Volunteer Volunteer

Library Volunteers

We are not accepting general library volunteer applications at this time.

Teen Volunteers

At this time, we are not accepting any teen volunteers. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Become an Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutor

“Yes, tutoring is work.  It will cost you time and effort.  But in the process, you are making a difference in someone else’s life…and, bonus!  You are transformed as well.” 

Tutoring is a wonderful opportunity to make a huge difference in someone’s life. Tutors say they benefit from the experience just as much as their students and learn more about themselves through the process.

Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library (LVM@PML) offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area.

Our tutors are patient, flexible, and encouraging volunteers who create a positive learning environment for adults in basic literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). They are sensitive to the struggles of adult learners and willing to meet a learner’s individual needs.

To become a volunteer tutor, you do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind and a desire to help an adult improve their skills. You must be fluent in English, over age 18, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and be able to work with diverse groups of people.

You will attend a 2-hour volunteer information session to learn more about our program, as well as successfully complete an 18-hour tutor training in either basic literacy or ESOL. You are then matched with an adult learner to tutor for 2 hours per week for at least 9-12 months. In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available.

LVM@PML’s professional staff provides ongoing support, and sponsors activities and workshops throughout the year to help both students and tutors.  We also maintain a collection of materials to assist our tutors and students.  For more information about our New Reader collection, please visit our Collections page.

For more information about LVM@PML, or upcoming volunteer information sessions and training, please complete the form above.

Or, you may contact Sarah Miller, Adult Literacy Program Director at 978-674-1541 or smiller@LowellLibrary.org. 

If you email directly, please include your full name, phone, and email address, and also tell us a little bit about yourself and why you’d like to become an adult literacy volunteer tutor. Thank you!

If you would like a tutor for yourself or know someone who needs one, please visit our Adult Literacy page.

Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library is an affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts.