Reading Buddies is a free program offered by the Louisville Public Library that pairs teenage volunteers with K-2nd grade students who are learning to read. They work together one-on-one for an hour every week, reading and participating in reading-related activities. Each Little Buddy works with the same Big Buddy throughout the session. The program helps boost young readers' skills and make them excited about reading and the library. It gives Big Buddies the chance to make a real difference in a child's life.

Reading Buddies was first offered at the Louisville Library in the summer of 2009, and has expanded since then to three sessions (on Sundays and Mondays) and over 40 participants.

Who are the Big Buddies?

Big Buddies are volunteers in grades 7-12 who apply to mentor a younger student. Big Buddies from any school are welcome; our current Buddies come from Louisville Middle School, Summit Middle School, Monarch K-8, Monarch High School, and Fairview High School. Before participating in Reading Buddies, all Big Buddies participate in a two-hour training program. Big Buddies are NOT tutors - their job is to help Little Buddies enjoy reading, not to help them with homework or correct learning issues. Outstanding Big Buddies (with at least 25 hours of service) are recognized here.

Who are the Little Buddies?

Little Buddies are elementary school students who want extra help with reading or a teen mentor. Kids entering grades K-2 in the fall of 2010 will get priority in Buddy assignments, but we will also accept kids entering 3rd grade if we have space. Little Buddies are drawn primarily from Fireside, Coal Creek, Eldorado K-8, and Louisville Elementary School, but we accept applicants from anywhere. We accept Little Buddies of any reading level - Big Buddies are trained to help kids who are pre-reading as well as kids who can read chapter books.

How do I sign up?

Applications are available here or at the Louisville Library Children's Desk. If you submit the application online, you will need to sign the forms on the first day of the session. All Big Buddies who attend the training are accepted. For the Little Buddies, applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We will notify you a few weeks before the program begins if your child has been accepted or is on the waitlist. If you want to confirm that the library has received your application you can contact us here.

Attendance Policies

Reading Buddies must plan to attend at least 8 of the 10 sessions. The goal of the program is to establish a relationship between the Buddies, and attendance is critical to the success of the program. It is also very important to be on time; if a Little Buddy is late, their Big Buddy may be assigned to a different child for the day. If you will not be able to attend a session, please give us as much advance notice as possible. If a last minute emergency or child's illness comes up, please let us know as soon as you can. Parents of Little Buddies are required to remain in the library (though not with the Buddy pair) during the session.

Who runs the Reading Buddies Program?

The Reading Buddies program is organized and run completely by volunteers for the library. The Reading Buddies Coordinator, Kelsey Piper, is a junior at Fairview High School; she has been participating in Reading Buddies since 7th grade and organized the Louisville Library program in the summer of 2009. The Monday program is run by Lindsey Sitz, a senior at Monarch High School. Denise Brooks, the Children's librarian, has also been indispensible in organizing, promoting, and running the program.