CAMBRIDGE — Valerie Goff, Community Involvement Liaison for the Dorchester County Public Schools, spoke recently to the Lions Club of Cambridge about the “Book Buddies” program. This is a literacy program for students in kindergarten through grade 2 who are falling behind in their reading skills. Mrs. Goff said Book Buddies is a national program which has been tailored for Dorchester County’s needs. A community volunteer goes to a selected school twice a week and spends 30 minutes with one child. This meeting is focused on a literacy activity using letters, sounds, word games and reading to the child. “There is a lot of value spending time doing what kids like to do, and this is important in building a relationship with the child. They also love the one-on-one attention,” she said. The program began at Maple Elementary School and is now expanding to Vienna and Sandy Hill schools. Mrs. Goff said she considers Book Buddies a real high school anti-dropout program because when students start in the early grades, the risks include attitudes about lack of success. With this program “we’re planting a seed for success,” she said. Anyone interested in volunteering for the program may contact Mrs. Goff at 410-228-4747. The Lions Club of Cambridge is involved in the pre-kindergarten classes in Dorchester County schools, providing eye screening for early detection of amblyopia (lazy eye).