Reading Buddies is celebrating its 20th anniversary during the 2017-1018 school year, with a special kick-off this week by storyteller Joni Hahn at the Merrill locations. As part of the anniversary celebration, each child will receive a copy of the book, The Big Wide Mouthed Frog, and a sport water bottle.
Reading Buddies is an organization of more than 60 volunteers who read books to preschool-aged children in Lincoln County. The group is affiliated with the UW-Extension through the Lincoln County Association for Home and Community Education (HCE).
Starting the week of Oct. 10, volunteers will begin reading to small groups of children at three locations in Lincoln County: Pine River School for Young Learners in Merrill, Parkside Preschool in Merrill, and Tomahawk Head Start. This year Reading Buddies will be serving 210 children.
Each month, the children will receive a copy of the book that is read to them. They can then take the book home to continue to enjoy with their families. Each child will receive 11 free books for their home library this school year, with a few extra treats along the way.
During the 2017-2018 school year, over 2,300 books will be distributed to Lincoln County children. This is made possible through generous donors and the Tomahawk Star Foundation.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer reader, please contact the UW-Extension office at 715-539-1074.