Reading Buddies

Reading Buddies is an out-of-school literacy development program that utilizes trained volunteers to provide reading support sessions for enrolled students. Student skills are evaluated on the first day of program to determine activities during the sessions. In addition, each session contains a shared reading component to apply their reading skills and provide a positive shared reading experience for both student and volunteer. This program is offered at no cost to the participant.

Reading Buddies is offered to children who are in kindergarten, first, and second grade. These 45-minute sessions are held twice a week and supervised by RRSC site facilitators. 

     

 

2026 Fall Reading Buddies

Fall Reading Buddies is offered to students enrolled in grades 1st and 2nd for the upcoming school year. All sites are available to the general public.

Student applications can be submitted HERE, and you can view details for each site below.

Reading Buddies at the Ames Public Library (515 Douglas Ave.) 

Dates: September 21-November 18

Days: Mondays AND Wednesdays

Time: 4:00 - 4:45 PM OR 5:00 - 5:45 PM     

 

Reading Buddies at the North Grand Mall (2801 Grand Ave.) 

Dates: September 24-November 19

Days: Tuesdays AND Thursdays

Time: 4:00 - 4:45 PM OR 5:00 - 5:45 PM  

 

Reading Buddies at Gates Memorial Hall (825 15th St.)

Dates: September 21-November 18

Days: Mondays AND Wednesdays

Time: 4:00 - 4:45 PM 

 

Click here for more information about our Summer 2026 Reading Buddies volunteer opportunities.