Adult Literacy Volunteers

About the Program

Adult Literacy matches volunteers with learners to tutor them in basic reading, writing and math for English-speaking adults 16 years or older.

The library also offers the space and learning resources to help your learner.

If you know a someone who would benefit from the program, you can find out more about Adult Literacy for learners.

What the Volunteer Does

Once you get accepted into the program, you will get training on how to be a tutor and get shown all the resources the library offers to help you with your learner.

Library staff will then pair you with a learner and give you a training package based on the learner's goals, skills and areas needing work. You will use this package when planning lessons and giving tutoring sessions.

Learners are asked to keep dated samples of their work and tutors document weekly progress. Library staff reviews these files as part of the ongoing assessment. During ongoing assessments, the program coordinator asks the learner to demonstrate acquired skills.

Volunteer Benefits

After six months, overdue library fines are exempt for volunteers. The library will also offer a full reference.

Responsibilities

• Attend all sessions of tutor training. Training covers program philosophy, tutor responsibilities, program procedures, library resources and methods and techniques for tutoring learners
• Planning, conducting and reviewing lessons
• Maintaining written weekly reports on the learner's progress and the methods and materials used
• Participating with staff in an ongoing evaluation process to determine if the learner's needs are being met

Time and Place

The tutor and learner meet for a minimum of two hours once a week at a literacy office or library meeting room during program hours under the supervision of library staff.

How to Volunteer

To become a volunteer you need to

• Be 19 years of age or older
• Agree to a six month commitment
• Speak and write English fluently
• Be fluent in written and spoken English
• Show demonstrated ability to communicate effectively
• Have the ability to work well with others, especially people of different backgrounds

To find out more about volunteering call 416-395-5555.

• Volunteer Application Form (PDF Version)
• Volunteer Application Form (Word Version)

Return the completed form to any branch of the Toronto Public Library, or you can email the Word version to adultliteracy@torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Locations and Hours

Volunteers Tell Us

"Edith takes special joy in the moments when her students reveal to her that they understand the material and feel confident enough to use the information independently in their own lives."

"After retirement, Oscar decided to volunteer. He feels that the experience has made him a more tolerant and patient individual and he enjoys the challenge of helping learners gain independence in their daily lives."

"Beryl says, "I feel that I contribute something to my country by helping to equip a citizen to participate more fully in our society."

"Lillian volunteers as a tutor because she knows that helping someone to develop reading and writing skills will enable that person to become self-sufficient. She believes that her role as a tutor is one of the most significant experiences of her life."

"In the past five years, Lillian has worked with six learners. One learner increased her self-confidence along with her literacy skills and as a result, found a job on her own. This was a long-term goal that seemed impossible to the learner when she first joined the Adult Literacy Program."

"Lillian continues to tutor because she recognizes positive changes in her learners as they learn to read and write. She cannot think of another volunteer position that could be so important to others."