Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer

Who Are We?

West Sussex Libraries provide access to a wide range of local and council information and are an important community space where people of all ages, cultures and social background can come together. Books, information, life-long learning, free internet and Wi-Fi can all be found in our libraries. We also have a range of activities for all age ranges from Baby Rhyme Time, Knit & natter, Relax with Colouring Sessions, IT drop in sessions and basic computer support.

The Role:

We're looking for someone to volunteer in one of the County Council’s libraries alongside other volunteers and library staff to help children and families participating in the Summer Reading Challenge during July to September. 

• Helping families register for the Summer Reading Challenge, which may include guiding them to use a computer, tablet or smartphone.
  
• Explaining to families how the Challenge works.
• Talking to children about the books they have been reading.
• Encouraging children to progress through the Challenge by reading more books.
• Helping them choose books and find new things to read.
• Giving out stickers and other rewards, preparing certificates and awarding medals for children who complete the Challenge.
• Assisting with art displays, activities or storytimes if required.
• Supporting other basic library jobs during quieter periods, e.g. shelving or tidying books

Regularity of Duties:

The ideal commitment is a minimum of 10 hours during July to September but there can be flexibility in choosing days and times within this period.

Guidance and Support:

Volunteers will work alongside library staff who can provide general support and help. Families and Wellbeing Librarians and other senior staff visit libraries during the summer and can offer additional guidance.

Training and Equipment:

As part of this role, all volunteers will be invited to an induction meeting to find out what is involved, how the Challenge works and how to talk with children about books and reading. There is also a chance to meet library staff and other volunteers. On some occasions this training may be provided on a one-to-one basis (e.g. in a small village library).

Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS):

Those applying for this role will not be asked to complete the DBS process.

References:

One reference will be required prior to the volunteer undertaking the role. This can be supplied by a recent employer, a teacher, college tutor or another volunteer placement advisor. It should not be a family member.

Other Information:

If you are under 16 you will also need a signed parental consent form, available online or at the induction meeting. All volunteers are required to wear a lanyard whilst volunteering. An identity photograph is not required for Summer Reading Challenge volunteers. We have limited capacity for Duke of Edinburgh award placements. You will need to let us know before you start if you hope to do Summer Reading Challenge volunteering for your Duke of Edinburgh volunteering.

What skills do I need?

This volunteer role is suitable for people with existing skills and experience working with children and families and also young people, or others, wishing to build or develop new skills in the following areas:

• Helping children and families.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organisational skills and team working.
• Promoting and talking about books and reading.
• Digital Skills

Ideal Volunteer:

• Age 14 years and above.
• Enjoys working with people, and working as part of a team.
• Comfortable to engage and communicate with young children, their parents and other adults.
• Enjoys listening to children describe what they are reading.
• Able to ask children questions about their reading.
• Demonstrates patience and understanding.
• Reliable and able to keep to time commitments, letting library staff know when this is not possible.
• Behaves in an appropriate way with children in libraries.
• Has basic digital skills and is confident using online forms.
• Commitment to the equality and diversity of the local community.
• Attends an induction meeting before beginning volunteering.