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 to Volunteer
- Must be 16 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 an upcoming Reading Buddy Volunteer Orientation.
For questions about volunteer orientation, please email us at volunteer@scld.org.
Participating Schools
“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
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
Apply to Be a Reading Buddy Volunteer
You can fill out the volunteer application through our online portal to get started.
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.
