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About Literacy Volunteers of the Pollard Memorial Library

Location:

401 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, US

Mission Statement

Literacy Volunteers of the Pollard Memorial Library is an affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts. Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts (LVM) promotes literacy skills that empower adults to realize their goals. LVM is comprised of 12 independent affiliate organizations throughout Massachusetts that each furthers our mission through volunteer-based literacy instruction. Our tutor/student relationships each reflect the core values of LVM: confidential, student-centered instruction provided at no cost to the student. We are committed to reach more adults in need of literacy by growing our affiliate network, encouraging more students and tutors to participate, and investing our public and private funding efficiently in our operations.

Description

Literacy Volunteers of the Pollard Memorial Library (LV - PML) is a free service that helps adults to improve their English speaking and listening skills, and/or their reading and writing skills. The program matches each student with a volunteer tutor. The student and the tutor work together (one-on-one) for about 2 hours every week for several months. The tutor helps the student with their specific learning needs or any specific goals they might have for their education. LV-PML is an affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts.

Volunteers must be over the age of 18, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and be able to work with diverse groups of people. Volunteers attend a 2-hour program orientation and an18-hour training in either basic literacy or ESOL. They are then matched with an adult learner to tutor for 2 hours per week for 9 months.

Literacy is only one of the many important skills the students learn in this program. They also learn abilities such as organization, studying, basic finances, and a better understanding of American culture and daily life. Through literacy and English lessons, students are able to progress in their personal and professional lives, such as receiving their citizenship, drivers’ license, GED certificate, or a better position at work. Tutors open the doors for students to keep growing and improving; literacy is the first step to something bigger and better.

After being matched, volunteers and students receive ongoing support from LVM's professional staff. Support includes newsletters, in-service trainings and other professional development opportunities, special recognition events, a reference and lending library, and regular personal assistance.