Volunteer With Libraries

What is a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer?

You will be helping to make the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 successful. Every year children between the ages of 4 and 11 take on 6 reading challenges during the Summer Holiday. The aim of the Summer Reading Challenge is to increase literacy, inspire children to read for pleasure and encourage use of local libraries.

What will I be doing?

There are two types of role:

The first role involves signing up children and families to the challenge. This includes asking for basic details such as the child’s name, age, and school, and giving a brief overview of how the challenge works. All information is recorded in a database, so basic IT skills are required. Some volunteers choose to do this for short shifts of around an hour, while others prefer longer blocks of time.

The second role is supporting our weekly craft activities. Each week we offer a different free craft for children to take part in, with all materials provided. This role involves helping children complete the activity, as well as setting up and tidying away materials. The sessions run for approximately an hour, with additional time before and after for preparation and clearing up.

Is it for me?

This will suit you if:

• You are 16 years old or above
• You have an interest in children’s books and improving child literacy levels
• You are passionate and enthusiastic about libraries and understand their potential impact on a child’s development
• You are a good communicator and work well with others
• You have some experience of working with children
• You have some availability between the July and September; exact days and times will be agreed in advance with library staff
• You are willing to undergo any required training and to adhere to relevant Bath & North East Somerset Council policies and procedures
• You understand the importance of safeguarding

Why should I volunteer with you?

For anyone who enjoys, or wants experience in, working with children and their parents, this is a great opportunity to gain skills whilst boosting literacy in your local community, meeting new people, building confidence and having fun. We offer full training for the role and regular meet-ups with managers, as well as opportunities for personal development with B&NES Council's 'LearningZone'. As a service we recognise the importance of volunteers in helping us to deliver a full programme of events so we reimburse travel costs and our friendly staff offer support, guidance and a warm welcome.