Volunteer
Fill out the New Haven Reads volunteer form online.
Book Bank
The New Haven Reads Community Book Bank receives and redistributes used books to area residents. Book Bank volunteers help people check out their books, receive book donations, sort, count, and stamp books, as well as keep the bookshelves in good order. Volunteers also box books for delivery to area organizations and help with outreach events such as giving out books at farmers’ markets and events throughout New Haven.
Tutoring
We have more than 375 tutors who are volunteers from across the community. We ask for a minimum commitment of an hour per week. You don’t have to be a teacher to be a tutor. Our tutors include college students, business men and women, social workers, police officers,retired people, and college professors. New Haven Reads welcomes support from volunteers across the community but volunteers must be 16 or older. Our tutors are a diverse group of people yet all of them share in the commitment to helping our students succeed.
Tutor FAQ
Q: I’ve never tutored before. Can I become a tutor?
A: Yes! No special skills are required to become a tutor, just the ability to read and the desire to help our students succeed. Training is provided and site directors are always available to address a question or concern you may have while tutoring.
Q: Do I work with a different child every week?
A: Regular tutors work with the same student each week.
Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer?
A: Volunteers must be 16 or older. Younger volunteers can host a children’s book drive or an office supply drive! Contact Keri Humphries, Outreach Coordinator at keri@newhavenreads.org for packets and our office supply list.
Q: How many hours a week must I volunteer?
A: One hour a week or more!
Q:What do I do if I am unable to attend my tutoring session?
A: Contact your Site Director and let them know as soon as possible. Or complete the absentee slip available at your site so that we may arrange for a substitute tutor.
Q: What are some additional materials I can use with my student?
A: Each site has a collection of tutoring resources-ask your Site Director.
Q: Am I allowed to meet with my student outside of the tutoring hour?
A: New Haven Reads does not condone volunteers meeting with students outside of NHR.
