Thank you for your interest in being a Teen Reading Buddy for the Caldwell Public Library! This is a wonderful program that pairs YOU, a teen volunteer, with a child learning to read and/or developing their reading skills and interests. Your role is not to tutor, but to help inspire confidence in the child's own reading abilities and at their own pace -- no matter where they are on their reading journey.
THIS FORM MUST BE FILLED OUT BY THE TEEN INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING, NOT THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN. THIS IS THE FORM FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR -- IT MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL VOLUNTEERS -- THOSE WHO ARE NEW TO, RETURNING TO, AND CONTINUING IN THE PROGRAM.
Before starting and to qualify as a Reading Buddy for the Caldwell Public Library, you must:- Be 13-18 years old AND in grades 7-12
- Live or go to school in Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, or Essex Fells
- Fill out this, the Caldwell Public Library Reading Buddy application form
- Fill out the CURRENT general Caldwell Public Library TEEN VOLUNTEER APPLICATION (https://tinyurl.com/CPLVolunteers2526)
- Submit a Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, media specialist, or school advisor
- Attend a Reading Buddy meeting -- there will be both virtual and in-person options
To remain in Good Standing as a Reading Buddy, all active Reading Buddy volunteers need to:
Communicate!
Keep in contact with the Youth Services Librarian about your activity -- especially if you take a break or decide to stop being a Reading Buddy.
Record ALL Reading Buddy sessions on the Caldwell Public Library Teen Volunteer Log (Google Forms or paper volunteer log)
- Reading Buddy volunteer time should be entered at the end of each session; it MUST be recorded by the end of each month. Volunteer time cannot be estimated or back-dated for volunteer credit.
- Volunteers who do not record/enter their volunteer time on the Caldwell Public Library's volunteer log will not have their volunteer time verified/confirmed.
Hold in-person sessions at the Caldwell Public Library's temporary location (24-D Smull Ave.)
- Sessions should be held at the Library's temporary location.
- Those with availability that does not match the Caldwell Public Library's open hours may still use alternate public locations, but this must first be approved by the Youth Services Librarian.
- Sessions may sometimes need to be scheduled around the Library's other programming. Always check the programming calendar for potential conflicts -- especially if you are working with a child with sensory sensitivities.
- Options will still be available for those who prefer to meet virtually.
