Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer 2026

We are looking for young people, from 13 to 25 to volunteer to support the Summer Reading Challenge in Portsmouth Libraries from Wednesday 22 July to Saturday 29 August.  You will be working with children, their parents and carers, predominantly when the holidays start on 22 July.

The role entails:

• Volunteering in 3-hour slots at peak times, normally between the hours 10am to 4pm
• Being a really enthusiastic promoter of the Summer Reading Challenge in the library
• Registering children for the Summer Reading Challenge
• Talking with children about the books they have been reading, encouraging them to share their views and ideas.
• Sharing the exciting Read to the Beat resources with children and their families
• Assisting library staff in delivering children’s story time and craft activities
• Being part of a library team under the supervision of library staff

Skills

• Being good/comfortable around children
• Reasonably confident and able to communicate with people from all walks of life
• Interest in libraries and reading
• Punctual and reliable
• High standard of written/spoken interest and knowledge of the alphabet