HELP children discover the pleasure of reading with the Summer Reading Challenge, hosted by libraries across Gloucestershire.

Local libraries are looking for enthusiastic young people aged 13 to 24 years to help children aged 4 to 11 to read six books during the long summer holiday. The new recruits will have the opportunity to improve their communication skills, meet new people and gain valuable experience for their CV.

This year, the Reading Agency lead event is being run with Guinness World Records ™, and each of the titles included has a record breakers theme. Volunteers will help library staff bring together fact and fiction, inspiring young readers to learn about some of the achievements that make up the Guinness World Records ™ books, talking to children about the books they have read, and helping with summer activities.

Last year 150 young people helped across the county. Hours are flexible and can be negotiated at each library. All volunteers will receive a free pack, including a Record Breakers T-Shirt, and a booklet to record the skills and experiences gained

Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for libraries said: "Volunteering in our libraries can be really rewarding and can help spark a life-long love of reading for the children visiting. The Summer Reading Challenge is a great opportunity to get involved. Let's make it a record breaking summer for reading!"

Anyone interested can apply online or print out the form and drop it to their nearest libraryhttp://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/volunteers

Further details about various volunteering opportunities are available at all local libraries. More information about Gloucestershire Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge are online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries andwww.readingagency.org.uk/readinghack