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
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
We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews are scheduled throughout the year when openings become available at selected branches. Due to a high volume of applications, current waitlist for volunteers is 6 months long.
To begin the application process please fill out an application form below and submit in person at your nearest local branch, or email it to adultliteracy@tpl.ca.
- Volunteer Application Form (PDF Version)
- Volunteer Application Form (Word Version)
- Adult Literacy Volunteer Profile (PDF)
Locations and hours
Toronto Public Library offers the Adult Literacy Program in the following branches:
Albion
416-394-5173
Monday
12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Barbara Frum
416-395-5424
Friday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Don Mills
416-395-5849
Tuesday
12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Downsview
416-395-5724
Monday, Tuesday
12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fairview
416-395-5765
Monday
12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Malvern
416-396-3668
Wednesday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday
12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Maria A. Shchuka
416-394-1054
Monday, Tuesday
12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
North York Central Library
416-395-5554
Monday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday
12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
S. Walter Stewart
416-396-3852
Wednesday
12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
York Woods
416-395-5724
Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Contact Us
For more information about volunteering in the Adult Literacy program, please contact:
Adult Literacy Services
Phone: 416-395-5555
Email: adultliteracy@tpl.ca
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.