The King County Library System's "Reading Buddies" program is back for another summer at the starting on June 25.
The program, which has teens help children ages 5-8 with their reading, will be available on four Mondays this summer from 2 to 4 p.m.
Kids interested in participating can drop in at the library and connect with a teen mentor for a 20 minute reading session. Kids are welcome to bring their own books to read, though the library also has special selections for the program as well.
"It's a wonderful program," said Carrie Bowman, Teen Services Librarian with the KCLS.
Bowman says the kids really enjoy working with the teens and having a chance to practice reading outside of the home or school.
"It's fun for them to have a teen mentor," Bowman said.
The teens themselves are trained by the library for the program, and the library appreciates the help they provide.
"The teens are really super-duper," Bowman said.
"Reading Buddies" will run on June 25, July 2, July 9 and July 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mercer Island Library. The library is also looking for more teen volunteers. Teens can apply to be volunteers by emailing Carrie Bowman at clbowman@kcls.org or by stopping by the library to pick up an application. Application materials are due by 9 p.m. on Monday, June 11.
There is mandatory training for new volunteers on Monday, June 18 from 1:30-3:30. Returning volunteers do not need to take the training.
