LIBRARY FRIENDS OF PAYSON
ReadOut Program
What is the ReadOut Program?
ReadOut is a joint project of the Friends of Payson
Library and the Juvenile Court of Payson. Its purpose is to
encourage juveniles on probation to enrich their lives through
reading and discussion.
History
The Readout
Program began in the fall of 2005. On average 8-10 children are
served at any given time. The program was the inspiration of Judge
Peter Cahill. Willing assistance from volunteers and the Payson
Public Library staff have made the program viable.
Participants
Juvenile
participants are all on probation. They are screened to determine if
they would benefit from the Readout Program. School performance,
both good and bad, substance abuse issues, and public safety issues
are all considered. If accepted into Readout, juveniles are required
to participate as a condition of their probation.
Volunteers
A volunteer is assigned to a particular juvenile client and remains
with him/her throughout participation in Readout. The volunteer
helps the client select an interesting book and meets to discuss the
reading one half hour each week at the public library. Most often
volunteers and juveniles come to enjoy a rapport beyond the reading
activity. The one-on-one situation encourages conversation about
general teen life. Following the weekly meetings, volunteers write
e-mail progress reports to the client's probation officer.
Weekly
Activity
Readout clients are expected to read twenty minutes
each day and keep a journal about their reading. They meet with
volunteers to discuss the reading and its relationship to their
lives.
Help Wanted!
Additional volunteers are needed to keep Readout
on-going. If you are interested and able to give an hour a week to
encourage a teen in this program, please contact coordinator Carole
Shevlin at (928) 474-7454. Your involvement will be rewarding!
