Reading Quest

Are you passionate about supporting libraries and young people in your local community? This volunteer role involves encouraging children to engage in conversation and share experiences through a journey of discovery throughout the summer.

Reading Quest was launched in 2024 as our main summer literacy campaign. The aim is to provide children and their families with activities and challenges to take part in and then share with our volunteers. We have made changes to the programme based on feedback from volunteers and families to make it easier for everyone to engage this year.

If you are excited about the idea of volunteering time towards this unique programme and have experience or an interest in engaging children with books and reading, apply to volunteer for Reading Quest. The level of commitment for this role is up to 3-4 hours per week for a minimum of 6 weeks over the summer holidays.

The closing date for volunteer applications is Wednesday 25 June.

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Key elements of the role

Working under the direction of the Library Manager and library staff, volunteers will:

• Join children to Reading Quest and explain how it works
• Have the ability to adapt and tailor discussions with a range of ages and abilities
• Encourage children to share their views and experiences
• Hand out weekly rewards and prizes
• Help in the library with shelving and tidying when the time allows
• Agree to our volunteer terms and conditions.

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Person Specification

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Enthusiastic about libraries and encouraging children to learn
• Reliable and committed, attending all booked sessions and notifying staff in good time if unable to attend
• A good team worker, able to work with library staff and other volunteers
• Able to relate to children and interact in a positive manner
• 12 years of age and over (parental consent required for ages 12-18)
• Approachable, patient and able to listen carefully.

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If you are interested, please contact your local library manager or complete the online application form below. For any questions, email volunteer@suffolklibraries.co.uk.