Council calls for Summer Reading Challenge volunteers

Merton libraries are calling for volunteers to help with the Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge 2015, taking place across all libraries this summer.

Merton libraries are looking for members of the public aged 14 and over who can donate their time to help make this exciting project a huge success.

Volunteers are needed to register children for the challenge, help them  find and choose books and encourage them on their record breaking reading adventures. Volunteers will also get involved in promoting the  challenge and  planning a range of events. Candidates do not need previous experience working with children but should be reliable, confident and enthusiastic, making the challenge fun and exciting. Successful candidates will be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked and will be given full training.

The Summer Reading Challenge aims to encourage children to read by setting  a fun and achievable goal of reading six books over the summer holidays. Participants are in with a chance to win prizes, bookmarks and stickers.

With over 10,000 of Merton’s young people signing up last year, this year’s adventures look set to be a big hit too.

Merton Council’s director of community and housing, Simon Williams said: “Our libraries run some great community projects, which really help to educate our children in a fun way. This is the perfect opportunity for residents to get involved, whether they have a bit of spare time or are looking for more work experience.’

For more information and to apply as a summer reading challenge champion visit www.merton.gov.uk/libraryvolunteer.