Reading Buddies with Unionville Home Society

We are excited to announce that Markham Public Library will be partnering with Unionville Home Society (UHS) to offer an Intergenerational Reading Buddies program! 

Participating children (between ages 6-10) will practice & improve reading with a dedicated mentor. Our dedicated mentors (senior volunteers) are carefully recruited & trained to effectively help children improve their reading skills.

They will monitor and coach children as they read different materials every class. Children are also welcome to bring their own book to read to the volunteer or select items provided by MPL. During the session, we will also provide children an opportunity to practice their reading comprehension skills. Towards the end of each session, we will end off with a literacy activity. Our goal is to support literacy development and to provide children an opportunity to become reading enthusiasts.

Please note that this program is designed for children between ages 6-10. Participants must commit to the full 4-week program.The location of this program is at Union Villa Long-Term Care.  A parent/guardian will need to remain in the facility during the 45 minute session. 

Other notes: Our goal is to pair one child with one senior volunteer. However, occasionally depending on the number of registrations, there could be times where it will be 1 volunteer with 2 children (in a similiar Grade/reading level).

** Please note: Based on the guidelines provided by the long-term care, participants/families entering the facility will be required to wear a mask. **