Adult Literacy Volunteers

About the program

Adult Literacy Services matches learners with volunteers who tutor them in basic reading, writing and math. The program is for English-speaking adults 19 years or older (exceptions may apply).

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

If you know someone who would benefit from the program, more information can be found at 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

• Volunteer references and confirmation of hours can be provided upon request
• Volunteers may make personal photocopies at the staff rate
• Non-resident fees are waived for current volunteers with six months or more of active service

Responsibilities

• Attend all tutor training sessions. Training covers program philosophy, tutor responsibilities, program procedures, library resources and methods and techniques for tutoring learners
• Plan, conduct and review lessons
• Maintain written weekly reports on the learner’s progress and the methods and materials used
• Participate with staff in an ongoing evaluation process to determine if the learner’s needs are being met

Time and place

• In-person meetings for a minimum of two hours once a week
• Meetings take place in-person, in an Adult Literacy Office (please see below for available library locations)
• Meetings take place at a designated time during program office hours under the supervision of library staff (please see below for program hours for each office location)

How to volunteer

To become a volunteer you need to

• Be 19 years of age or older
• Agree to a six month commitment
• 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.

Adult Literacy Volunteer Profile (PDF)

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

Return the completed application to any branch of the Toronto Public Library, or email it to adultliteracy@tpl.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. One learner that Lillian tutored 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.

Accessibility statement

If you identify as a person with a disability or a person who is Deaf, and require this information in an accessible format, or an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact adultliteracy@tpl.ca or submit an accessibility supports request. Please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance.