Meet eighteen year old Leah, our Reading Activist of the month. Leah, who is currently revising for her A levels, has been a Reading Activist in Newcastle for almost 4 years. Her hobbies are "living the Great Gatsby", reading (sometimes) and enjoying life!

Reading Activist Group leader, Judy Zajac nominated Leah because "she spurs the rest of the steering group on and she's always coming up with bright ideas. Her enthusiasm and motivation is exemplary."

We spoke to Leah to find out what she gets out of Reading Activists.

What do you enjoy most about Reading Activists?

Doing events and socialising. Plus it feels good to be able to volunteer and make a difference in something that interests you and makes life better for other people and Reading Activists really does this for volunteers and the public alike.

How has being a Reading Activist changed you?

I've been on a writing course with Arvon that really helped me develop my writing skills and confidence! Generally it's given me confidence

What would you say to a friend who is thinking of becoming a Reading Activist?

Just do it.

What have you learnt/what skills have you gained?

Through Reading Activists I've been able to:

• Organize and host events such as open mics
• Extend my social skills and awareness
• Meet new and interesting people
• Develop interviewing skills
• Volunteer with other events such as World Book Night, Word Book Day, Cany Comics and the Summer Reading Challenge

I'm currently working on recruitment and a magazine to present opportunities for other young people and appeal to their interests whilst encouraging reading (further details are classified at this moment in time), hopefully as the ideas for the magazine develop more and more people will get involved.

Get Involved

Read Leah's reflections from her time on the Arvon writing course.

Read about our previous Reading Activists of the month, Jake, Andrea and Ylenia, and Lewis.

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Interested in building your CV through volunteering or like the idea of meeting new friends whilst helping out at your local library? Find out more about Reading Activists and what you can do for yourself and for your local community.