Essex Libraries are looking for volunteers aged 14 and above to help children keep reading in the summer holidays during the Summer Reading Challenge.

Volunteers will help library staff sign up children to the Summer Reading Challenge and talk to children about their books, encouraging them to complete the challenge.

Cllr Roger Hirst, Essex County Council Customer Services, Libraries, Planning and the Environment, said: “Last year we had a fantastic 647 volunteers completing 11,814 hours in 70 libraries, helping staff deliver the Summer Reading Challenge.

“This is a great opportunity for people to help their communities by encouraging children to improve their literacy skills.

"Volunteers gain valuable work experience and enjoy taking part too.

"It’s also great for the CV.”

Volunteers should be able to commit to a minimum of 15 hours from Saturday 11 July to Saturday 5 September

Application forms are available from libraries or from the Essex Libraries website www.essex.gov.uk/libraries in the Volunteering with Libraries section.

The closing date for applications is Friday June 5.

The national Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year in all Essex Libraries.

Last year over 42,800 children took part in the challenge by reading books to gain rewards.

This year’s challenge is called Record Breakers.

Volunteering is a key part of the Council’s #SteppingUp campaign, aimed at creating stronger communities.

The campaign puts the spotlight on five simple steps people can take which can have a hugely beneficial effect personally, in communities and for public services.

These are: volunteering; reduce, re-use recycle; informal caring; give your children the best start in life; and keeping active and healthy.

For more information about becoming a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer, please email libraries.feedback@essex.gov.uk