On a sunny June morning Quorn Community Library welcomed a host of local dignitaries as His Majesty’s Representative The Lord-Lieutenant Mike Kapur presented the volunteers of Quorn Community Library with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024. The award recognises the achievements of voluntary groups, is equivalent to an MBE, and is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.

In his speech Mr Kapur highlighted the initial challenges the volunteers had overcome, and their subsequent achievements within the wider community, delivered alongside the library service.

The Grant of Appointment was read by Deputy Lieutenant The Baroness Byford, a member of the submission panel that had involved the volunteers.

The Emblem and Grant of Appointment were then presented to the library’s Volunteer Coordinator, Tricia Wray, on behalf of the volunteers.

Tricia said, “This award is a huge achievement for every one of us”.

Following the presentation volunteers discussed their volunteering experience with the guests, which included Chairman of Leicestershire County Council Mr Paul Harrison, Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire Baroness Byford, Mayor of Charnwood Mr David Northage and Mayoress Mrs Jenny Northage, Head of Service, Culture Leicestershire Franne Wills, Mr Geoffrey Smith, former Director of Libraries & Information Leicestershire County Council, Borough Councillor and former County Councillor Hilary Fryer.

This year children will tap into a world of imagination through reading to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature.

You can take part in the summer reading challenge at all Leicestershire Libraries between 5 July and 6 September 2025. Join, read books, get rewards and have fun!

Created by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries, this year’s challenge encourages children to explore the connection between storytelling and nature.

How the Summer Reading Challenge works

• Children sign up at their local library to start their Challenge.
• Throughout the summer, children earn stickers by borrowing books and attending special events in our libraries.
• Library staff and volunteers are on hand to chat to children about books they have read.
• There are rewards and incentives along the way to encourage you to read.
• To complete the challenge, earn 6 stickers by reading library books or attending events. Once 6 stickers have been collected, receives a medal, certificate and special seeded bookmark!

It’s all free, fun and a great way to keep children reading over the summer holidays.

Children can also take part online for digital reward by signing up for a website profile website profile at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk (Link is external and opens in new window) (children will be asked to provide a parent/carer email address to approve signup.