Volunteer

Our Volunteers Say it Best! 

“I think I get more out of it than the kids do.  Where else can you get "free" hugs?” 

“I had the time of my life reading to those kids.  It made my day.” 

“I love working with children and believe if you can teach them to read and to enjoy reading the world will open up to them.” 

“Oh my gosh it was SO much fun!!” 

Book'em executive Melissa Spradlin with Kathie Dworak, Volunteer of the Year 2009.

“It is a pleasure to be involved with programs that bring children and education together.  I personally feel honored to participate in an effort which inspires the minds of tomorrow.”  
 

Our volunteers are our most valuable resource.  Book’em has more than 150 volunteers who serve as reading role models in area pre-schools and elementary schools and who help with our library, in the office and with events. 

Research shows that reading aloud to children greatly increases their ability to learn to read.   Some specifics about our two reading programs, Ready for Reading and Reading is Fundamental: 

Our Ready for Reading volunteers read weekly either to a small group of children or one-on-one with a child in a local pre-school that serves lower-income children.  Your time commitment, depending on the age of the children will range from 20 to 35 minutes, plus travel time.  You work with the reading site to determine what books to read.  We have numerous opportunities available in this program. Learn more.

Our Reading is Fundamental (RIF) volunteers serve kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms in selected Title I Metro schools. RIF volunteers visit a classroom five times between October and May to read and bring books to give to the students.  Time commitment is 1.5 to 2 hours per visit, some of which is spent traveling.  The volunteer is responsible for picking up books at Rose Park Magnet Middle School, and returning leftovers after the visit.  Time in the classroom is about 30 – 40 minutes.  We are currently seeking new volunteers for this program.  Learn more about RIF.

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete a Volunteer Application (click here for downloadable form) and sign our Policies Statements (click for form).  In addition, all volunteers 18 years and older must successfully complete a Background Check (click here for downloadable form) in order to volunteer with children. 

Other volunteer opportunities:

• Library Volunteers –sort, count, and organize books.
• Book Drive Organizer - organize a book drive in your neighborhood, congregation, club, at work.
• Office Support Volunteer - periodic projects on computers, input, etc.
• Help at Recruitment Fairs and other exhibits- staff a display table and tell people about Book'em.
• Help with Special Events - serve on the planning committee.
• Event fundraiser/funraising - help plan and execute a fundraising event.
  

For more information about volunteering, contact Martha Ann Pilcher at volunteers@bookem-kids.org. 

For Active Book'em Volunteers.