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. Repeated absence may result in losing a spot in current and future sessions.
Winter 2026 Sessions
Teens attend 6:00-7:15 p.m. Kids assigned at 6:00 p.m. or 6:45 p.m.
Parents/caregivers of kids must remain in the library during the program at branches.
- Submit an application January 2-January 12.
- Applicants will be notified via email no later than January 16.
- Parents/caregivers and teen volunteers must confirm participation by January 22.
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Bridgeton Trails Branch | Tuesdays, February 3-March 10 |
| Eureka Hills Branch | Mondays, February 2-March 16; no session February 16 |
| Meramec Valley Branch | Mondays, February 2-March 16; no session February 16 |
| Natural Bridge Branch | Mondays, February 2-March 16; no session February 16 |
| Oak Bend Branch | Wednesdays, February 4-March 11 |
| Thornhill Branch | Wednesdays, February 4-March 11 |
Teen Volunteers
Open to ages 12-17.
- Teen applicants will be notified via email no later than January 16.
- Teen volunteers must attend training and commit to all weekly sessions for the entire 6-week period.
- Teens will earn volunteer hours. Repeated absence may result in losing a spot in current and future sessions and forfeiting volunteer hours.
Training
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Bridgeton Trails Branch | Tuesday, January 27 |
| Eureka Hills Branch | Monday, January 26 |
| Meramec Valley Branch | Monday, January 26 |
| Natural Bridge Branch | Monday, January 26 |
| Oak Bend Branch | Wednesday, January 28 |
| Thornhill Branch | Wednesday, January 28 |