Volunteering with Read On program

Lethbridge Public Library’s Read On Adult Literacy Program is a volunteerbased program providing literacy and foundational learning opportunities for adults in our community, and it’s thanks to Read On’s army of volunteers that so many amazing, positive and lifechanging achievements have happened for our students. In 2017, 234 tutors spent approximately 10,000 hours helping 442 students achieve their literacy and learning goals!

Who are our volunteers? They are adults (20+) who share many characteristics. Read On volunteers are diverse and have considerable life experience. Some are working, others retired, many are college and university students, others homemakers. All are caring individuals giving back to the community by donating their time. Initially, the time commitment is 7.5 hours of training, and then approximately an hour for tutoring, once a week, plus prep time. If possible, volunteers are asked to commit six months to the program, and throughout the year attend professional development workshops. Volunteer tutor registration is ongoing online at

lethlib.ca/readon and at the Read On office at the Main Branch of the Lethbridge Public Library. At the time of registration, volunteers indicate the times and days that are convenient for them and the skills they bring to the program. Read On students may be fluent in English or English language learners, and may need assistance with basic reading, writing, numeracy or IT skills. Currently, English language learners make up the majority of Read On students. As students register, a potential tutoring opportunity for each volunteer starts by matching volunteer and student time availability, and volunteer skills with student needs.

Volunteer tutors attend Tutor Training, which is usually offered three to four times a year. At this time, volunteers are given an overview of the program and how it works for both students and tutors. Topics include learning styles, how culture can influence learning, and strategies that can be used to teach foundational reading, writing, speaking, listening, numeracy and IT skills. With this understanding of their role in helping students to achieve their literacy and learning goals, and the ongoing support of Read On staff, volunteers are ready to begin tutoring assignments.

Read On is a program of quiet but huge successes, providing a rewarding experience for our volunteers as they see their students succeed. Achieving literacy and learning goals improves confidence, job prospects, and makes it possible to upgrade skills and proceed to postsecondary learning. In 2017, Read On’s efforts were recognized by the Alberta government when we were presented with Alberta’s Council of the Federation Literacy Award in recognition of outstanding literacy achievement.

For more information on volunteering with the Read On Program, please call 403-320-4977 or 403-320-3133.