(Pictured: BGCSCTN club members at Spring Hill Elementary School)
Since Spring of 2023, volunteers of the Spring Hill Public Library have been bringing joy and inspiration to young readers at Spring Hill Elementary. Once a week, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of South-Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN), these dedicated volunteers come together to read, mentor, and connect with youth in a groundbreaking pilot program designed to ignite a lifelong passion for reading.
The program, offered as part of the Club’s after-school initiative, has seen remarkable growth throughout the school year. What began with 20 students has now doubled, reaching 40 eager readers each week. Initially designed for retirees, the program has expanded to welcome volunteers of all ages, including teens as young as 14. These volunteers dedicate two hours weekly to assist with reading comprehension, basic math, and engaging activities—all with the aim of making reading exciting and fostering a supportive, enriching, and inclusive environment for the children.
(Pictured: Volunteer reading to BGCSCTN club member at Spring Hill Elementary School)
The Spring Hill Public Library loans a wide range of books for all reading levels, enabling students to select materials that match their interests and comprehension. Special requests from Club members are fulfilled during the following week.
(Pictured: Volunteer Robbie Mathis reading to BGCSCTN club member, Lamir Walker at pring Hill Elementary School)
One dedicated volunteer, 62-year-old Robbie Mathis, has been involved with the program for over a year. Photographed reading Secret Agent by P.D. Adler with 9-year-old Lamir Walker, a Tennessee Titans fan, Robbie shared, “I love reading [myself], and seeing these kids get excited about books is something special. It’s clear this means a lot to Lamir and the others, and it’s such an easy way for me to give back.” Robbie encourages people of all ages to volunteer, emphasizing that even a small-time commitment can have a big impact on the lives of these kids. For Lamir, reading is fun, and math is his favorite subject—both areas where he gets support from Robbie.
Volunteer and library employee Gina Strouse highlighted the importance of positively engaging students at the end of their school day. “These kids are in school all day, and for 30 minutes, we get to make them excited about reading. It’s a wonderful break for them, after a long day.” she said. The program also includes puzzles, crafts, and physical activities to create a well-rounded after-school experience.
Spring Hill Public Library Director Dana Juriew, who leads the program, sees even greater potential for growth. “We were able to serve over 120 kids at nearby Battle Creek Elementary during the summer, and we know more students would benefit from this program. But we need more volunteers— 40 kids is about what we can handle with our current volunteers at this location.” Dana added. “With more volunteers, we could reach even more students.”
Since the program’s inception, volunteers have contributed approximately 1,200 total hours, with 35 returning volunteers. Children are paired with volunteers who are a good match for them, ensuring consistent support throughout the school year. The summer program saw an average of 100-127 students participating. Every volunteer completes safety training and undergoes background, drug, and reference checks in accordance with the volunteer policies of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee and the state’s childcare laws.
Dana shared one of her favorite memories: “I asked four third-graders to share their impressions of last year’s program, and they sounded like college students writing application essays, talking about what the program meant to them. Hearing their perspectives was one of the best moments of my life, no exaggeration. Williamson County Schools is even copying our program—it’s validation, but it doesn’t compare to what kids like London, Lamir, Mackenzie, and Hunter said about what we’ve accomplished together.”
BGCSCTN Area Coordinator Terra Osmond echoed Dana’s sentiments: “I’m so grateful for the people in our community who volunteer their time to help kids where they are. After the pandemic, we saw a lapse in social skills, and it takes a village to care for our youth. Dana [ Library Director] has been incredible in spearheading this program. Programs like this have helped our kids develop confidence and a passion for learning.”
Spring Hill Elementary Principal Ms. Powell has also taken note of the impact. In discussions with BGCSCTN staff, she disclosed that ever since the reading volunteers began, there has been significant improvement in students’ reading levels. Other Organization have taken interest in this program. Williamson County Library is working to replicate this program at their schools, and the Columbia Public Library has invested in piloting a similar program.
(Pictured: Volunteers engage with BGCSCTN club members at Spring Hill Elementary School)
In Spring Hill, 79.2% of the population is enrolled in school, with 29% of households having children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Additionally, 29% of households are single-person households with no spouse present. This, combined with a poverty rate of 3.4%, a population of approximately 57,637 (31.6% of whom are under 18), and a high school or higher education attainment of 95.8%. The median household income is $104,880, almost double that of nearby Columbia, TN. (data.census.gov, 2024)
Long-time volunteer Lynnetta Lyons, who has been with BGCSCTN since 2019, greets students and their families each Wednesday with a warm smile. Based in Columbia, Lynnetta has seen the program grow firsthand. “The kids really look forward to this,” she said. “Last year, we had around 20 students, and now we have about 40. The library volunteers have made a huge difference, and the kids are always excited to participate.”
Gina Hagaman, a Spring Hill Library volunteer, reflected on why she continues to participate in this program. “What keeps me coming back is seeing the kids improve. Watching them get better at reading is incredibly rewarding,” she said while reading a popular book by Amelia Bedelia with Emerson, one of the club members.
(Pictured: Volunteer Gina Hagaman reading to Emerson at Spring Hill Elementary School)
This impactful program not only offers a space for reading but also creates an opportunity for children to build connections and receive valuable support after school. Volunteers are at the heart of the program’s success. Whether you can spare a few hours or commit to a longer period, your involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of these children—and in the Spring Hill community.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back to the youth of Spring Hill, consider joining this group of dedicated volunteers. By sharing your time and love for books, you can inspire a new generation of readers and ignite a lifelong passion for learning.
About Spring Hill Public Library:
The mission of the Spring Hill Public Library is to connect and strengthen our community through knowledge, resources, and opportunities while fostering a lifelong appreciation for reading and learning. The library serves as a gathering place where community members can share ideas and discover new possibilities, both inside and outside its walls. To learn more about volunteering, contact Library Director Dana Juriew at shlibrary@springhilltn.org or visit their website: Spring Hill Public Library | Spring Hill, TN – Official Website (springhilltn.org)
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee is to provide a world-class Club Experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,500 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee and its programs, please visit BGCSCTN.