Gateshead Libraries are calling on young people aged 16 to 18 to volunteer this summer, helping to run the annual Summer Reading Challenge for children across the borough. The opportunity, listed by the Gateshead Volunteer Centre, involves promoting the Challenge, chatting to younger visitors about their books, checking tickets and setting up activity rooms.
Volunteers will gain meaningful work experience while supporting local families. Anyone interested must complete an expression of interest form on the Gateshead Council website and write ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ on the application.
The 2026 Challenge, themed ‘Read to the Beat’, launches on 4 July and runs until September. Powered by Universal Music UK, the programme explores how music and storytelling come together. Children aged 4 to 11 who sign up pick up to six reading goals, collect stickers for each one reached, and receive a medal and certificate at the end. The 2025 Challenge, called ‘Story Garden’, celebrated nature, with almost 8,000 children taking part in Nottinghamshire alone.
The Gateshead Volunteer Centre is run by Connected Voice and coordinates recruitment for library programmes and other community initiatives. Drop-in sessions operate from several venues including Birtley Library, Teams Life Centre and Winlaton Community Centre.
Queries about the Summer Reading Challenge volunteer role can be directed to the centre by emailing [email protected].
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