Current Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in volunteering with RRSC but not sure where to start? Create an account on Vome Volunteer to fill out our general volunteer interest form or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at hannabell@raising-readers.org or 515-520-8686. For help creating your Vome account, check out "Creating Your Vome Account."

Reading Buddies Volunteer Applications

Spring 2026 Reading Buddies sessions will be hosted at North Grand Mall, Ames Public Library, and Nevada Memorial Lutheran Church from February 18th to April 30th. Reading Buddies pairs volunteers with early elementary students to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and foster a love of reading in a supportive setting. Volunteers play a meaningful, hands-on role by: 

• Reading and engaging in literacy activities with up to two children 

• Encouraging positive reading habits

• Supporting children as they practice fluency and comprehension 

• Creating a warm, welcoming environment for young readers 

• Contact Hanna Bell at hannabell@raising-readers.org or 515-520-8686 for more information

Reading Buddies at North Grand Mall, Ames (2801 Grand Ave.) 

Dates: February 19th - April 30th

Days: Tuesdays AND Thursdays

Time: 3:45 - 5:00 PM OR 4:45 - 6:00 PM 

North Grand Mall Reading Buddies: Spring 2026 Volunteer Application

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

Dates: February 18th - April 29th 

Days: Mondays AND Wednesdays

Time:  3:45 - 5:00 PM OR 4:45 - 6:00 PM    

Ames Public Library Reading Buddies: Spring 2026 Volunteer Application

Reading Buddies at Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada (701 11th St., Nevada)

Dates: February 18th - April 29th

Days: Mondays AND Wednesdays

Time: 3:45 - 5:00 PM

Nevada Memorial Lutheran Church Reading Buddies: Spring 2026 Volunteer Application

Story Pals Volunteer Applications

Spring 2026 Story Pals sessions will be hosted in Ames and Nevada from February 18th to April 29th. Story Pals pairs volunteers with preschool students to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and foster a love of reading in a supportive setting. Volunteers play a meaningful, hands-on role by: 

• Reading and holding conversation with up to two children

• Encouraging positive reading habits

• Supporting children as they expand vocabulary and critical thinking skills 

• Creating a warm, welcoming environment for young readers 

• Contact Hanna Bell at hannabell@raising-readers.org or 515-520-8686 for more information

Story Pals at Nevada Central Elementary (925 H Ave)

Dates: February 11th - April 29th

Days: Wednesdays

Time: 8:45 - 10:15 AM OR 12:45 - 2:15 PM 

Nevada Central Elementary Story Pals: Spring 2026 Volunteer Application

Story Pals at Ames Community Preschool Center (920 Carroll Ave.) 

Dates: Tentatively Scheduled for February 23rd - April 15th 

Days: Mondays AND Wednesdays

Time:  1:00 - 2:30 PM

Ames Community Preschool Center Story Pals: Spring 2026 Volunteer Application

Story Pals at Northwood Preschool (3012 Duff Ave.) 

Dates: Scheduled to run between March 3rd - April 23rd 

Days: Tuesdays AND Thursdays

Time:  9:15 AM to 10:45 AM OR 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

Northwood Preschool Story Pals: Spring 2026 Volunteer Application

Small Talk Volunteer Applications

The winter 2026 Small Talk sessions will be hosted at North Grand Mall on Tuesday evenings January 6th to March 10th. Volunteers can sign up for as many or as few sessions as they want and are expected to be onsite from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM or 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM. Small Talk is a program that provides parents with education courses to help them utilize language to boost developmental language skills. Our volunteers work closely with Robyn, the Family Literacy Specialist, to oversee station activities, help with participant check in, and read the weekly story time book. A light dinner will be provided to participants and volunteers.

Winter 2026 Small Talk Volunteer Sign Up

Playful Pages Family Workshops Volunteer Applications

The 2026 Playful Pages sessions will be hosted at North Grand Mall on the third Saturday of each month. Volunteers can sign up for as many or as few sessions as they want and are expected to be onsite from 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM. Playful Pages Family Workshops is an opportunity for story time, caregiver strategies, and collaborative activities that build language and literacy through family play! Our volunteers work closely with Robyn, the Family Literacy Specialist, to greet families at the door and check them in, assist with on the spot registration, help out with station activities, and complete other tasks as assigned.

Winter 2026 Playful Pages Volunteer Sign Up