In Regensburg, free library access is offered to volunteer educators and speakers.
The city of Regensburg, Germany, is home to the well-known volunteer programme, "MENTOR - The Reading Helpers". This initiative pairs adults with children and youth to support their reading skills and foster a love for literature.
During a recent ceremony at the extensive children's and youth library at Haidplatz, Isabelle Kleinknecht, the director of the city library, spoke about the many offers the library has for children. The project, operated by the City of Regensburg, was also recognised and praised by Maria Simon, director of the Volunteer Agency.
The Volunteer Agency Regensburg has been managing the project since 2010, and over 80 reading buddies currently participate. Each volunteer spends a quarter of an hour reading with their reading child once a week, aiming to convey the joy of reading and strengthen reading competence.
To become a reading buddy in Regensburg, you would typically contact the local project organiser, such as the Volunteer Agency Regensburg, complete any required volunteer training, and commit to regular meetings with your reading buddy.
The project is in need of more reading buddies, so if you're interested, we recommend checking the official website of the city of Regensburg, local libraries, or educational institutions for details. Alternatively, contacting the University of Regensburg’s student services or community engagement offices may help you find relevant contacts or volunteer opportunities.
The ceremony for the presentation of IDs for the project took place on July 23, 2025, at the library on Haidplatz. Eleven schools and three after-school care facilities are currently involved in the project, which places a fundamental emphasis on strong reading proficiency, as it is essential for all other school subjects.
If you would like assistance in drafting a message to inquire about participation or to find specific contacts related to volunteer reading programs in Regensburg, please let us know. We're here to help!
Joining the education-and-self-development initiative in Regensburg, Germany, you can become a reading buddy and support local children's learning and love for literature through the MENTOR program. To get involved, visit the city of Regensburg's official website, contact local libraries, universities, or educational institutions for more information on volunteer opportunities.
