Volunteers needed for Suffolk's summer Reading Quest programme

Why it matters: Research has proven that summer reading campaigns help children maintain literacy levels during the long holiday break. Over 6,200 children participated in Reading Quest last year, which aims to maintain and develop reading skills during the long school holiday break.

The details: Reading Quest, which replaced the Summer Reading Challenge, needs volunteers to commit 3-4 hours per week for a minimum of six weeks during the summer holidays.

• Volunteers will assist library staff in engaging with children and discussing activities completed and books read as part of the programme.
• Anyone aged 12 or over can volunteer, with applications open until 25 June to allow time for necessary checks and processing.
• Local artist Anna Lindsay has created illustrations that highlight local myths and legends, bringing the Reading Quest to life.

What they're saying: "We were delighted with the success of Reading Quest last year and have made changes to the programme based on feedback from volunteers and families to make it easier for everyone to engage this summer," said Erin Hamilton, Suffolk Libraries Children's Librarian.

"Volunteers are a vital part of the programme as we need to speak to thousands of children across the county. It's so rewarding to get involved so we hope another army of volunteers will help us to deliver this programme which aims to improve literacy levels across the whole county!"

The bottom line: Despite Suffolk Libraries transferring back to Suffolk County Council at the end of May, Reading Quest will still run this summer in all the county's libraries.