Madalynn Jack, left, reads to her mother Monica at their home in Grove City. Madalynn is enrolled in a summer reading program at the Grove City Community Library that pairs children in first through fourth grade with teenage volunteer reading partners

GROVE CITY — Monica Jack travels with her daughter Madalynn on countless adventures with two simple tools: a love of reading and an imagination.

Soon, 8-year-old Madalynn will share those adventures with someone new. One of 14 teens volunteering at Grove City Library will serve as Madalynn's reading buddy.

"A teenager will be paired up with a younger buddy in first through fourth grade to encourage a love of books and develop a positive attitude toward reading," said Heather Baker, children's programming director.

Baker said the new program is a great way for teenagers to gain volunteer experience and develop bonds with their buddies, as they will be positive role models in their lives.

Jack found out about the activity when the elementary school sent a letter home for parents. She decided to enroll Madalynn to keep the momentum of her reading on a steady path.

"I just hope she always has a love of reading," Jack said. "It can take you to so many places you may not go otherwise, and you can really become a part of the story."

Jack said reading will help her daughter in every subject at school and later in life.

"I think if you love to read, you get a lot more out of it rather than just doing it for school," Jack said. "I read as a child, and my parents read to me a lot, so it's something we do in our house."

Jack also thinks the program will have a positive effect on her daughter as she will have a high school mentor to look up to throughout the process.

"I think she will see how fun it is to go to the library and continue to read, and I think it helps when they see these high school kids getting involved and showing their own love for reading — some day she might be able to do that herself."

Sue Cummings of Grove City and her daughter, Rachel, also are participating in the program. Rachel is 10 years old and has been interested in books ever since she was little, Cummings said.

"She just needs a little help with understanding what she is reading, and I think this program might help her with that," Cummings said.

So far, 14 little buddies have been paired with 14 volunteers, who serve as an audience for youths as they read aloud, Baker said.

"They seem to really like it. The big buddies are getting into it with bringing them little treats, and they were trying to pay attention to what words they were having trouble with. The older ones are enjoying it just as much as the little guys are."

She said the program is important for younger children who are just beginning to read, because each summer, students lose a small amount of fluency since they are busy with other activities.

She also wants to stress the importance of viewing reading as a fun activity for children to enjoy.

"I just think we are so technology geared, and they need to come in, check out a book and use their imagination," Baker said. "Books can take you absolutely anywhere and you never have to leave your bedroom or your living room."

Anyone interested in participating in the buddy program can sign up at the Grove City Community Library. The program is offered from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the library, 125 W. Main St.