Reading Partners

Library helps with homework through Reading Partners

SPRINGFIELD With reading and writing at the core of educational success, it's essential that students are proficient in these areas. With that in mind, the Springfield City Library's Sixteen Acres Branch has just launched Reading Partners, a free program to provide homework help in those core areas. The program is designed to provide tutoring in reading and writing for elementary school-aged children.

The idea to offer this program came from the Sixteen Acres Branch Advisory Committee. This group of community volunteers provides the Library with ideas for programs, services and collection development. The reading partners who will participate in this program are all volunteers, and many are retired educators and librarians. Since safety is paramount when planning programs for children, all volunteers have been screened and passed a background check.

"The advisory committee is an important part of our ability to learn what's important to our community, and they have expressed that education of our students is vital," said Norma Couture, Sixteen Acres Branch manager. "Their role as reading partners allows us to meet that community need, and we are very grateful for their time and commitment."

The reading partners are available by appointment, and all sessions will take place at the Sixteen Acres Branch, 1187 Parker St. To find out more or to book an appointment, call 263-6858.