Buddies Read Together at the Mercer Island Library This Summer

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.