Summer Reading Challenge Volunteers

Volunteer to help children complete the Summer Reading Challenge 2026, which runs from 4 July until 5 September across Hertfordshire Libraries.  

• Who can apply?
• What is the Summer Reading Challenge?
• What will I be doing?
• What skills or experience do I need?
• What training will I be given?
• Where and how often do I need to volunteer?

Who can apply?

Anyone from the age of 14 with at least 12 hours available to volunteer is welcome to apply for this short-term volunteering opportunity. Parental permission is needed for volunteers aged 15 and under.

Young adults (aged 14 to 24) who volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge will be part of the My Voice Youth Volunteer programme, our volunteering offer for young people. 

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays and encourages children and their families to visit their local library and take part in a fun, free activity.

Children will be asked to read six library books (eBooks/eAudiobooks are included) and/or complete library-based challenges between Saturday 4 July and Saturday 5 September and return to the library to chat to Summer Reading Challenge volunteers or staff about their achievements. They are given incentives along the way and a medal and certificate when they complete the Challenge.

What will I be doing?

Main tasks and activities might include:

• Registering children for the Summer Reading Challenge
• Explaining the challenge to children and their families
• Chatting to children and encouraging them to talk about the books and their reading
• Encouraging children to complete the challenge
• Awarding stickers and other incentives, when appropriate
• Helping library staff to create Summer Reading Challenge displays
• Preparing and supporting with creative activities
• Creating social media content to promote the challenge via library accounts
• Helping children to choose their next read
• Supporting library staff at Summer Reading Challenge events or activities.

What skills or experience do I need?

You do not need to have previous experience of volunteering or working in a library. You will be:

• Enthusiastic, caring and friendly with an interest in promoting reading for pleasure
• Reliable
• Comfortable communicating with different audiences, particularly children and their families
• Good at listening and be able to encourage and engage the young people you meet
• Keen to support your local library to deliver an exciting and fun Summer Reading Challenge.

What training will I be given?

Full training on everything to do with the Summer Reading Challenge and the role of volunteers will be provided. You will be introduced to all library staff and given a named contact who will be your point of contact throughout your Summer Reading Challenge volunteering.

Where and how often do I need to volunteer?

This is primarily a short-term volunteering opportunity between Saturday 4 July and Saturday 5 September 2026.

You are asked to volunteer for a minimum of 12 hours.

Hours are flexible and will be arranged with the Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer Contact at your local library.   

Locations and current availability