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 2026-2027 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 12-18 years old
- Live or go to school in Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, or Essex Fells
- Fill out the Caldwell Public Library Reading Buddy application form, below
- Fill out the CURRENT general Caldwell Public Library TEEN VOLUNTEER FORM
- Submit a Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, media specialist, or school advisor
- Attend a Reading Buddy Orientation meeting
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
- 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.
Schedule and hold in-person sessions at the Caldwell Public Library located at 80 Bloomfield Avenue
- Reading buddies should meet in-person at the Caldwell Public Library. If this proves difficult, alternative options may be arranged if volunteer and parent of the Little Buddy agree, provided the volunteer keeps the Youth Services Librarian informed. Meetings may not take place in your homes.
