Central Senior Services Computer Tutor

The Parkway Central Library of the Free Library of Philadelphia's Central Senior Center is seeking volunteers to assist senior citizen customers with computer familiarity assistance. Volunteers in this capacity will meet on a regular basis with members of the general public aged 50 and over to offer computer assistance. One-on-one sessions with library customers last 30 minutes. A laptop will be provided.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, Internet Explorer, online email sites, social networking sites, and general computer basics.
• Strong communication skills, social skills, patience, and flexibility are required.

Responsibilities

• Orientation will be provided by departmental staff.
• Maintain a consistent schedule for appointments/scheduling.
• Communicate with department staff about library resources and services offered to senior customers as needed.

Length of Commitment

3 months, minimum 1 day per week for 3 hours.

English Conversation Group Facilitator

The English Conversation Group Facilitator is a volunteer position with the Free Library of Philadelphia. Persons serving in this capacity will run informal conversation groups for speakers of languages other than English. Conversation groups are intended to give English language learners an opportunity to rehearse acquired English speaking skills and thereby significantly improve their ability and willingness to communicate using English. In many cases, the groups will provide opportunities for participants to enhance skills learned in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classroom or tutoring situations. Facilitators are responsible for:

• Distributing information about group sessions to promote attendance.
• Group setup, supply gathering, attendance tracking.
• Session planning, discussion leading, role-play guidance, and resource coordination.
• Weekly submission of session notes highlighting opportunities for and barriers to successful service.
• Seeking assistance from Free Library staff when needed.
• Attending quarterly Facilitators' Meetings.

Qualifications

Facilitators must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have good communication, listening, and organizational skills.
• Speak, read, and write English (at an advanced/comfortable level).
• Commit to a minimum of ten weeks for training and weekly group sessions.
• A strong commitment to helping people.

Training

Languages and Learning requires English conversation group Facilitators to review the Facilitator's manual on their own (less than 1 hour), observe at least two groups (2–3 hours), and attend an online training (1 hour) for a total of four (4) training hours. Training will cover English Conversation Group philosophy, strategies for successful group facilitation, the complexities of cultural assimilation, recommended topics of conversation, and the role and responsibilities of facilitators.

Length of Commitment

1–3 hours every week for 10–12 weeks.

High School Equivalency Volunteer Tutor

Help adult learners seeking High School Equivalency through weekly sessions, concentrating on subject areas including math, science, social studies, writing, or reading.
As an HSE Volunteer, we will ask that you:

• Tutor one-on-one, promoting skills needed to obtain high school equivalency.
• Assess comprehension, select appropriate resources, and lesson plans accordingly.
• Offer resources and opportunities for Adult Basic and Secondary Education to students.
• Create a welcoming and safe space for learning.

Volunteering with Languages and Learning

Languages and Learning supports the individual literacy and learning goals of Philadelphia's adults. We require a time commitment of 1–3 hours every week for 10–12 weeks. Must complete 14.5-hour Tutor Training for Basic Literacy before you begin service. Availability must be during open library hours. PA State Criminal History and PA Child Abuse Background checks are required. Languages and Learning staff are available for support as needed at adultlearning@freelibrary.org.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Ability to use computers and other technology.
• Ability to commit to a consistent weekly meeting schedule for 10–12 weeks.
• Dependability, promptness, patience, flexibility, and friendliness.
• Ability to relate to people from many backgrounds.
• A strong commitment to helping people.

Length of Commitment

1–3 hours every week for 10–12 weeks.

Library Outreach Volunteer Assistant

This volunteer position is primarily concerned with in-person customer service. Volunteers in this capacity will assist the public in library card registration and provide information on programs and services of the Free Library of Philadelphia at outside events.

Responsibilities

• Carry promotional materials, pens, applications, and other necessary supplies to the outreach site.
• Display and arrange the outreach materials on the table/space provided by the hosting organization.
• Provide basic information about programs and services offered by the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• Explain and assist patrons in the library card application process.
• Return all equipment, unused giveaway materials, and the envelope of library card applications completed by patrons.
• Return the forms with unanswered patron questions to TOPSS.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills—ability to interact pleasantly, constructively, and cooperatively with the public and listen effectively and respond to public inquiries.
• Knowledge of the Free Library program, services, and materials. (Training will be provided.)

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel to locations throughout the city.
• Ability to lift and carry the outreach equipment and materials—no more than 5 pounds.
• Ability to listen to questions from the public and to verbally respond appropriately.

Working Environment

Outreach events are off-site from the library inside community or social service buildings in conference or meeting room spaces.

Training

Training for volunteers will be held monthly at Parkway Central, and new volunteers will be asked to complete a 2-hour orientation session prior to receiving an assignment.

Spanish Conversation Group Facilitator

The Spanish Conversation Group Facilitator is a volunteer position with the Free Library of Philadelphia. Persons serving in this capacity will run informal conversation groups for adults who are learning Spanish. Conversation groups are intended to give language learners an opportunity to rehearse acquired speaking skills and thereby significantly improve their ability to communicate in a new language. In many cases, the groups will be the only opportunity for participants to learn and hone skills in Spanish. Facilitators are responsible for:

• Distributing information about group sessions to promote attendance.
• Group setup, supply gathering, attendance tracking.
• Session planning, discussion leading, role-play guidance, and resource coordination.
• Weekly submission of session notes highlighting opportunities for and barriers to successful service.
• Seeking assistance from Free Library staff when needed.
• Attending quarterly Facilitators' Meetings.

Qualifications and Requirements

Facilitators must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have good communication, listening, and organizational skills.
• Speak, read, and write English (at an advanced/comfortable level).
• Speak, read, and write Spanish (at an advanced/fluent level).
• Commit to a minimum of ten weeks for training and weekly group sessions.

Training

Languages and Learning requires Conversation Group Facilitators to review the Facilitators' Manual on their own (less than 1 hour), observe at least two groups (2–3 hours), and attend an online training (1 hour) for a total of four (4) training hours. Training will cover Conversation Group philosophy, strategies for successful group facilitation, recommended topics of conversation, and the role and responsibilities of facilitators.

Length of Commitment

1–3 hours every week for 10–12 weeks.