Kids Buddy Up To Promote Reading At Keene Public Library

Young children and older teens and 'tweens interested in developing a love of reading need look no farther than the Keene Public Library. The program called “Book Buddies” pairs rookie readers with trained veteran readers. Students entering first, second, or third grade are encouraged to sign up now so that they can be matched with older students entering the fifth through the twelth grade. For five weeks (July 2 - August 2), these “Book Buddies” will meet regularly at the library to read, write, and talk about books.  Meeting times are either Monays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p..m. or Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The “Big Buddy” mentors promote an interest in books, reading, and writing as well as encourage the “Little Buddy” to practice new reading skills at home.  With the help of “Big Buddies,” young children will gain confidence in their reading and themselves while building an interest in books and a love of reading and writing. 

The library is currently recruiting both Little and Big Book Buddies.  Applications are availble in the Library's Youth Department. You can also download pdfs of both Little Buddy Application and Big Buddies Applications. On the application, you can choose whether you want to particate in the Monday or Thursday book buddy program. 

Little Buddies may be struggling with reading or they may just want a little extra help. Please provide as much information as possible so that we can match pairs according to schedule needs. Book Buddies may strike a chord with teens and 'tweens looking to do something especially meaningful this summer. A special training is required of Big Book Buddies. This training takes place on Saturay June 30 at 10:00 a.m. 

This is the fifth year of the Book Buddy Program at the Keene Public Library. ast year, there were 23 pairs of reading buddies at the library. To get ready, the library has been beefing up its collection of beginning readers. This year, there will be plenty of materials for each pair.  Some of the popular themes for beginning readers are animals, comics, superheroes, and humorous books. 

Registration for Book Buddies has begun and will continue through Wednesday, June 19. Participants will be notified of their partners and meeting as soon as possible after June 19.  

For more information, please call Gail Zachariah at 603-352-0157.