What is Reading Buddies?
The Reading Buddies Program is a literacy-based program that pairs kindergarten, first, and second grade students with teen volunteers who have been trained to help young readers. Children will meet with their Reading Buddy once a week to read together and do fun group activities in order to help boost reading levels and reading self-esteem. The Reading Buddies Program is designed to give children extra reading practice one-on-one with a mentor and to make the reading experience fun! We will be celebrating reading by doing creative projects, as well as providing snacks and literacy based games.
How to Apply
Please contact Sarah Falter at 573-897-2951 or falters@mrrl.org. if you have any questions about the program.
Applications are accepted on a first come basis.
Teens
Little Buddies
The application is opened! The first session will be Thursday, July 9th, 2026, and the program will end on Thursday, July 30st, 2026. We will have one session each week on Thursdays from 3:00-4:00p.m. Parents need to provide transportation to and from the library for the sessions. If your child is not able to attend a session, please contact the Reading Buddies coordinator, so that your child’s Reading Buddy can be notified.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Sarah Falter at the Osage Branch Missouri River Regional Library at (573) 897-2951 or via email at falters@mrrl.org. Once you have submitted the application, we will contact you to confirm your child’s participation in the program. Applications will be accepted on a first come basis. We hope to see you at the Library this summer!