WHAT IS READING BUDDIES?

Reading Buddies pairs teenage volunteers age 13-17 with children in grades K-2 (or in summer, children who have just completed grades K-2).  The Buddies meet for an hour every week of the session. A session is typically 7 weeks. The Buddies read together then do fun reading-related activities.

Reading Buddies helps boost young readers' skills and gets kids excited about reading and the library. It is not a tutoring service. 

The Reading Buddies program is facilitated by Reading Buddies Coordinators under the supervision of library staff. The Reading Buddies Coordinators are teen volunteers with prior experience and expertise in running the Reading Buddies program.

WHEN IS THE NEXT SESSION?

• Applications for Fall session will be available in August. Fall session typically runs September through November. 
• Applications for Winter session will be available in November. Winter session typically runs February through March.
• Applications for Summer session will be available in April. Summer session typically runs June through July.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Children in grades K-2 (or in summer, children who have just completed grades K-2) may apply to be a Little Buddy. Teens ages 13-17 may apply to be a Big Buddy. 

Applications will be available beginning April 1, 2026.

• LITTLE BUDDY APPLICATION
• BIG BUDDY APPLICATION

Applications are due May 8 at 5:00 PM.

If you would like assistance with the application process, please contact us. 

PLACEMENT INFORMATION

There are limited spots in the program. Buddies are partly placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Program capacity depends on how many Big Buddies and Little Buddies apply. You will be emailed about your status in the program by May 20 at 5:00 PM, 2026. Participants will receive further information at that time. 

REQUIRED TRAINING FOR NEW TEEN VOLUNTEERS

New Big Buddies who are accepted into the program are required to attend training on May 29 from 3:30-4:00 via Zoom. A link to the meeting will be sent prior to training. If you cannot attend this training, please contact us.

Returning Big Buddies are not required to attend training again. 

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Parents and caregivers are required to stay in the building during the program. Little Buddies must stay in the Children’s area during the program. 

PROGRAM DATES AND ABSENCES 

We ask that Big and Little Buddies be available to attend at least 4 dates of the session. Once accepted into the program, please contact us about unanticipated absences.

The Summer 2026 session dates are:

• Sunday, 6/7 3:30-4:30  
• Sunday, 6/14 3:30-4:30  
• NO session on June 21 (Father’s Day)
• Sunday, 6/28 3:30-4:30  
• Sunday, 7/5 3:30-4:30  
• Sunday, 7/12 3:30-4:30  
• Sunday, 7/19 3:30-4:30 
• Sunday, 7/26 3:30-4:30

CONTACT US

For questions regarding the Reading Buddies program, please contact us at childrensreference@louisvilleco.gov or call 303-335-4821.