What is a Pitkin Pal?
The Pitkin Pals Reading Program is a crossed-age mentoring program which pairs high achieving high school students with elementary school students looking to sharpen their reading skills. Pitkin Pals encourage a love of books and reading, and bolsters reading confidence through fun, worthwhile learning activities and positive role-modeling.
How Does It Work?
Pitkin Pals will have pre-made, weekly appointments with their teen pals on Tuesday afternoons during the school year. Pal meetings last from 4:00pm to 4:45 pm. All Pals must commit to meeting for the entire month.
Who Should Sign Up?
Any child ages 5 to 10 who needs a little extra practice reading, or who enjoys reading aloud and/or being read to.
What Do Pitkin Pals Do?
During the Pitkin Pals meeting, Pals will choose two to three books and alternate reading to each other. They may also choose to do other learning activities, homework, and games. Older Pals will act as positive and encouraging role models to their younger Pals. All Pal meetings must take place in the Evelyn R. Flug Children’s Library under the supervision of library staff.
How to Become a Pitkin Pal?
Space is limited for younger Pitkin Pals.
Any teen age 12 or older is welcome to volunteer for this rewarding program. All teen volunteers must commit to meeting once a week for the whole month and may volunteer for subsequent months if interested. A brief training session will be required.
Contact
Children
Sierra Fransen, Children’s Programming and Outreach, 970-429-1923 or sierra.fransen@pitkincounty.com.
Teens
Madison Ledford, Young Adult Programming and Outreach, 970-429-1922 or madison.ledford@pitkincounty.com.