Volunteering for the Summer Reading Challenge 2023: Ready, Set, Read!

• This opportunity is open to young people aged 12 to 18.
• If you want to volunteer you need to complete and hand in a signed application form by Saturday8 July 2023. You can also pick up a printed form at any Tameside library
• Please note that we may not accept late applications
• If you are 16, 17 or 18 you will need to provide details of someone we can contact for a reference, and you will not be able to volunteer if we do not receive a satisfactory response from them. If you will still be 15 or under by August 24, you do not need a reference.
• View further information and person specification

What's involved?

Role Title
 Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer
  
Location
 Tameside Libraries
  
When
 July and August 2023.
  
Commitment
 3 x two hours on weekdays in the summer holidays, plus some time in July for induction training.
 
To complete the programme you will need to:

• Come to one of the briefing and induction meetings at Ashton Library  either Thursday 20th July at 4.30 – 5.30 or Saturday 22nd July at 11.00 – 12.00
• Help out at the weekly Ready, Set, Read! activities at a Tameside library in the summer holidays (list of days and times below) for a minimum of three sessions. Arrangements can be made to accommodate holidays.  

Library activity times

Ashton – Friday 11 & 25 August, 3pm
Denton – Friday 3 & 17 August, 2pm
Droylsden – Thursday 7 & 21 August, 10.30 am
Dukinfield – Tuesday 8 & 22 August, 11 am
Hattersley – Thursday 10 & 24 August, 2.15 pm
Hyde – Wednesday 2 & 16 August, 2.00 pm
Mossley – Friday 4 & 18 August, 10.30 am
Stalybridge – Monday 31 July & 14 August, 10.30 am
                        

What do the activities involve?

• Our activities are attended by children of all ages up to about 11 and their parents and carers.
• Every week there is a simple craft activity, a treasure hunt and a game. These are planned in advance.
• We also talk to the children about the books they have been reading for the challenge. They have to read 6 books over July and August.
• Some activity sessions attract large numbers, so it can be very busy.
• We ask you to come about half an hour before the activities start to find out what we’re doing and set up and to stay half an hour afterwards to help clear away. 

Abilities you will need to demonstrate and experience you will gain:

• You will need to be able to explain things to children and to adults in a clear, friendly and enthusiastic way. You do not have to be very loud and outgoing, as long as you can help and talk confidently to different kinds of people. There will, of course, be library staff there to help and support you. 
• The help of our volunteers is a very important part of our activities. This means we need you to be reliable and to turn up when and where you say you are going to.
• You will be able to develop your planning, communication and teamwork skills and your confidence! It’s also a great way to get involved in your local community, do something useful with your time in the holidays and make new friends. 

 Watch our film!
The volunteers in 2015 made a short film about their experiences. You can watch it here

 
vInspired awards
 If you are 14 or over, you can count your volunteering hours towards a recognised award from vInspired 
  
If you have any questions or need more information contact:
James Avison or call Ashton Library on 0161 342 2031
  
  

Summer Reading Challenge volunteering FAQs

 
Can I volunteer at more than one library?
 Yes! You can do as many sessions as you want to, across as many libraries as you wish. Please give as much detail as you can on your application form
  
I’m away on holiday for two weeks in the summer – can I still volunteer?
 Yes, but ideally you need to be able to do three sessions in total.
  
I haven’t volunteered before and can’t come to the training – can I still volunteer?
 Really you should make every effort to attend the induction meeting and the library visit. You’ll be at a disadvantage if you don’t and might not be as confident about what’s going on. If you absolutely cannot attend, then still apply and we will try to make alternative arrangements for you.
  
Can I email you the application form or complete it online?
We need it to be signed, so you could scan the completed, printed form and email that image as an attachment to James Avison Unfortunately it is not possible to complete the form online. If you do not have access to a printer, you can pick up a form at any Tameside library.