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Red Deer Public Library

Position / Placement: Reading Pals

Red Deer Public Library offers a free tutoring program, Reading Pals, for elementary school children (grades 1-5), including ELL learners, who are experiencing reading and/or writing difficulties. We are looking for High School (grade 10 or older) or adult volunteers to work as tutors in a one-to-one capacity with students, with the support of the Reading Pals Coordinator.

As a volunteer, you would be responsible for working with students to develop or improve their reading and writing skills, using techniques such as “buddy reading,” reading games, phonics/grammar/spelling worksheets, and fun journal/writing assignments. You will also be required to fill in a brief form detailing the students’ progress at the end of the 3-week session.  Our goal is to provide extra reading practice and a fun time with reading in the library.

Orientation, training and support will be provided by RDPL’s Reading Pals Coordinator. You will be asked to attend one 1.5 hour training session prior to the beginning of your tutoring sessions. 

All tutoring is at the Dawe Branch of RDPL, as that is where the coordinator and the resources are based.

Reading Pals has 2 types of volunteering, always 1-to-1 with the same student each session:

  1. During the school year, we do after school tutoring SOME months. The sessions are 3 weeks long, with tutoring on Tuesdays/Thursdays or Mondays/Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30. 
  2. In the summer, Reading Pals sessions are 2 weeks long, with tutoring on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Volunteers can tutor 1 or 2 hours, between the hours of 9-12, and 1-4, each of those days.  There are 3 sessions each summer program, and tutors can volunteer for 1 or 2 sessions.

Volunteering to be a Reading Pals tutor would benefit you with opportunities to:

  • Serve as a role model to younger children and make a real difference in their lives.
  • Work with children to improve their reading and writing abilities and boost their confidence, thereby contributing to the improvement of literacy in the community. 
  • Foster an enthusiasm for learning in the minds of young students
  • Acquire important skills and volunteer experience to enhance your resume.

Don’t pass up on this great opportunity to make a difference in your community!

If you are interested, please fill in the Volunteer Application Form and email or drop it off at any branch of RDPL in an envelope with “Reading Pals” written on it.  A Vulnerable Sectors Check is required from the RCMP, for a reduced rate with our letter for volunteers, which will be emailed to you should you decide to join us.

Questions? Contact us for more information or to find out specific dates for which tutors are needed.

This program is supported by the RDPL Board, the Red Deer Firefighters’ Children’s Charity, and private donations.


Contact Information

Organization: Red Deer Public Library
Contact Person: Anna Morgan-Wold
Phone Number: 403-346-4576
Email Address: readingpals(at)rdpl.org


Opportunity Details


Red Deer Public Library
  • Mentoring/Tutoring
  • Youth Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Position
Red Deer, AB
October 18, 2018

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