Book Buddies Library Partners Working Together Suzy Murray

Book Buddies Library Partners Working Together Suzy Murray Sacramento Public Library May 5, 2009

North Natomas Branch Partnership Public Library • Families with very young children. K-12 School District • Early Childhood Education occupational program. Community College District • Early Childhood Education expertise. Suzy Murray

Book Buddies Modeled loosely on Read. Teen program in Providence, RI Six mentor/child pairs Weekly one-on-one sessions Reading and supplemental activities Suzy Murray

Teen volunteers Breanna and Selina and young fans. Suzy Murray

Output Results 23 mentoring sessions 24 children mentored Each child attended an average of 5 one-hour sessions 11 volunteers Each volunteer donated an average of 11. 5 hours as a volunteer mentor Suzy Murray

Outcome Results Volunteers 25% Required service hours Planning on careers working with children 100% Just love working with kids “The children learn!” “The learning is at THEIR own pace, not necessarily at the pace of the standards upheld in schools” Children 50% more confident readers “I had 2 children attend and they loved working with the "big kids", they loved going and looked forward to going each week. ” Suzy Murray

Next Steps Study ECE faculty member’s report Incorporate suggestions where practicable Create resource guide for use throughout system Expand program in permanent facility Suzy Murray

Cassie and Sadiyah Suzy Murray