SANDPOINT — Young voices narrating the stories of multiple children’s books filled the room at the Sandpoint Library last week as even younger ears listened. 

Read Across America, an annual celebration of reading, showcases individuals across the country taking part in book-related activities, including students in Bonner County. 

While the day was observed March 2 by most of the United States, Lake Pend Oreille School District added its own twist to the celebration last week by creating a space for older students to read to younger students. 

At the Sandpoint Library, kindergarten students were paired with seventh-grade reading buddies who shared a book of the younger student’s choosing with them. 

Kyla French, a kindergarten teacher at Farmin-Stidwell Elementary, said her students walked to the library before the event. At the library, the young students paired up with students from Jeanne Warwick’s seventh-grade English class.

“This was our first year partnering with the library for Read Across America Week,” Warwick said. “The students reported that they really enjoyed working with the kindergartners and had a lot of fun reading with them.”

Students said it was encouraging to work with the younger students and teach them how to read and work on their bookmarks. 

“I thought that combining the two different grade levels really brought out the best in the seventh grade students,” Warwick said. “It made them feel like they were important and looked up to by the kindergarteners. I would love to do this activity again with the Library and Farmin Stidwell Elementary School. Anytime we can encourage reading in a fun and engaging way is a win-win for everyone involved.”

Suzanne Davis, East Bonner County Library youth services librarian, said the library put out a large display of picture books, provided hot chocolate, and supplied materials to make bookmarks.

“We definitely hope to do it again,” Davis said. “Many years ago, it was an annual event with two seventh grade classes and two second grade classes. I think the kindergarteners worked better because of their recent experience with reading buddies.”

This year the library reached out to Warwick and Ellen Wassif, vice principal of Farmin Stidwell to see if there was any interest in reviving the event.

“We've worked with [Warwick] in a couple of different capacities over the years, as she's taught other grades,” she said. “Ellen (Wassif) is both a library volunteer and very focused on literacy. As vice principal, she was able to find the most appropriate teacher and grade for the project.”

Wassif also brought Pepper, a therapy dog and reading assistant at Farmin Stidwell, who often volunteers with her.

Overall, the event was a success, Davis said.

“It was easy and well-organized. The school staff who came believed in the power of mentoring, and reading,” she said. “The library had enough things on the schedule to keep the kindergarteners engaged for the entire 45 minutes.”

    Jeanne Warwick brought her seventh grade class to the event. She said her students told her that it was encouraging to get to work with the younger students and teach them how to read and work on their bookmarks.

    Suzanne Davis, East Bonner County Library youth services librarian, said the library put out a large display of picture books, provided hot chocolate, and supplied materials to make bookmarks.