Young people in the county are being offered a chance to gain work experience and skills to put on their CV through helping younger children with their reading.

Libraries across Powys are looking for ‘Summer Reading Activists’ to work with them from mid-July to encourage younger children to enjoy reading and take part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

Summer reading activists need to be between the ages of 14 and 22. The council will recognise their endeavours through certification and even a reference and will also arrange free DBS checks for those over 16 years of age.

Trish Thomas, the council’s children’s librarian, said: “We are looking for talented young people to volunteer their time to promote reading to children over the summer holidays. If you love books, are happy to listen to children read, help out in the library and assist in organising craft and presentation events, then we want to hear from you.”

Powys County Council’s Library Service is keen to build on the positive feedback from many of the young people that volunteered last year, and who gained confidence in their volunteer roles.

Reading Activists are part of a wider movement of volunteers across Wales and the UK, actively promoting the Summer Reading Challenge to children from ages 4 to 12 years, encouraging them to read six library books over the summer holidays to help them practise their reading skills.

“I’ve joined as a Powys Young Reading Activist to help other young people to discover the joy of reading and to develop my own skills for the future - the library offers a great opportunity for me to do this. Books are awesome,” said Emily Berry, aged 14, from Llandrindod Wells High School.

Cllr Graham Brown, deputy leader and cabinet member for library services said: “Libraries have always recognised the valuable contribution our young adults make to our communities. We want to harness their enthusiasm, so they can develop their own knowledge and skills further, while applying this to encourage reading within a work setting. Based on the feedback we had last year - this has proved hugely rewarding for everyone.”

If you’re interested in becoming a summer reading activist you can ask for an information pack from their local library. Alternatively you can email [email protected] or telephone 01597 826884.