Welcome to Griffin Buddies!
As part of our Summer Library Program, your Library is excited to welcome families and teens to Griffin Buddies, a heart warming reading program that pairs emerging readers with encouraging teen volunteers. This program is all about building confidence, strengthening reading skills, and sharing the joy of books—one smile at a time.
What Is Griffin Buddies?
Griffin Buddies brings together two important members of our summer reading community:
- Grifflets – emerging readers who are building early literacy skills
- Big Griffs – teen volunteers who serve as reading buddies, role models, and cheerleaders
Each Grifflet is paired with a Big Griff to practice reading together throughout the summer. These sessions are relaxed, positive, and focused on encouragement. Whether a Grifflet is sounding out their first words or working toward longer stories, their Big Griff is there every step of the way.
How the Program Works
Every Griffin Buddies pair sets their own reading goals based on the Grifflet’s interests and ability level. Pairs meet regularly over the summer to read together, talk about stories, and celebrate progress. The focus isn’t perfection. It’s confidence, connection, and a love of reading.
Reading together helps emerging readers:
- Build fluency and comprehension
- Gain confidence reading aloud
- Associate reading with fun and positive attention
Teen volunteers also benefit by:
- Developing leadership and mentorship skills
- Earning volunteer hours
- Making a meaningful difference in a younger reader’s summer
- A Fun Incentive to Keep Reading
We love celebrating our readers! Grifflets who turn in their completed reading log by August 8 will be entered into a drawing—along with their Big Griff—for a $25 Shop Oconomowoc Gift Certificate. It’s our way of saying thank you for committing to reading all summer long.
Both members of the pair are entered together, reinforcing that Griffin Buddies is truly a team effort.
Why We Love Griffin Buddies
Griffin Buddies is more than a reading program. It’s about community, kindness, and shared success. Watching friendships form and confidence grow is one of the highlights of our Summer Library Program, and we are so proud of the Grifflets and Big Griffs who participate each year.
If you’re looking for a supportive, fun way to keep young readers motivated this summer, or you’re a teen ready to inspire someone else, Griffin Buddies might be the perfect fit.
We can’t wait to read with you this summer!
Sign up your Grifflets for Griffin Buddies by Monday, June 1!
