A team of Summer Reading Activists volunteered to help local children with their summer reading challenge.

At Morden Library twenty-six volunteers listened to the children recount the stories they had read, found them new books to read and helped out with running a host of fun events that were linked to the challenge.

Summer Reading Volunteers last week at the Morden Library

Running from July to September, each summer thousands of children aged 4 to 11 from across the borough take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. They are asked to read any six books of their choosing from one of Merton’s seven libraries, receiving fun incentives along the way. Libraries recruit Summer Reading volunteers each year to help as many children as possible succeed with their reading.

Merton Council cabinet member for community and culture Councillor Nick Draper said: “Thanks to the Summer Reading Activists’ hard work, the challenge has proven to be an enormous success. This summer we have seen the record numbers of young people getting involved in the reading challenge. Over 10, 000 children took part. The hard work of our fabulous volunteers has paid off and we are hoping to achieve an even bigger success next year. On the behalf of the Library Team I wanted to thank all of those who devoted their time in making this summer a great experience for the young ones.”

-ENDS-

Volunteering opportunities are available all year round in customer support, IT training as well as running outreach sessions, events and children’s activities.

To find out more, call: 02086407355 or email info@volunteercentremerton.org.uk.