The London Public Library is looking for about 160 volunteers to help with a pair of online learning programs.
The Reading Enjoyment and Development (READ) program and the one-one-one English Conversation Program went virtual after the pandemic hit in March, and now the library needs mentors to help run them again this fall.
Linda Imrie, a retired teacher, is a volunteer for both programs.
She continued to work with a child that struggles with reading and an adult newcomer during the online transition — communicating with them over the phone, through emails and by video chat.
“I’m a strong supporter of literacy and I believe if you offer that key to freedom, they can take it the rest of the way. The programs offer so much opportunity for people,” she said.
The READ program has been around for 45 years and runs throughout the school year, helping children in grades one through seven practice their literacy skills with games, activities and crafts.
In the English Conversation Program, mentors help their adult mentees achieve personal goals, like practicing for interviews or learning about Canadian or London culture.
Remote learning brings new challenges
Before she began volunteering with the library in 2012, Imrie taught special education with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB). Even with her experience as a teacher, she said starting to mentor virtually required a new way of thinking and presented unique struggles.
“With the READ program, when you’re working with a child who is a struggling reader, you pick a format, you plan out your hour or your time for that child and you hope that it works. Whereas when you were in person, there were many other options to choose from,” she said.
When it comes to the one-on-one English conversation program, Imrie said it’s sometimes difficult to find online formats of texts that suit each learner. But she was up for the challenge.
“No matter what is thrown up in front of us during this transition time, I felt that it was necessary to learn because if you don’t you just stay in one place. If you take a step forward you help others move forward as well.”
Seeking volunteers for upcoming school year
The London Public Library has been offering information sessions online in hopes of providing parents and potential volunteers a better sense of what to expect from each program.
Kristin Loblaw, the administrator of volunteer services at the London Public Library, is encouraging anyone interested in volunteering to attend a session even if they don’t have any teaching experience.
“The library is a learning environment. We don’t expect people to come with teaching backgrounds or a lot of experience when it comes to being in a buddy role. That is a big part of what we can share with you.”
There’s an online information session for the English Conversation Mentor program Friday at 1:30 p.m. and for the READ program Tuesday at 1 p.m. For more details, visit the London Public Library website.
