Reading Friends

It's an opportunity for students in grades 7-9 to provide reading help and practice for an elementary school student and a great way to earn volunteer experience hours, connect to your community and consider if you're interested in career options in education.

For students in grades 1-4 it's a chance to enjoy the great books at the library and become a better reader through practicing with a mentor.

Library staff are available for book recommendations and all sessions will be supervised by an elementary school teacher.

• A U of A comparison of reading ability scores among students in grades 1 to 3 . . . before and after COVID-19 classroom shutdowns showed that those who already had reading problems were up to six months behind where they should have been.
• Public libraries can nurture pre-reading skills and a love of reading, so that when children arrive at formal schooling they have the tools and the motivation to engage in learning and reading.
• Youth who are mentored can experience better academic performance, enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence, and more positive attitudes towards learning.

How it works

Reading Friends is on hiatus during July and August, but will return in fall 2022. Keep an eye out on the library's website or email library@highriverlibrary.ca for updates.