THE popular library service run by Hampshire County Council used National Volunteers Week to try to encourage adults and teenagers to offer their time to help this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Volunteers need to be aged 14 and over and able to spend just a few hours at their local library each week over the course of the summer.

They will not only be supporting their local library but, more importantly, helping children, aged four to 11 meet the Reading Agency’s goal of completing six books over the long school holidays.

Sean Woodward, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for recreation and heritage, said: “Volunteers do a fantastic job in a range of roles across our libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge provides a great opportunity to engage children and young people with reading in fun and creative ways throughout the summer holidays.

“As a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer, you will work alongside staff, getting involved in a variety of tasks such as helping children enrol onto the challenge, recommending books to them and then listening to their feedback as they read each of their six chosen titles.”

He added: “Every year, Hampshire libraries welcome thousands of children and young people through their doors over the summer, and our volunteers make all the difference to their positive experience of what’s on offer.”

Pauline Corrigan has volunteered for the Summer Reading Challenge for the last seven years. She explained what she enjoys about volunteering at her local library.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is all about the children and it’s great to see the chuffed look on their faces as the weeks go on.

“Regardless of reading ability, I like encouraging all the children to just enjoy reading - that’s very rewarding.

“Volunteering enables me to meet new people and make new friends in my local community. If you have a few spare hours a week, I would encourage people to give it a go.”

To register your interest as a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer in the 14-18 category or the over-18 category, visit www.hants.gov.uk/library.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs from July 14 to September 16. This year’s theme is ‘Mischief Makers’, in honour of the 80th anniversary of The Beano, a firm childhood favourite for many.