Summer Reading Challenge volunteers celebrate in style

The Summer Reading Challenge has been a huge success this year: an amazing 839,622 children took part, read thousands of books and took part in fun activities in libraries. None of it could have been achieved without the hard work and assistance of dedicated volunteers, many of them young people. An amazing 8,126 young volunteers took part this year - a 43% increase on 2013.
Now the work is all over, the young volunteers are gathering to celebrate what they have achieved. Libraries have been throwing parties and events all over the UK to say a big thank you for all the effort and hard work.
Celebration events around the UK
In Gateshead, fifteen volunteers arrived at Central Library dressed in onesies and pyjamas to enjoy pizza, snacks and a film screening of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Library staff took the opportunity to hand out certificates and thank them for their contributions which included helping with Minecraft sessions, badge making, music and poetry events.
"Their hard work has been invaluable and the events have been a great success because of their help," said Sandra Clemens, Library Assistant.
Young volunteers in Somerset held a celebration event at the family attraction, Wookey Hole. They met best-selling author Ben Kane and received certificates for their volunteering contribution.
The volunteers were told that thanks to their hard work almost 70% of the children starting the Summer Reading Challenge had gone on to complete it. And to top it all off, Mythical Maze themed cakes were enjoyed by all.
Get involved
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Find out how many volunteers got involved in this year's Challenge.