Book Buddies
Book Buddies pairs teens and kids with the goal of improving kids’ confidence in their reading skills. Kids in grades K-3 are matched with teen volunteers and spend 30 minutes each week reading aloud during the 6-week series. A limited number will be able to participate and may be chosen by lottery.
- Submit an application August 23-September 3, 2024.
- K-3 grade readers will be notified via email no later than September 13.
- Parents/caregivers must confirm by September 18.
Fall 2024 Sessions
Teens attend 6:00-7:15 p.m. Kids assigned at 6:00 or 6:45 p.m.
Parents/caregivers of kids must remain in the library during the program at branches.
Deadline Extended
We have extended the deadline for applications through Sunday, September 8 for select locations.
- K-3 Applications extended for Bridgeton Trails and Thornhill branches.
- Teen Volunteers extended for Cliff Cave, Lewis & Clark, and Natural Bridge branches.
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Bridgeton Trails Branch | Wednesdays, September 25-October 30 |
| Cliff Cave Branch | Tuesdays, September 24-October 29 |
| Florissant Valley Branch | Wednesdays, September 25-October 30 |
| Grand Glaize Branch | Tuesdays, September 24-October 29 |
| Grant's View Branch | Wednesdays, September 25-October 30 |
| Lewis & Clark Branch | Tuesdays, September 24-October 29 |
| Meramec Valley Branch | Mondays, September 23-November 4 (No session October 14) |
| Natural Bridge Branch | Wednesdays, September 25-October 30 |
| Parkview Branch | Wednesdays, September 25-October 30 |
| Rock Road Branch | Tuesdays, September 24-October 29 |
| Thornhill Branch | Wednesdays, September 25-October 30 |
Virtual Option
Teens attend 6:00-7:15 p.m. Kids assigned at 6:00 or 6:45 p.m.
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Zoom | Tuesdays, September 24-October 29 |
Teen Volunteers
Open to ages 12-17. Ages 14-17 are eligible for the virtual option.
- Teen applicants chosen for a brief interview by phone or Zoom will be contacted by September 9.
- Teen volunteers must attend training and commit to all weekly sessions for the entire 6-week period.
- Teens will earn volunteer hours. Absences may result in forfeiting all earned volunteer hours.
Training
| Location | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Bridgeton Trails Branch | Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Cliff Cave Branch | Tuesday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Florissant Valley Branch | Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Grand Glaize Branch | Tuesday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Grant's View Branch | Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Lewis & Clark Branch | Tuesday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Meramec Valley Branch | Monday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Natural Bridge Branch | Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Parkview Branch | Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Rock Road Branch | Tuesday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. |
| Thornhill Branch | Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. |
Virtual Option
| Location | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Zoom | Tuesday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. |
Virtual Book Buddies Applicants
By registering and participating in the Library’s virtual program, you understand that the video and audio content is streamed to other participants if your microphone or video camera are on. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian’s permission to participate and anyone age 9 or younger must have direct adult supervision for the duration of the program.
In order to continue providing access to Library programs through Zoom, the Library was required to consent to Zoom’s educational data collection practices. By participating in virtual Library programs through Zoom, you are consenting to Zoom’s collection and use of the personal information described in Zoom’s Educational Privacy Statement. If you do not wish for Zoom to collect or use personal information from you and/or your child(ren), do not participate in this virtual Library program.