Do you love reading and everything about the literary world? Do you want to spread the love of reading to young children? Â Want to earn volunteer hours and leadership skills along the way?
Let me introduce you to one of my favourite programs that the Calgary Public Library offers. Reading Buddies is a chance to work with students in Grades 1-3 to teach them the true power of the literary world. If you are in Grades 7-12, then you can definitely volunteer for this program. Volunteers are especially needed at the Shaganappi and Alexander Calhoun libraries. If you would like to volunteer for this program (which I highly encourage), just email tammy.profili@calgarypubliclibrary.com or kim.wagner@calgarypubliclibrary.com for more information.
I personally have been volunteering with the Reading Buddies program for the past four years and have enjoyed every minute of it and have been through so many eye-opening experiences along the way. My favourite would have to be the time when I was buddies, with the sweetest little girl who I believe had cerebral palsy. She was honestly very communicative once you got to know her, and enjoyed all sorts of literature. She could also beat me at a game of Pictionary any day as her drawing skills far exceeded mine. I’ll never forget the day we were reading a story about a fairy who granted wishes. When I asked her what her wish would be, she replied with “nothing, I like the way I am.” This was a truly touching moment which I will never forget.