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 staff are always available to provide support.
Yes! We provide all of the training you need to volunteer in the Book Bank. The only skills required are a love of books and the ability to lift small boxes of books.
Volunteers must be at least 15 years old or a sophomore in high school. Younger volunteers can host a children’s book drive! Contact books@newhavenreads.org for more information.
All potential volunteers must have a successful interview, and field trip and tutoring volunteers must pass a background check. Additionally, we ask all volunteers to complete an orientation session before their first volunteer shift.
For tutoring or field trips, we ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of one hour per week. For the Book Bank, we ask for one 2-3 hour shift each week.
Contact your site staff (Site Director and Assistant Site Director) and let them know as soon as possible. Please give as much advance notice as possible.
FAQ
General Questions
I’ve never tutored before. Can I become a tutor?
I’ve never worked in a library or bookstore. Can I work in the Book Bank?
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Are there any other requirements to volunteer?
How many hours a week must I volunteer?
These FAQs didn’t answer my question. How do I find out more?
Tutoring Questions
Do I work with a different child every week?
What do I do if I can’t attend my tutoring session?
Am I allowed to meet with my student outside of the tutoring hour?