Inspirational young people with a love of reading are being asked to share their passion with youngsters in libraries across Kent this summer.
Kent County Council is looking for volunteers who can help children to read as part of the 2017 Summer Reading Challenge, an annual event that inspires new readers across the county.
“This is a way for volunteers to build their skills, improve their CVs, support their communities, meet new people and have fun,” commented Elizabeth Hunter, volunteer development co-ordinator with West Kent.
While West Kent is responsible for 
recruiting volunteers for a wide range of support roles across the county’s libraries, from mid-April onwards all new volunteers under the age of 25 begin by helping staff prepare for the ever-popular reading challenge.
In the summer, volunteers – known as reading champions – take centre stage, supporting events linked to the challenge, promoting library stock and then encouraging children to read the six books that will see them complete the challenge.
Volunteers also help staff give incentives to the children, keep a note of how many books they read and use their creative skills to put together displays promoting the challenge.
“The reading champion role is particularly varied and exciting during the summer months and volunteers play an invaluable part in helping staff,” explained Elizabeth. “We would love to hear from anyone who feels this would be a fun way to gain new experiences and boost their CV.”