Volunteering

Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer

For West Sussex Library Service

Register your Interest

To volunteer in one of the County Council’s libraries alongside other volunteers and library staff to help children and families participating in the Summer Reading Challenge during July to September.

The role involves:

• Helping families register for the Summer Reading Challenge, which may include guiding them to use a computer, tablet or smartphone
• Explaining to families how the Challenge works
• Talking to children about the books they have been reading
• Encouraging children to progress through the Challenge by reading more books.
• Helping them choose books and find new things to read
• Giving out stickers and other rewards, preparing certificates and awarding medals for children who complete the Challenge
• Assisting with art displays, activities or storytimes if required
• Supporting other basic library jobs during quieter periods, e.g. shelving or tidying books

This volunteer role is suitable for people with existing skills and experience working with children and families and also young people, or others, wishing to build or develop new skills in the following areas:

• Helping children and families
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Organisational skills and team working
• Promoting and talking about books and reading
• Digital Skills

This opportunity is available at the following libraries in the Arun and Chichester Districts: Angmering, Arundel, Bognor Regis, Chichester, East Preston, Ferring, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Petworth, Rustington, Selsey, Southbourne, Willowhale, Witterings.

Skills

• Enjoys working with people, and working as part of a team
• Comfortable to engage and communicate with young children, their parents and other adults
• Enjoys listening to children describe what they are reading
• Able to ask children questions about their reading
• Demonstrates patience and understanding
• Reliable and able to keep to time commitments, letting library staff know when this is not possible
• Behaves in an appropriate way with children in libraries
• Has basic digital skills and is confident using online forms
• Commitment to the equality and diversity of the local community
• Attends an induction meeting before beginning volunteering

About West Sussex Library Service

West Sussex Libraries provide access to a wide range of local and council information and are an important community space where people of all ages, cultures and social background can come together. Books, information, life-long learning, free internet and Wi-Fi can all be found in our libraries. We also have a range of activities for all age ranges from Baby Rhyme Time, Knit & natter, Relax with Colouring Sessions, IT drop in sessions and basic computer support.

We have a wide range of volunteer roles in our libraries across West Sussex. Whatever time or skills you have there is a role for you. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and contribute to your local community.

Details

• No - DBS check required
• Yes - Equality and Diversity Policy
• No - Expenses reimbursed
• Yes - Health and Safety Policy
• Yes - Is it fully accessible
• Yes - Ongoing support
• Yes - Suitable for physical or sensory impairment
  All West Sussex libraries are accessible, although layouts and facilities can vary.
• Yes - Suitable for Under 18's
  Aged 14+
• Yes - Training provided
• Yes - Volunteer induction
• Yes - Volunteer Policy
• Yes - Volunteers covered by insurance
• Yes - Written role description

Availability

The role is flexible and the volunteer can choose the days and times they wish to support. There is no minimum time requirement, we suggest 10 hours between July-September but this isn’t compulsory as volunteers can do what they’re able to.

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