Annette and Sandy, STARR volunteers |
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BE A "STARR" WHEN YOU VOLUNTEER TO READ TO KIDS!
Children who come to school without the necessary skills and motivation to read are at great risk for academic difficulties. That's why the Springfield City Library is recruiting volunteers for its STARR program: S pringfield T ots A re R eady to R ead! STARR volunteers read, sing, and use puppetry to motivate children to love reading and to visit the Library. They visit community settings where children and families gather, such as WIC waiting rooms, Head Start classrooms, and the YWCA Family Shelter.
At the training, you'll learn how to help children develop early reading skills, how to choose good books and incorporate music, puppets and other props to bring excitement to your storytime, and you'll meet current STARR volunteers. A representative of an agency that hosts STARRs in its waiting room said, "When the STARR volunteers are here, there is joy and magic and music and, most importantly, reading in the air. They are teaching by example that reading to children is one of life's greatest pleasures."
What do you get when you mix enthusiastic volunteers, eager preschoolers, and an enriching array of reading material? STARR volunteers, that's what!
"I can't think of a greater seed to plant in a child than the joy of reading!" |
STARR stands for Springfield Tots Are Ready to Read, and it's a Springfield City Library volunteer program geared toward helping our city's kids get a head start on reading. STARRs is already gaining some big-time fans! Barnes & Noble Booksellers of Holyoke has also made a donation in support of the STARR project.
The Library is recruiting volunteers for STARR Story Time Presenters, STARR Story Time Outreach Presenters, and a STARR Behind-the-Scenes Associate. Potential STARRs can fill out an application form, available online or at any Springfield City Library location. You will be notified of the next training sessions. Qualified applicants will be interviewed and will undergo a CORI check (Criminal Offense Record Investigation) as required by state law.
What you'll give: two to four hours a month.
What you'll get: warm smiles, big hugs and the knowledge that you are making a difference.
"When the STARR volunteers are here, there is joy and magic and music and, most importantly, reading in the air. They are teaching by example that reading to children is one of life's greatest pleasures." |
Once trained, volunteers will share wonderful books and the joy of reading at locations throughout the city.
To find out more contact Jean Canosa Albano at 263-6828 x 291 or e-mail her at jcanosa@springfieldlibrary.org.
This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the state of Massachusetts.
For an online Volunteer Application Form, click here.
For a list of other volunteer opportunities, click here.
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