Helping can be as easy as ABC. Columbus is a giving community, and there is a new volunteer opportunity out there perfect for readers and those who love kids. Last week, the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) announced a new reading initiative designed to help Columbus City Schools' students. As of this year, all third grade students must pass a mandatory reading proficiency test to advance to the fourth grade. The new Reading Buddies program will be another tool to help students succeed.

CML is partnering with Columbus City Schools to pair Central Ohio students with volunteers for one-on-one reading practice. These volunteers include CML staff, members of the CML VolunTeens program, and vetted community volunteers. Volunteers will meet with students for 20 minutes twice each week to work on reading and discussion, fluency and comprehension, and to share a take-home book.

For more information, you can visit the Reading Buddies website. You can help a student succeed. In addition, CML is accepting new or gently used children's books for grades K-5 at all 21 library locations through March 31. These donations will support Columbus City Schools' Books on the Bus program, which aims to put a box of books on every school bus.