By QI WANG
Every spring, the Jericho Public Library holds a Book Buddies Program which matches older student volunteers with younger kids to read together and help foster a love for reading.
Coordinator Roseann Lewandowski explained the benefits of the program.“It’s an eight-week reading program. Book buddies usually read half an hour or longer every week,” Lewandowski said. Preparing and running Book Buddies keeps Lewandowski very busy. “We have much more stuff to do every time before the beginning of every spring program. We have many volunteers’ applications, we need to choose and match the student volunteers and younger kids together, but it’s worth it,” she said. All the hard work pays off, especially when Lewandowski sees the relationships form between the volunteers and the young children. “The younger look forward to seeing the older, and the time and care they give is really great,” she added.
The volunteers also think the program is extremely beneficial. Freshman Stephanie Z. has been a book buddy for a month. “I chose to volunteer at Jericho Public Library because I love libraries and books. I read to children, which I like very much, because I’m helping them learn new things every time,” she said. “It’s actually really meaningful to help someone in a way that may seem small, but might impact the person a lot,” she added.
Freshman Sherry Z. has been a book buddy for two years. “It’s very fun and interesting to play with cute little kids and make friends with them. I have recommended the Book Buddies Program to my friends,” she said.
One of those friends is freshman Jessie L. who joined the Book Buddies Program this year. “I like interacting with kids. It’s a good chance for me to learn how to communicate with strangers, and increase my responsibility to society,” Jessie said. “I feel more confident while talking with kids. I learned how to be a good reader. The Book Buddies Program is beneficial to both the kids and the volunteers,” she added.
Lewandowski endorsed this idea. “The Book Buddies Program is great for both students and children,” Lewandowski said. “Jericho student volunteers are helping the community, library. Also, they form a connection with their book buddies and enjoy it,” she added.