Volunteer Reader

Location: DC Metro Area (including Maryland and Virginia suburbs)
Commitment: Flexible, event-based (weekday school visits and occasional community events)
Compensation: Honorarium of approximately $150 per engagement
Requirements: Background check required

Role Overview

Little Ruth Children’s Collection is seeking Volunteer Story Readers to support school, library, and community-based reading experiences for young children.

Volunteer Readers play a vital role in bringing Little Ruth stories to life. Through reading aloud and engaging children in warm, joyful conversation, volunteers help spark curiosity, connection, and deeper exploration of themes like family, friendship, and everyday experiences.

This role is rooted in the belief that children benefit deeply from seeing real people from their communities reflected in the stories they read. Volunteer Readers help reinforce that books are not just stories, but invitations for children to see themselves, their families, and their communities in meaningful ways.

What You’ll Do

• Read Little Ruth books aloud to children in elementary schools, libraries, and community settings
• Engage students with simple questions and age-appropriate conversation during and after readings
• Collaborate with the Little Ruth team to support engaging, hands-on activities that extend children’s exploration of the story
• Represent Little Ruth Children’s Collection with warmth, professionalism, and enthusiasm
• Help create joyful literacy moments that children remember

Who This Is For

We welcome volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds who enjoy connecting with children and families.

• Experience working with children in school or learning settings is strongly preferred
• Elementary school teachers, former teachers, and substitute teachers looking for meaningful ways to stay engaged in the community are encouraged to apply
• Volunteers should be comfortable reading aloud, engaging children in conversation, and participating in school or community environments

Logistics & Requirements

• Volunteer Readers receive an honorarium of approximately $150 per reading engagement
• A full background check is required prior to participation
• Scheduling is flexible and coordinated in advance based on availability and school needs
• Most opportunities take place within the DC Metro area , including Maryland and Virginia suburbs

About the Series

The Little Ruth series features children and families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and everyday experiences. Families in the series include, among others, the Liu family, the Flores family, the Aaron family, and additional characters inspired by real communities.

Little Ruth Children’s Collection creates joyful literacy experiences that reflect real families and real communities. As a Volunteer Reader, you help bring stories to life, spark meaningful conversations, and create moments that children carry with them long after the book is closed.

If you enjoy working with children, love reading, and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you.