4-H Reading Buddies

The ability to gain knowledge and pleasure through reading, and to communicate clearly with others, is critical to positive youth development. Our community is very diverse, with an ever-increasing number of new immigrant and low-income families. English is a second language for many. While the local libraries offer many programs for pre-schoolers, there are no special programs for the children who are just learning how to read. I am a youth leader in a literacy program at the local library called 4-H Reading Buddies. Reading Buddies works to promote literacy among the children of this neighborhood by bringing free creative, fun, and educational activities to grades K-3. It also encourages families to come to their local library. This monthly program is planned and executed by myself and other youth in my 4-H club, in cooperation with the library. In the near future we would like to expand our audience of young visitors to the library by posting publicity signs in English and Spanish in the neighborhood and around the elementary schools.