Libraries Seek Seniors to Read With Kids

Hoping to draw on a wealth of information gathered through years of reading, the West Valley libraries are looking for active seniors who would like to work with children to encourage literacy and help instill a love of books.

The Grandparents and Books Program is designed to offer an intergenerational experience for seniors and children by grouping them to read aloud for a few hours each week, library officials said.

“A benefit of this is that great joy of sharing books and the joy of reading,” said Elizabeth Nelson, head librarian at Platt Branch Library. “A grandparent who has acquired that love of reading has the privilege of passing that on to children.”

Seniors are asked to volunteer their time at Los Angeles County libraries for approximately two hours a week, and most branches offer the program to children Mondays through Fridays.

Two training programs will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the next two Fridays at the Mid-Valley Branch. Those interested are asked to contact children’s librarians at the branch where they’d like to register for the classes.

The libraries are Northridge Branch, 9051 Darby Ave.; Mid-Valley Branch, 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills; Porter Ranch Branch, 11371 Tampa Ave.; Canoga Park Branch, 7260 Owensmouth Ave.; Woodland Hills Branch, 22200 Ventura Blvd.; West Valley Branch, 19036 Vanowen St., Reseda; Chatsworth Branch, 21052 Devonshire St.; Granada Hills Branch, 10640 Petit Ave., and the Encino-Tarzana Branch, 18231 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana.

The Platt library in Woodland Hills is not currently recruiting, Nelson said.