Summer Reading Challenge 2026

This year's national Summer Reading Challenge runs during the summer holiday. Children of all ages are encouraged to read six books. All children taking part receive a certificate and a medal when they complete the challenge. You will be working with children and their parents or carers, encouraging them to join the challenge and talking to them about the books they have been reading.

What will it involve?

• Joining children to the Summer Reading Challenge.

• Talking with children about the books they have been reading and encouraging them to share their views and ideas.

• Handing out reading rewards including stickers and medals.

• Helping children to have fun and enjoy the Summer Reading Challenge.

• Encouraging children to read for pleasure.

• Assisting with administration, e.g. registration membership, filing.

• Assisting with other library duties when time allows.

• Helping customers by referring enquiries to library staff.

What will you get from volunteering?

• Valuable work experience and new skills, good for the CV.

• Confidence in talking to children and adults.

• Pleasure of encouraging children to enjoy reading.

• The opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and for three libraries on a shared site a DBS check will be required.

Times to be agreed, but a min. of 18 hrs (approx. 6 sessions) from Sat. 15th July to Sat 2nd Sep. Sessions generally last 3 hrs. Times to be arranged with the Library Supervisor. Colchester & Chelmsford have Sunday afternoon sessions.

Skills

• A good team worker, able to work with library staff and other volunteers.

• Reliable, well organised and calm under pressure.

• Enthusiastic about encouraging children to read.

• Able to communicate with customers of all ages including parents.

• Able to talk to children about the books they have been reading.

• Friendly and approachable.

• Committed to helping libraries and our customers.