Volunteer Tutors Needed — Help Your Neighbors Learn to Read!

 Volunteers do many things in the Pinole and Hercules libraries, but no work is more gratifying than helping someone learn to read. We have two programs geared toward students of different ages:  Project Second Chance, the Contra Costa County Library adult literacy program, and Stories to Go, our early literacy program.

Project Second Chance offers free, confidential one-on-one basic literacy instruction to people who are over 16 years of age, out of school and conversant in English. Volunteers help adults (who read below a 6th grade level) improve their reading, writing and spelling skills. Since it began in 1984, the program has helped more than 4,000 adults.

 PSC tutors:

• Are 21 years of age or older.
• Are comfortable with their reading, writing and spelling skills.
• Do not necessarily have degrees or diplomas, and no tests are required.
• Are empathetic, patient, able to give clear directions, and willing to learn new skills themselves.

Training is one Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the following two Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All 14 hours are required. The next training session takes place on September 12, 15 and 22. Apply here on-line before September 7 as space is limited. Training is at the Pleasant Hill Library, but on-going tutorial sessions can take place at the library of your choice.

If working with little ones is more your thing, the Stories to Go program is right for you! We’re looking for a few good readers who:

• Would like to read aloud and share some great books with children 3-5 years-old in their preschools.
• Want to have an impact on a young child’s readiness for school.
• Would like to help children, who don’t have an opportunity to come to the library, experience the joy of books.
• Can work in an active daycare environment.

The library provides story kits containing books, puppets and fingerplays, along with4 hours of training on how to select and read books to young children and follow-up and support

All volunteers will need a current TB test and must be 18 or older. The next training session will be Sept. 14 at the Concord Library. All book sharing takes place in licensed child care facilities. Stories to Go is sponsored by the Wilruss Children’s Library Trust.

We will provide all the support you need to make this a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Regardless of which program you choose you’ll be amazed at the progress you’ll see.