Become a Library Volunteer!
It’s that time of year again! London Public Library is now recruiting volunteers for programs starting this fall. Each year, hundreds of teens and adults step forward to support community learning and connection. Library volunteers play a vital role and make a real impact by helping children build reading confidence, supporting newcomers as they practice their English, or guiding older adults through the digital world.
We spoke with four dedicated volunteers who shared how meaningful their experiences have been.
"A small amount of your time has a big impact on a kid."
Ebella, a recent high school graduate, has spent the past two years volunteering as a French READ Mentor, helping students in grades 1-7. Once a week during the school year, she meets with a student to help them strengthen their French reading skills.
A lifelong reader, Ebella wanted to give back to a place that was important to her growing up. She chose to volunteer in a way that would both support kids, and help her retain the French she learned attending a full French elementary school. Participating in the program solidified her French vocabulary.
As the Library actively recruits more French-speaking READ Mentors, Ebella offers encouragement to anyone unsure of their abilities by reminding them that they’ll be helping a child who is less fluent!
She also sends a message to other high school students to consider volunteering: “It’s definitely an underrated way of gaining experience. Through volunteering, you learn a lot of skills that are transferable."
"You get to go to places you never thought you would."
Robert, a retired teacher of the Deaf, has been volunteering as an English Conversation Mentor for over eight years. He works primarily with newcomers to Canada, helping them feel comfortable, confident, and competent as they practice conversational English.
He begins his sessions by finding common ground. “We all come from somewhere,” he says. By inviting participants to share their backgrounds, he builds trust and rapport. “It’s amazing to me the breadth and knowledge that people have. All they’re trying to do is unlock the language.”
Robert often reflects on the powerful exchanges that come from these conversations: “You get to go to places you never thought you would…hearing stories that come from countries thousands of kilometres away, that have cultures that are thousands of years old. I’m the one who’s gaining more than giving.”
The Library is currently looking for more adult volunteers, especially English Conversation Mentors, to help create welcoming, inclusive spaces for newcomers.
"You never know who you are going to meet or where it will take you."
Hanna has been volunteering as an English Conversation Mentor for four years. Inspired by her own parents’ immigration experience, she wanted to support others navigating similar challenges.
She appreciates that the program is informal and fun. There’s often fear and anxiety surrounding learning a new language, but as a volunteer, she gets to create a welcoming environment.
For Hanna, volunteering has been personally and professionally rewarding. “In terms of your career, it’s a great place to start. In terms of fostering community, you’re interacting with people from various backgrounds, and you never know who you are going to meet, what amazing experience you will have, or where it will take you.”
"I really enjoy when I can see that people get what I'm explaining to them."
Carmen has been volunteering as a Tech Tutor at Cherryhill Branch Library for more than two years, helping older adults with their phones, tablets, and laptops. Despite working full-time, she carves out time on weekends to share her knowledge and give back.
She’s built lasting relationships with her regulars and takes pride in helping people use technology to improve their lives. One patron expressed how grateful he was to learn how to use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends in Florida.
For Carmen, it’s all about helping people live better, more connected lives through technology. She loves seeing the moment it clicks for someone.
Help a child sound out new words, chat with a newcomer about their day, or teach someone to send their first text. As a Library volunteer, you will create meaningful change in small but powerful ways.
If you’re ready to make a difference this fall, learn more about our various positions and apply. We can't wait to meet you!