Reading Mentors is Back Up and Running

The Talkeetna Public Library’s Reading Mentors program started back up last week and will continue through the end of November. The program is a collaboration between the library, Friends of the Talkeetna Library and the school. 

Every Tuesday, a handful of elementary kids skip the school bus home and instead ride the Sunshine Transit to meet with a mentor at the library. Head Librarian Tasja Williams says their biggest goal is to build the children's confidence. 

While the aim is for the students to read to their mentors, sometimes the kids prefer to listen, and who picks out the books also varies from session to session.

Former Head Librarian Geri Denkewalter says many children are afraid to read aloud when a teacher calls on them in class. They won’t offer to participate, and they’ll even try to avoid getting called on. The program wanted to address this issue and, hopefully, make reading fun along the way. 

The program serves students in first, second and third grades. Readers of all levels are encouraged to participate. 

One mentor says it’s important to remember that kids are in school all day, and this is not meant to be a continuation of their existing reading programs. She tries to make each session a pleasant, supportive and positive experience.