Reading Buddies

There is something magical about sharing a story with a child. BrightRoots Reading Buddies pairs caring volunteers with young readers for one-on-one reading sessions that build literacy skills, boost confidence, and create lasting connections. Since its launch in 2010, the program has matched over 1,200 volunteer-child pairs and distributed more than 15,000 books to families in our community.

How It Works

Each Reading Buddy volunteer is carefully matched with a child based on age, interests, and personality. Pairs meet once a week for 45-minute reading sessions at one of our partner locations, including libraries, schools, and community centers. Sessions follow a structured yet flexible format:

1. Warm-up: A quick conversation or game to build rapport and ease into the session
2. Shared reading: The buddy and child read together, taking turns and talking about the story
3. Skill building: Focused activities on letter sounds, vocabulary, comprehension, or storytelling
4. Free choice: The child picks a favorite book to read or explore independently
5. Book gifting: At the end of each month, every child takes home a brand-new book to keep

Literacy Development at Every Stage

Reading Buddies supports children from pre-readers through emerging independent readers:

• Pre-readers (ages 2-4): Developing print awareness, learning to hold and explore books, building vocabulary through picture walks, enjoying the rhythm of read-alouds
• Emerging readers (ages 4-6): Recognizing letters and sounds, connecting words to meaning, practicing decoding strategies, building reading stamina
• Early independent readers (ages 6-8): Strengthening fluency and comprehension, exploring new genres, developing a personal reading identity

Book Drives

Books belong in every home. BrightRoots organizes community book drives three times a year to ensure that every family in our network has access to high-quality, age-appropriate reading materials. Donated books are sorted, cleaned, and distributed through our programs, partner schools, and community events. We accept new and gently used books for children ages birth through eight.

Summer Reading Challenge

When school lets out, reading should not stop. Our annual Summer Reading Challenge keeps kids engaged with books through a fun, goal-based program that runs from June through August. Children set personalized reading goals, track their progress on colorful reading logs, and earn prizes along the way. Last summer, more than 400 children participated, collectively reading over 8,000 books.

Become a Reading Buddy

We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love books and want to make a difference in a child's life. No teaching experience is required. All Reading Buddies receive training in literacy support techniques, child interaction best practices, and program guidelines. A background check is required for all volunteers.

Learn more about volunteering or contact us to sign up as a Reading Buddy.