Calling all young ‘activists’

Young people in the Welshpool area are being offered a chance to gain valuable work experience and skills to put on their CV through helping younger children with their reading thanks to Powys County Council’s Library Service.

Libraries across Montgomeryshire are looking for ‘Summer Reading Activists’ to work with them from mid-July to encourage younger children to enjoy reading and take part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

Summer Reading Activists need to be between the ages of 14 and 22.  The council recognises their endeavours through certification and a reference and will also arrange free DBS checks for those over 16 years of age.

Trish Thomas, the council’s Children’s Librarian, said: “We are looking for talented young people to volunteer their time to promote reading to children over the summer holidays. If you love books, are happy to listen to children read, help out in the library and assist in organising craft and presentation events, then we want to hear from you.”

The Library Service are keen to build on the positive feedback from many of the young people that volunteered last year, and who gained confidence in their volunteer roles.

Ellen Swift, a young Reading Activist from Welshpool High School in 2015, said: “Being a Reading Activist over the summer was a very rewarding experience that I would love to do again. It made feel proud when I saw children enjoying the books they were reading and getting excited over completing the challenge.

“Even the children who didn’t read much in their free time completed the challenge after having fun at the craft sessions and that made me feel satisfied and accomplished. Not only did the scheme help me raise my confidence in talking to families and young children but it was also a lovely place to come.”

Reading Activists are part of a wider movement of volunteers across Wales and the UK, actively promoting the Summer Reading Challenge to children from ages four to 12 years, encouraging them to read six library books over the summer holidays to help them practice their reading skills.

If anyone is interested in becoming a Summer Reading Activist they can ask for an information pack from their local library. Alternatively you can email patricia.thomas@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597 826884.

PICTURE: 18-year-old Ellen Swift from Welshpool High School was a Summer Reading Activist in 2015.