Having Fun Playing a Reading Game

Reading Buddies is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2012 programs, running the week of June 4 through the week of July 30.  Big Buddy applications are due May 11; Little Buddy applications are due May 25. 

Reading Buddies is a free, award-winning reading enrichment program that pairs rising first, second, and third graders with teen volunteers.  They meet once a week to read together, play literacy games, and do group activities; at the end of the semester, the Buddies present a final group project to their families. 

In the summer, we also offer a Writing Buddies program  for rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders and their high school student mentors!

Reading Buddies is designed to give kids extra reading practice one-on-one with a caring, creative teen mentor and to make the reading experience fun!  The Big Buddy volunteers develop responsibility, leadership, and communication skills while they serve their community and make a difference in children's lives.

Please note:  Our program is not a tutoring service.  Teen Big Buddy volunteers are neither trained nor expected to correct learning problems or to teach children to read.  (Free tutoring by qualified adults is available Monday-Thursday during the school year at Lafayette Public Library's Homework Center.)

When does Reading Buddies take place?

In summer 2012, we are offering three programs:

• Mondays at Sanchez Elementary, 6/11-7/9, 12:15-2:45  (open only to Sanchez first and second graders, as per a grant requirement)
• Tuesdays at Lafayette Public Library, 6/5-7/31, 4:00-5:00
• Thursdays at Lafayette Public Library, 6/5-8/2, 6:00-7:00
• Writing Buddies: Thursdays at Lafayette Public Library, 6/5-8/2, 4:00-5:00

Who are the Reading Buddies?

• Little Buddies are students who will be in grades 1-3 (for the traditional Reading Buddies Program) or grades 4-6 (for our summer Writing Buddies Program).
• Little Buddies can be strong readers, below-grade readers, or kids just starting to learn to read--all levels are welcome!
• Priority is given to Lafayette residents and students attending Lafayette schools.
• Big Buddies are 7th through 12th graders.
• Big Buddies love to read and like interacting with younger children.
• Big Buddy applicants have an interview with the Reading Buddies coordinator and complete a training workshop before being accepted as volunteers; they receive ongoing training throughout the semester.

Want to become a Big Buddy for Reading Buddies? 
Read the guidelines for Big Buddies.  Applications are due May 11.

Want to become a Little Buddy in Reading Buddies?  
Read the guidelines for Little Buddies.  Applications are due May 25.

 Reading Buddies needs your help! 
The Lafayette Public Library has offered Reading Buddies for free since the summer of 2002.  We depend substantially on grants, fundraising, and donations to cover our operating expenses.  The Friends of the Library Foundation has been especially generous.

If you would like to help support Reading Buddies, please send a check (made out to "City of Lafayette" with "Reading Buddies" in the subject line) to the library or donate online through the Friends of the Library Foundation page.  Your donation is tax deductible.

Please let your City Council members know how much you appreciate this free reading enrichment program!

See our wish list (including adult volunteer needs, books, games, and materials, including an Amazon wish list) and help us recognize the generosity of our donors.

Questions? 
Sarah Dodson-Knight, Reading Buddies Coordinator 
303-665-5200 x3813
sarahd@cityoflafayette.com