The Reading Agency

Young people’s research Links between reading for pleasure and literacy 1 in 4 struggling with mental health Disproportionally high youth unemployment Impact of volunteering

Curriculum for Excellence Successful learners: using literacy and communication skills; thinking creatively; learning independently and as part of a group; making reasoned evaluation Confident individuals: self esteem; able to relate to others and manage themselves; develop and communicate their own beliefs and view of the world Responsible citizens: respect for others; develop knowledge & understanding of the world and Scotland’s place in it; understand different beliefs & cultures Effective contributors: communicating in different ways and different settings; work in partnership; apply critical thinking

Research and consultation Reading-based activity and volunteering develop young people’s skills and confidence. Young people most likely to engage when: youth-led/ youth-guided approaches peer-to-peer advocacy link to skills development Impact young people can have: when actively involved in reading based activities in encouraging younger children to read

Reading Activists BIG Lottery pilot: 8,677 Reading Activists in 54 hubs 3,218 youth-led events, for 26,148 YP 40,255 young people engaged online 601 young people accredited Young people say: 85% using the library more 71% enjoy reading more 86% gained new skills 53% borrow more books/e-books

Summer Reading Challenge volunteering 2014 Overall: 8,126 aged years recruited in the UK 1,740 libraries in 138 English authorities 43% increase in volunteers recruited 123,578 hours, 786 accredited, 33 got library jobs In Scotland: 136 volunteers in 29 English authorities 1759 hours, 87 accreditations, 70 continuing to volunteer in the library after summer

Why YP say they volunteer Valuable work experience; especially good for those thinking of a career working with children Counts towards accreditation (UCAS, DofE etc). A reference for employment and CV evidence Develops confidence, social skills and literacy skills Making a positive contribution to their community A chance to make new friends Encouragement to read more

Young people said: 85% gained new skills and experiences; 75% improved their communication skills; 66% valued talking to children about books; 71 % want to keep volunteering in a library. "Doing the challenge has really built my confidence as a person and has also given me plenty of new opportunities.“ Rob, young volunteer, North Yorkshire

Impact of SRCv on reading 49% more interested in books and reading 56% of volunteers intend to use the library more “The experience was fantastic. I achieved my first award on vInspired and had some brilliant opportunities. I've been able to write articles, I’ve had the prospects of continuing a reading group at the library and my writing skills progressed - which means a great deal to me.” Jess, Harrogate “

Continuing to volunteer 71% of volunteers said they would like to keep volunteering in a library 53% of library authorities have offered 1,488 young people opportunities to continue: Supporting younger/ older readers Developing teen activity Helping libraries develop

Reading Hack combines 3 things: Local activities Volunteering Youth advocacy

Reading Hack features Flexible and local with UK infrastructure National brand developed with young people Youth-facing website and social media Rewards, recognition, accreditation Training and support for staff Case studies, best practice Tracking progress (skills, hours volunteered)

Get involved SRC volunteers can create hack activities over the summer us to register interest Adopt Reading Hack branding for groups and activities

In the words of a young volunteer… “It teaches you so much, not just about libraries and work but about you as well. I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of volunteering because it helped me develop as a person by making me more confident and sociable”. Katy, young volunteer North Yorkshire Libraries

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