Volunteer

READING BUDDY PROGRAM

You can help a child improve their reading skills & gain confidence as a reader.

A reading buddy is a volunteer who loves reading and enjoys spending time with kids.

The Reading Buddy Program pairs volunteers, as mentors, with elementary school students.

As a reading buddy, you meet with a student once per week for 8 weeks to read together one-on-one and foster a love of reading.

Requirements for the Reading Buddy Program

• Must be 18 years or older
• Provide consent to a background check
• Attend an orientation
• Commit to at least one 10-week session
• Apply online at our Volunteer Application Portal

Check our events calendar for upcoming Reading Buddy Orientations.

For questions about volunteer orientation, please email us at volunteer@scld.org.

“Our Brentwood teachers really appreciate having another resource for students who need additional help in reading. My teachers have shared with me how impressed they are with the Reading Buddy Program and its volunteers. Not only do kids love meeting with their reading buddy, they are also making steady gains in language arts and reading. I feel truly blessed to have this partnership with Spokane County Library District.”

–Justin Valentine, Principal, Brentwood Elementary

Participating Schools

Central Valley School District: Broadway, McDonald, and Progress Elementary Schools

Cheney School District: Salnave Elementary School

East Valley School District: Otis Orchards Elementary School

Mead School District: Brentwood Elementary School

West Valley School District: Pasadena Park Elementary School

Questions about the program?

If you are a parent or guardian of an elementary student and are looking to learn more, visit our Reading Buddy Program page.

If you have any questions about volunteering for the Reading Buddy Program, please contact our Literacy Program Coordinator, Melanie Boerner, at 509.893.8408 or mboerner@scld.org.

 

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Spokane County Library District has been fortunate to attract wonderful volunteers. When individuals invest their time and skills by volunteering at the library, they also invest in their community.

Studies have shown that there are health benefits to volunteering as well, including reducing your stress levels and staying physically and mentally active, which may help you live longer (Mayo Clinic, Help Guide).

Whether you prefer to be behind the scenes or in a visible role, whether you prefer to work alone or as part of a team, your love of the library may make it the ideal place to volunteer.

Requirements for Volunteering

• Must be 18 years or older
• Provide consent to a background check
• Contribute your time and skills willingly and without expectation of compensation
• Apply online at our Volunteer Application Portal

While there are a limited number of volunteer opportunities available at our libraries at any given time, we make an effort to place as many applicants as possible. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that we will have an opportunity for all volunteer applicants.

Generally, Spokane County Library District is not able to accommodate court-ordered community service. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Executive Director.

If you have a question about volunteering at one of our libraries, please email volunteer@scld.org or call 509.893.8200.