The program helps both the older and younger children use the library together.

LEWISTON – Book Buddies will resume on Monday, Jan. 26, in the Children’s Room of the Lewiston Public Library.

Every Monday and Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., children will be matched – an older with a younger child – and guided through activities such as alternate-reading, listening to books on tape and playing reading-related games.

The Book Buddies program is designed to bring children together with books in a social setting where they can learn from each other. Older children get the satisfaction of helping younger ones use the library, and younger children get the attention of big kids. And everybody gets the chance to have fun.

On their third visit, each Book Buddy receives a spiral-bound progress book and begins working their way through the literacy activities. They win small prizes as they go and learn more about how to use the library and make it work for them. A popular part of the program is the reading games portion in which Book Buddies play such games as Verb Volcano, Adjective Silly Circus and Nouns All Around.

Book Buddies was begun in response to children asking for a chance to read to younger children and help them work on their reading. Library staff have found that young children learn better library habits while the older children reinforce their own skills by helping the younger ones.

Informally, children have always helped each other in the library and the Book Buddies program gives the children a chance to gain recognition for their efforts. Through the program, children learn how to cooperate and direct the use of their own time in the library.

Children’s Room librarians will run new Book Buddy orientations in January and February. Parents are encouraged to call the library to reserve spots.

Book Buddies will continue every Monday and Tuesday until May 18. For more information call the Lewiston Public Library at 784-0135, extension 4, or visit the Web at www.lplonline.org.