The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way of keeping kids reading and entertained over the summer holidays. Its aim is to inspire children to become storytellers and makers by encouraging them to read for pleasure and develop their creative thinking skills.
Running from Saturday 13 July to Saturday 7 September 2024, children are challenged to read 6 library books over the summer with the chance to win cool prizes and medals for completing the challenge.
But that's not all. To aid them on their reading journey, each child is paired with a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer. Earlier this week, we met with one of our outstanding volunteers, William Eve.
William has been a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer for the past 3 years and he share with us why he enjoys volunteering.
William said, "I've been a volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge for 3 years, I've worked at Blackshots, Grays, and Corringham Libraries and now I'm here at Chadwell.
"What I like most about being a volunteer is the meeting new kids and hearing what they are enjoying about the books they’re reading. I'm also lucky enough to be working with the great library team."
Now having completed the Summer Reading Challenge for several years, William now looks forward to inspiring the next generation of young readers.
"When I was a younger, I participated in the Summer Reading Challenge participant for many years – since I was little. I wanted to become a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer to see what it's like to be on the other side of the table and also gain a little bit of work experience."
"I would encourage all the children to do the Summer Reading Challenge because it's very helpful for developing communication skills. It’s not a test – it’s just a bit of fun and you get free prizes so all you have to do is enjoy and sign up!"
Supporting with the challenge gives William the chance to meet children and families from across the borough and see first-hand how reading can bring laughter and happiness to their lives.
William said, "The highlight of this Summer Reading Challenge for me has been seeing how much people enjoy their books. Last week at Corringham I had a girl come in with a book about farts, and she wouldn't stop laughing the whole time, which made me appreciate how much joy books can bring."
"As a volunteer, I’m most looking forward to the award ceremony and seeing how much effort has been put in by everyone."
A huge thank you to all our Summer Reading Challenge Volunteers who help engage, listen and celebrate all the participants of the Summer Reading Challenge.
There’s still time to sign-up for the Summer Reading Challenge before Saturday 7 September 2024, so remember to pop down to your local library soon.
