When Beth Meshke began volunteering with the library’s adult literacy program, she wasn’t sure what kind of impact she would make. It was amidst the pandemic when an adult learner who had recently earned his GED, with help from the library, reached out.
The student had started working on his associate degree and had his first class. Beth started working with him right away.
“It was a good thing, because his first class was make or break. He had to write a five page paper with research,” says Beth.
The entire volunteer opportunity was virtual. In their early sessions, the student had limited ability to write coherent English and had no experience writing essays.
“We worked together on how I could help with his writing, and at the beginning, I spent a lot of time providing comments.”
Volunteering with the library’s adult literacy program requires a 3-6 month commitment. However, this volunteer and student worked so well together, that they continued to work together for two years until the student successfully graduated with an associate degree.
She says that “sometimes it’s critical we respond as volunteers. It's not incidental that this program helped him get a two year college degree. It’s a big deal for him and his family and his ability to raise a family in Portland. He wouldn't have done it without me and I couldn't have done it without this program.”
Beth shares that she is “happy to play a small role in the excellent services libraries offer that make individuals' lives better and also make our local communities and entire society better.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the library, you can help adults with reading, writing and more skills.
To become a volunteer at the library with adult learners:
- You must be 18 years or older
- Have a high school or GED diploma
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Empathy and a friendly demeanor
- Be able to assist learners in the specific subject area they are seeking assistance with
- Be committed to help individuals reach personal educational goals