Summer volunteering for young people age 14+
Applications are now open for our Summer Reading Challenge 2025 volunteer programme
Closing date 7 June. No applications will be accepted after this date.
Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer role that will help develop your skills?
We are looking for young people age 14+, who can commit to a minimum of 15 hours of volunteering during the period 1 July to 13 September, to support the Summer Reading Challenge in local libraries.
Share your passion for reading and libraries by encouraging and supporting children to complete the Summer Reading Challenge. Your enthusiasm will inspire them to develop a reading habit that will benefit their wellbeing throughout their life.
If you love chatting about books, are happy to engage with customers (especially our younger ones) and would enjoy the buzz of the library at its liveliest, this could be the role for you.
Training and ongoing support will be provided. Please note - this is an unpaid role. We will not be accepting any volunteering for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
What is the Summer Reading Challenge?
The Summer Reading Challenge is a national initiative that encourages children to read for pleasure and is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries.
Children aged 4 and over can complete the challenge by enjoying six library books over the summer, collecting stickers and rewards along the way. Those that finish will be awarded a medal and certificate to mark their achievement. The challenge presents reading as a fun and enjoyable activity and encourages children to become lifelong book lovers. It helps prevent the trend for reading skills to dip over the summer holidays and enhances and supports the school’s reading initiatives.
The fun rewards motivate the children to progress through the challenge and it is inclusive to children of all abilities as they can choose any library books that appeal to them to count towards the challenge.
Join our volunteer team and help us enhance the experience for children.
We have four different roles available
Activities and events volunteer
Plan, prepare and deliver children’s activities. Meet and greet visitors. Steward activities to ensure safe participation. Set up and pack away activities.
Book talk volunteer
Have a friendly and encouraging chat with children about what they have read. Give out stickers.
General volunteer
Help keep our book collections tidy, well-organised and appealing. Shelve books, top-up displays, help our customers find what they are looking for.
Evaluation volunteer
Help the library get feedback from its customers. Encourage visitors to complete surveys and comments cards. Interview customers. Ask questions and record responses.
If you would like further information, please email Libraries.CultureVolunteering@slough.gov.uk
To apply, please use the link on the left of the screen to access the online application form. Please indicate on your application which role or roles you would like to apply for.
Slough Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.