Book Buddies
Book Buddies Reflection and Note of Sympathy
On January 24 Book Buddies from Taylor and Cleveland Elementary Schools gathered at Matthew 25 for a time of reflection and refreshments. Sitting around the table were veteran Book Buddies, some of whom have been mentoring students in reading since 2007 when the program began. Also gathered were mentors who are newer to the program. Whether well-seasoned in mentoring or new to the program, there was a shared joy for the volunteering they do with first graders through reading.
As the group reflected on the Book Buddy program there was much celebration in the room. One mentor shared that, “Reading is everything. It is what empowers these children to succeed in life.” It was named that volunteering in the Book Buddy program inspires a mentor to seek out other ways to have a positive impact of children, youth and young adults. Another mentor shared that being a Book Buddy helps them live out their faith, and quoted John Wesley saying, “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” That is what motivates Matthew 25 to continue to invest in the Book Buddy program. The lives of the children, through this positive one-on-one reading program, are forever changed (and so are the lives of the book buddies, themselves.)
It is with deep sadness that we share that one of our faithful Book Buddy mentors at Taylor Elementary School, Linda Marple, passed away on January 27, 2013. She will be greatly missed by the children whose lives she has touched, by the mentors who worked with her, and by the Matthew 25 Ministry Hub folks. The book, Weird by Erin Frankel (about bullying) was purchased in Linda’s memory and given to Taylor Elementary School Library. You can find Linda’s full obituary at the following link: http://www.cedarmemorial.com/obituary/589456/linda-rae-marple-marion-iowa/
If you would like more information about the Book Buddy program, contact Jenny Seylar, Youth Empowerment Coordinator at 362-2214 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it