The Reader Leader Program is a peer tutoring program that matches elementary school children entering 1st to 5th grades (READERS) with middle or high school students (LEADERS) for one-on-one reading sessions.

The program takes place during a six week period in the summer at both the the Main Library and the Grand Avenue Branch Library.

Readers are children who are below grade level in their reading skills.

Teachers must provide a note stating that the child is reading below grade level and is eligible for the program.

Leaders are recruited through flyers sent to the local middle and high schools. Leaders might also find out about the program through a visit to the library or from a friend.

The Reader Leader Coordinators train the Leaders in a two hour training session. The Leaders are asked to commit to six hours of working with a younger student. This is usually done once a week for six weeks. The reading partners meet one hour weekly.

The Leader selects a child to work with (a READER) from the file of Reader applications. The Leader will call the Reader’s parent to arrange a meeting at the Main or Grand Avenue Library during designated time periods.

Readers: Parents are asked to complete a registration form and provide a teacher's note that states the child is reading below grade level.
Leaders: First time Leaders must attend a training session at the Main Library or Grand Avenue Branch Library in June. Returning Leaders may fill out an application available at either library in June. Please visit our Volunteer page.