Books & Buddies is a mentor program developed to improve literacy skills by partnering students with volunteer mentors acting as reading companions. Mentor volunteers are partnered with children who need support and individualized attention to improve their literacy skills.  Books & Buddies Mentor Centers operate during school hours and are located in five schools throughout the Las Vegas valley.  No experience is necessary.

Upcoming Orientation Dates – Las Vegas

This orientation will be held at Spread the Word Nevada
5373 Arville Street, Las Vegas, NV 89118

📅 July 8 at 10:00 AM
📅 July 17 at 10:00 AM
📅 July 22 at 10:00 AM
📅 August 5 at 10:00 AM
📅 August 14 at 10:00 AM
📅 August 19 at 10:00 AM
📅 September 2 at 10:00 AM
📅 September 11 at 10:00 AM
📅 September 16 at 10:00 AM

Sign Up for a Las Vegas Orientation

Scroll down past the housekeeping notes to select your desired date on the calendar.

Please email volunteers@stwn.org if you need assistance.

Upcoming Orientation Dates – Findlay Honda Centennial

This orientation will be held at Findlay Honda Centennial,
7494 W. Azure Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89130

📅 July 3 at 10:00 AM
📅 July 31 at 10:00 AM
📅 August 28 at 10:00 AM
📅 September 25 at 10:00 AM

Sign Up for a Findlay Honda Centennial Orientation

Scroll down past the housekeeping notes to select your desired date on the calendar.

Please email volunteers@stwn.org if you need assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Books & Buddies?

Books & Buddies is a reading program developed to improve the literacy skills of struggling young readers by partnering them with volunteer mentors acting as reading companions.

What requirements are there to mentor?

Mentors must be at least 16 years of age, have their own transportation to the school, and commit to a minimum of one hour a week with during the school year. We also require a background check through fingerprints, which we offer for free to all mentors.

How long is each mentor session?

Each mentor session is 30 minutes. We ask mentors to commit to 1+ hours a week. Sessions occur at the same time and day each week following the CCSD academic calendar.

How long is Mentor Orientation?

Mentor orientation is 1 ½ hours.

What happens at Mentor Orientation?

• Discuss the purpose of STWN and the Books & Buddies program.

• Learn about the students you will serve.

• Learn information you’ll need to become a successful mentor.

• Take fingerprints for a background check (STWN covers the cost)

• Learn how to obtain a volunteer badge from the Clark County School District.

• Ask questions.

Do I need to bring anything to Mentor Orientation?

Yes, please bring your driver’s license or another form of government ID for fingerprinting/background check.

Am I able to volunteer for more than an hour a week?

Yes, but we encourage new mentors to start with one hour and gradually increase their commitment over time.

Do I get to choose the time and location of where I mentor?

Yes, you provide your time availability and preferred location(s).

What is the time commitment for Books & Buddies?

A minimum of 1 hour per week

What happens if I’m sick or traveling on one of my mentor days?

Please notify the center facilitator of travel and illness.

How do I get started?

Attend a mentor orientation to begin mentoring.

Is a background check required to mentor?

Yes, it is. Background checks are currently taking an average of 45 days to clear.

When and where does the mentoring take place?

The mentoring takes place at any of our five Books and Buddies centers located throughout the Las Vegas valley. You can set your time preferences as we have available times during the school day.

Do I need any special training?

Training is provided at Mentor Orientation and from STWN.

Where are Mentor Orientations held?

We have 2 orientation locations:

Spread the Word Nevada’s main office
5373 Arvile Street
Las Vegas, NV 89118

Findlay Honda Centennial
7494 W. Azure Dr
Las Vegas, NV 89130

Do I need any experience to mentor?

You do not need any prior experience. All you need to have with you is your love for books & kids.