Article date – 26 June 2019
Every year, Reading Hack volunteers aged 13 to 19 help libraries across the country to make the national Summer Reading Challenge. Reading Hack is a programme led by young people focused on reading activities and volunteering, giving young people opportunities to develop new skills, gain experience, make new friends and get creative.
The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Space Chase, an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Children are challenged to read six books over the school summer holidays and are rewarded with a certificate and medal if they succeed.
Reading Hack volunteers will help library staff to run the programme, inspiring their peers and younger children to read, and giving as much time over the summer holiday as they like.
Reading Hackers can also register for the Arts Award, using their voluntary experience to gain nationally-recognised qualifications.
Encouraging young people to get involved, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, Councillor Anthony Burns, said:
“The annual Summer Reading Challenge is such a massive occasion on the library service’s calendar which has seen thousands of children take part over the years.
“But none of this would have been possible without the help and support of our young volunteers.
“Volunteering is such a rewarding experience for young people to get involved in, as it can enhance opportunities further down the line such as university and employment prospects. It’d be great to see a good number of young people get involved and make this year’s Summer Reading Challenge one to remember.”
Places are limited so for more details on becoming a Reading Hack volunteer and to register your interest, please contact your local library or email amandabrown@sthelens.gov.uk.
