Retired teacher and volunteers say STEP reading program boosts students’ engagement and gives seniors purpose

A retired teacher said she joined the STEP reading program after reading about it and found the experience “natural” and rewarding: “I love kids, so it was natural,” she said.

Library staff emphasized the program’s reach, saying, “Every single student from JK through 5th grade passes through our libraries,” and that STEP participants have been integrated into classroom routines, modeling excitement and passion for reading.

Program staff said the initiative also supports older volunteers. “We are always looking for readers,” one staff member said, adding that volunteers often find the experience more meaningful than any modest financial relief the role might provide. A speaker tied the program to senior services, calling it a chance for seniors to “give back” and to feel part of the school community.

Students in the session described the program’s effects directly. One student said the volunteer’s energy and humor encourage classmates: “When you get to read with someone that’s, like, that funny and that kind, then it’s like you wanna do it more and more.” Another student said the experience increased their confidence for public speaking.

Participants described reciprocal benefits: volunteers learn from children and become more invested in local education, while children gain reading practice, stronger fluency and an expanded support network. Volunteers and staff said the program’s integration into elementary libraries makes it easy for students to participate and for volunteers to be part of classroom life.

The meeting did not record any formal actions, motions or vote outcomes; comments focused on personal experiences, recruitment needs and the program’s perceived educational and social benefits. The discussion closed with participants reaffirming that time spent reading with children is valuable for both students and volunteers.