adventure!
Stockton Council is now calling on volunteers to help staff run the Summer Reading Challenge. They will talk to children about the books they’ve been reading, help them to choose new books, and deliver activities and craft sessions.
Anyone aged 16 to 24 can apply but must be able to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours between June and September.
In return they will gain valuable work experience, a reference for employment, the opportunity to develop confidence, social skills, employment opportunities, literacy skills, make a positive contribution to their community and make new friends.
Councillor Ken Dixon, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “This is a great chance for teenagers and young adults to inspire younger children to read, build their confidence and engage reluctant readers, whilst also developing their own skills. It’s a really rewarding opportunity so I’d urge anyone interested to apply today.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Lucy Carlton-Walker on 01642 528501 or lucy.carlton-walker@stockton.gov.uk for an application form. The deadline for applications is 1 June.