The Perry Public Library is bringing in a new program through the United Way of Central Iowa, and the goal is to give children a leg up on starting to read.
The “Book Buddy” early literacy program will begin in October, and the library is looking for volunteers in the Perry community to form a team of readers. To that end, they will be hosting an informational meeting tomorrow from noon – 1 p.m. Participants will read one-on-one with preschool students, in particular those from low-income families, and will use an easy to follow curriculum. The children in the program will also get to bring home a copy of the featured book each week.
The United Way started the Book Buddy program because research has shown that children who start behind, stay behind when it comes to literacy. With the help of the reading volunteers, children will build important pre-reading skills needed for a strong start in school. The program is currently in use at eight locations in Des Moines, and organizers felt Perry was an ideal location to reach out to next. RSVP’s are recommended for people interested in attending tomorrow’s informational meeting, and can be done by clicking the link below.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to reach out to Rachel Brown, the Book Buddy Coordinator with the United Way, at bookbuddy@unitedwaydm.org or 515-554-1417.