Pairing a teenage "buddy" with an elementary school student who needs reading practice, giving them a quiet place, and the time to read great books together are the simple ingredients of the READ-ALOUD Partners program.

Volunteers from service clubs at Santa Clara and Wilcox High Schools meet with their third grade student each week, from February through April, at the library. The third grade students who participate in the program all attend Santa Clara public schools, and have been recommended for the program by their teachers.

During their half hour session, the reading partners read books together which have been selected by the library's Youth Services librarians. The third graders have fun reading for pleasure with their teenage friend, and gain confidence in their reading skills.

The two truly become "buddies," and the teens, who are intelligent, motivated students, are excellent role models for the younger children.

The READ-ALOUD Partners program is funded by the library, and gifts books given to each child at the completion of the program are donated by the Santa Clara City Library Foundation.