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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260330T160000
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CREATED:20260125T180004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T180004Z
UID:6310-1774886400-1774891800@draft.mbkhouston.com
SUMMARY:MBK & Houston Public Library Reading Buddies Initiative
DESCRIPTION:Strengthening Early Literacy Through Connection and Community\nMy Brother’s Keeper Houston\, in partnership with the Houston Public Library\, is launching the Reading Buddies Initiative during Spring and Summer 2026 to support early literacy and build confidence for elementary-aged readers across Houston. \nThis initiative pairs kindergarten through fifth grade students with high school and college-age volunteers for short\, consistent\, and engaging reading sessions held at Houston Public Library locations throughout the city. \nHow the Reading Buddies Program Works\nReading Buddies is designed to be impactful for students and manageable for volunteers: \n\nVolunteers are paired one-on-one with a K to 5 student\nEach session includes four 20-minute reading blocks\nA 3-minute transition period allows time to rotate participants between sessions\nSessions take place once per week at the library location selected by the volunteer\nTotal time commitment is just under 90 minutes per week\n\nPrograms run for 9-week cycles: \n\nSpring Session: March 30 to May 30\, 2026\nSummer Session: June 1 to July 31\, 2026\n\nWhy Reading Buddies Matters\nEarly literacy is a key predictor of long-term academic success. When students experience reading as supportive\, relational\, and fun\, they are more likely to: \n\nImprove reading fluency and comprehension\nBuild confidence and positive associations with learning\nStrengthen communication and social skills\nStay engaged in school\n\nBy pairing younger students with older peers\, Reading Buddies also creates leadership pathways and meaningful service opportunities for youth and young adults. \nCalling All Volunteers\nMBK Houston is currently recruiting high school and college students to serve as Reading Buddies. Volunteers will: \n\nSupport elementary students during weekly reading sessions\nServe as positive role models in a public library setting\nChoose a preferred Houston Public Library location where they can reliably attend\nParticipate in a brief virtual orientation and training before placement\n\nVolunteers can select from multiple library locations\, including: \n\nMcCrane-Kashmere Gardens\nRobinson-Westchase\nOak Forest\nFlores\nPark Place\n\nSpecific days and times are listed on the sign-up form \nWhat Volunteers Receive\nVolunteers who complete their commitment will receive: \n\nAn official volunteer hours letter\nEligibility for letters of recommendation for school\, scholarships\, jobs\, internships\, or service organizations\nHands-on experience working with youth in a structured\, supportive environment\n\nWho Should Volunteer\n\nHigh school students seeking service hours or leadership experience\nCollege and trade program students interested in education\, literacy\, or youth development\nYoung adults passionate about giving back to their community\n\nNo prior tutoring experience is required. Volunteers should enjoy working with children and be able to commit consistently for one session cycle. \nVolunteers must complete the Houston Public Library’s (HPL) Volunteer Form: \n\nYouth (14-17) https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1ed89539745d442dac3ff77d999979f3\nAdults (18+) https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/592a1aecfa2e44678424702e7c3a1418\n\n* Under why are you interested in volunteering at HPL? – enter will be participating in the Reading Buddies program. \nJoin the Reading Buddies Initiative\nReading Buddies is more than a program. It is a commitment to ensuring every child feels supported\, capable\, and encouraged as they grow as readers. \nInterested volunteers should complete the Reading Buddies Volunteer Interest and Sign-Up Form and select their preferred library location. \nTogether\, we can build stronger readers and stronger communities\, one page at a time.
URL:https://draft.mbkhouston.com/event/mbk-houston-public-library-reading-buddies-initiative/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://draft.mbkhouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Reading-buddies-image-scaled.jpg
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