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 25-September 5.
- K-3 grade readers will be notified via email no later than September 15.
- Parents/caregivers must confirm by September 20.
Sessions
Teens attend 6:15-7:15 p.m. Kids assigned at 6:15 or 6:45 p.m.
Parents/caregivers must remain in the library during the program at branches.
| Bridgeton Trails Branch | Wednesdays, September 27–November 1 |
| Grand Glaize Branch | Tuesdays, September 26–November 7 (not October 31) |
| Jamestown Bluffs Branch | Tuesdays, September 26–November 7 (not October 31) |
| Meramec Valley Branch | Mondays, September 25–October 30 |
| Natural Bridge Branch | Wednesdays, September 27–November 1 |
Virtual Option
Teens attend 6:00-7:15 p.m. Kids assigned at 6:00 or 6:45 p.m.
| Zoom | Tuesdays, September 26–November 7 (not October 31) |
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 13.
- 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
| Bridgeton Trails Branch | Wednesday, September 20, 6:15 p.m. |
| Grand Glaize Branch | Tuesday, September 19, 6:15 p.m. |
| Jamestown Bluffs Branch | Tuesday, September 19, 6:15 p.m. |
| Meramec Valley Branch | Monday, September 18, 6:15 p.m. |
| Natural Bridge Branch | Wedneday, September 20, 6:15 p.m. |
Virtual Option
| Zoom | Tuesday, September 19, 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, [available at: https://zoom.us/educationalprivacy]. 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.