"Read to Succeed!" This is the golden rule of the Reading Wizards Book Club Program, which kicked off at the Menlo Park Clubhouse on January 22nd. Now in its 7th year of success, this Program helps participants improve their reading, vocabulary and comprehension skills while encouraging them to become excited about reading. Originally launched as the "Harry Potter Reading Club" from the East Palo Alto Clubhouse in October 2000, the Program is open to Club members between the ages of 6 and 12. Reading Club participants gather with community volunteers every Monday afternoon for an hour-long session of reading and fun.

The Reading Club is currently reading The Bad Beginning - the first book in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Each Reading Club participant is loaned a copy of the book at the beginning of the session and takes turns reading a portion of the story out loud to the rest of the group. The Club reads a chapter a week and at the conclusion of each session, participants engage in follow-up activities, such as completing a quiz related to what they just read. An Attendence Chart is permanently posted in the Reading Club room and every Club member is given a star for each class he or she attends. Participants who attend more than five sessions receive a Reading Club medal and members who attend the most sessions are awarded a medal inscribed with their name.

The Reading Wizards Book Club Program promotes literacy and a life-long love of knowledge that helps participants in their future educational endeavors. As they share in the enjoyment of reading, our Club members, regardless of level or ability, demonstrate a genuine excitement for learning as well as a boost to their confidence and self-esteem. All of our participants, both volunteers and young readers alike, enjoy a mutually rewarding experience that is truly magical!