Reading Buddies

Reading Buddies is a literacy program for children in Grades 1–5 who may be struggling with or not enjoying reading. Each child is paired with a trained teen volunteer from the community to make reading fun and engaging while strengthening literacy skills.

Students are invited to apply for their own personal Reading Buddy, and teens in Grades 9–12 are encouraged to apply as volunteers.

Registration is open from Now to September 16. Apply below or download and print the relevant application form.

Child Application Teen Volunteer Application

Wednesdays, October 7 - December 16 (excluding November 11) | 4:30 – 5:15 pm

Please note: Submitting an application does not guarantee a space in the program.

Reading Buddies

Reading Buddies Program Application

Summary

Under the direction of the Library Programmer, volunteers provide reading support and practice to children in grades 1–5.

Program Dates

Program runs for 10 weeks on Wednesdays, from October 7 - December 16 from 4:30 - 5:15 pm.

Availability

Reading Buddies is a limited program. All efforts will be made to match your child with a volunteer. We regret that we may not be able to fill all requests.

Child's Name:

Date of Birth:

School:

Grade:

Library Card Number:

Parent/Guardian Name:

Email Address:

Parent/Guardian Phone Number:

Emergency Contact Name:

Emergency Contact Phone Number:

Emergency Contact Relation to Child:

Please briefly describe why you would like your child to participate, including your child's reading ability and problem areas:

Hobbies/Interests: Tell us a bit about your child to better match them with a reading buddy:

What is their favourite book?

I am applying to have my child join the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library Reading Buddies Program.

I understand that my child will meet with a screened and oriented volunteer at the Library.

I understand that all sessions take place at the Library and I am responsible for transport.

I understand that Library staff will not supervise the session and I must remain onsite.

Reading Buddies Teen Application

Summary

Under the direction of the Library Programmer, provides reading support and practice to children in grades 1 – 5.

Responsibilities

Provide reading support through 1-on-1 time with your reading buddy in a group setting.
Create an encouraging and positive environment for your reader.
Identify child's interests and reading interests and help select appropriate reading material.
Good attendance and punctuality.
Responsible for following Health and Safety policy and procedures.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in high school.
Ability to read and recite texts proficiently.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, adults and peers.
Enthusiasm for working with children.

Time Commitment

All reading sessions take place on Library premises on Wednesday evenings between 4:15 and 5:15 pm for a duration of 10 weeks from October 7 - December 16.

Training

Accepted volunteers must attend an orientation session prior to the beginning of the program on Wednesday, September 23 from 3:45 – 4:45 pm.

First Name:

Last Name:

Phone:

Email Address:

School:

Grade:

I am interested in Reading Buddies because:

Work/Volunteer experience:

Hobbies and Interests: Tell us about yourself to better match you with a reading buddy.

What is your favourite book?

I understand that if I do not attend the orientation session I will not be able to participate in the program.

I understand that I will be matched with a child, for a duration of 5 consecutive weeks.

I agree to notify the Library if I am unable to attend a session and that the Library assumes no responsibility for my absence. I will not be awarded volunteer time for absent sessions.

My parents are aware that I am participating in this program and will support my attendance.

*** PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A LIMITED PROGRAM. THIS APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE A PLACEMENT.***