Beginning in 1963, Mr. Melvin Bradley and Mrs. Bradley founded the T~R Ranch and Summer School for boys. It was a school where young boys could learn how to live life on a ranch in Colorado and also be mentored and tutored in school subjects. When the Bradley’s passed, they left grant money to the Hayden Public Library which was to be used to pay teen mentors to meet with younger children who expressed an interest in reading, writing or branching out as young individuals.
The program began in 2008 and has been offered every year except the summer of 2020.
When a parent expresses an interest in the Book Buddy program, we then work to get their child paired up with a teen mentor. When we find a match, we’ll schedule a getting-to-know-you meeting where the child and the teen can meet and the parent has the opportunity to talk to the mentor about reading times and state other questions or concerns. We ask that the reading always happens at the library so that the child can learn in a safe and productive environment where there are always adults ready to handle any problems. After the initial meeting, it is the mentor’s job to contact the family when needed and remind them of reading times, etc. However, if there are any questions or concerns, our Book Buddy Coordinator and Library Director, Ana Lash will always be available to help!
Is Book Buddies right for you and your child?
The great thing about Book Buddies is we work around you and your child’s schedule! As soon as we pair your child up with a teen mentor, you have the opportunity to work with them to create a customized schedule! You can arrange for your child to meet as often or as little as you like on the days that work the best for you! Your child can also meet for as long as you want.
Your child can have trouble in reading, writing, math or communicating to participate, but they can also just love to read or play games! It is a great opportunity for your child to branch out in a safe, fun environment! We make sure our mentors are prepared to read with your child and also to play educational games with them.
Book Buddies is also free for you and your child!
How do you sign your little one up?
It’s as easy as expressing an interest at the front desk or giving us a call at 276-3777. We will then put your name down on a list and give you a call when we find a mentor for your child! If you know of a teen your child would be comfortable with, you can request that teen also. We only ask that your child not be paired up with older siblings.
Questions/Concerns?
Just ask! We are only a phone call away!
Thank you for your interest!
-Hayden Public Library-
(970) 276-3777