We'd like to introduce you to our Reading Activists of the month, Seventeen year old Natalie and sixteen year old Katie from Raise Your Volume Blaydon, the Reading Activist group in Gateshead.

Katie has been a Reading Activist for two years and loves Marvel and DC films and TV, art and writing. Natalie has been part of the group for just over a year and also enjoys Marvel and DC films and loves music.

Here's what group leader, Kirsty Ramshaw had to say about them:

"I am very proud of these two girls. They've managed to combine revision, exams and do so much work for our Superhero Event, in particular. They came down to the library regularly, not just on meeting days, and created posters and flyers, made decorations for the event, shopped and managed the money etc. I feel they have really 'achieved' and blossomed into the Reading Activists we want. And it's lovely to see them grow and feel more confident that they can contribute and do something that is enjoyed by other people."

Katie and Natalie have been involved in lots of other events and activities including organising a Dr Who Event with badge making, henna tattoos, tombola and refreshments, making a short film with the Tyeside Cinema Pop-Up film school and a 'Mockumentary' of a backwards reading book club called 'Koob Bulc'.

They have also volunteered for the Summer Reading Challenge this year and assisted children with Minecraft, badgemaking and loom bands, magic circuits and 'Creatures up Close' animal handling events.

And the girls have still managed to achieve great exam results in their GCSEs!

We caught up with Katie and Natalie to find out what they enjoy about Reading Activists.

What do you enjoy most about Reading Activists?

Katie - Bouncing ideas around with the rest of the group and then creating something fantastic.

Natalie - Working in a team and meeting new people, both in the group and at events.

How has being a Reading Activist changed you?

Katie - I'm more self-confident and given the opportunity, take on more responsibility.

Natalie - I've Grown more confident in talking and giving my opinion in a group. I've also learned to work with others and listen to what they say. I've learned to be more diplomatic (!) and discovered I have leadership qualities when given the opportunity.

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

Katie - Go for it, it's fun!

Natalie - Do it, you'll meet new people and mix with people you normally wouldn't meet.

What have you learnt/what skills have you gained?

Katie - self-confidence and feeling more comfortable talking to new people.

Natalie - Co-operation to make events happen, improved communication with others and discovering my hidden leadership qualities!

Get Involved

Read about some of our previous Reading Activists of the month, Andrea and Ylenia, and Leah.

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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.