The Los Angeles County Library is seeking adults over the age of 50 to volunteer as reading coaches for students in grades K-3 as part of the new Reading STARS (Students and Tutors Achieving Reading Success) program.

Reading STARS is an intergenerational tutoring program that pairs older adult volunteers with children not reading at grade-level to help motivate them to become better readers. The program offers free, one-on-one and small group tutoring.

According to a recent study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, one in six children who are not reading proficiently in Third grade do not graduate from high school on time.

“Because grade 3 is such a critical point in a child’s development, the goal of Reading STARS is to help ensure that students are reading at the appropriate level before they reach grade 4, setting them up for future success,” said Los Angeles County library director Skye Patrick. “Our libraries are safe afterschool learning environments for these children.”

The program also seeks to break the economic barrier of private tutoring, which is often cost-prohibitive for many library customers. To participate in the program, volunteers must reside in the county and must commit to tutor at least six hours a week during the entire school year. Volunteers must also complete a volunteer application process.

Once selected, Reading STARS tutors will attend a two-day training session and will also receive a stipend of $100 for each month of tutoring sessions. To volunteer, call (562)940-8520, or visit colapublib.org/ReadingSTARS.