LIBRARIES are once again 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 children up to the challenge and talk to children about their books,.

Ann Holland, Southend councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “Last year we had 70 fantastic volunteers completing 18, 16.5 hours in six libraries, helping staff deliver another hugely-successful Summer Reading Challenge.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to help their local community 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 18 hours from Saturday, July 22 to Saturday, September 2.

All applications are done via an easy to use online form on the Essex Libraries website essex.gov.uk/libraries in the Volunteering with Libraries section. The closing date for applications is Friday, June 2.

This year’s challenge is called Animal Agents.

For more information about becoming a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer, email librarydevelopment@southend.gov.uk