Volunteer Appreciation Week, in line with Canada's National Volunteer Week, opens a new window, is a special time at Halifax Public Libraries. Volunteers are the heart of our community, generously giving their time and energy to make new connections and support their fellow community members. From Home Delivery Drivers, to English Language Learning (ELL) tutors, to food programming assistants, our volunteers help out in many areas of Library service. Their dedication and passion for helping others makes the Library a welcoming place for all.
To celebrate our wonderful volunteers, we've asked them to share some insights from their time volunteering with Halifax Public Libraries. We are grateful for every volunteer who has given their time to the Library. From helping out with a program for just one day, to years of commitment as an English tutor, each volunteer's contributions are invaluable and make a positive impact every single day.
What made you interested in volunteering with the Library?
"I started volunteering at the Library after I came home from a year of teaching English as a second language in Taiwan. I wanted to help people to improve their language skills without the administrative side of teaching, so it was an excellent fit!" —Becky, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I was still new to Halifax when COVID struck. It limited my scope of meeting people. I was visiting the Central Library one day and that's when I saw the opportunity to become a volunteer for the ELL program. It was followed by a discussion with the program coordinator. It seemed like a great opportunity to meet people and to help them achieve their goals and aspirations." —Som, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I retired from my family doctor career a few years ago and was interested in community-based, face-to-face, 'helping' opportunities. I had experience with new immigrants in my medical practice and recognized the challenges of resettlement and that language learning was a vital part of accessing supports, education, employment, and social contacts." —Carolyn, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"Since I love reading and visiting libraries, I naturally became interested in volunteering. I wanted to meet new people and get more involved in the community. I thought volunteering at the Library would be a meaningful way to do that." —Se Ra, Community Café Volunteer, Tantallon Public Library
"Once I retired, I was looking for an activity I could participate in which used my teaching experience and would be beneficial to others." —Linda G., ELL Tutor, Dartmouth North Public Library
"The world was getting back on track after the COVID shutdown and I was fully retired. I knew I needed something to get me out of the house and a notice popped up on Facebook. I live in Spryfield and this Library branch is my branch." —Louise, ELL Tutor, Captain William Spry Public Library
"I had worked in the field of Education my entire career, from teacher to guidance counsellor, to school psychologist, and finally teacher educator. I wanted to do something relevant and satisfying that would give back." —Carol, Adult Literacy Tutor, Keshen Goodman Public Library
"It is strange to look back on now, but I actually did not set out to volunteer with the Library! It was a serendipitous moment. I have always been an avid library user and was excited to attend the grand opening of the new Central Library back in December 2014. That day, I happened to have a conversation with a staff member who was recruiting volunteer tutors for some of the Library's programs. I was in a place in my life where I was seeking more connection with my community, and I had teaching experience, so it seemed like a perfect fit—I said yes, and the rest is history!" —Kayla, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I became interested in volunteering at the Library after I moved to Halifax. I am a retired teacher and thought I might be able to contribute to the community in this way." —Linda V. N., ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"As a newcomer myself, I understand how it feels to start over in a new place. I have benefited greatly from the Library, and now I would like to give back by helping others access the same resources. The Library has been a valuable resource for me, providing access to information and services that have supported my personal and professional growth. Volunteering at the Library offers me the opportunity to share the benefits I’ve received, assist newcomers in their journey, and be part of a positive, supportive, inclusive community. I am passionate about promoting literacy, learning, and social connection, and I believe the Library is an ideal place to do so." —Zhao, ELL Tutor, Alderney Gate Public Library
"Lifelong learning had been an important part of my professional life and continues to be since retiring in 2012. I knew our Public Library offered programs in English Language Learning for newcomers to Canada and Adult Literacy for individuals seeking to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. These programs were a great fit for me." —Kent, Adult Literacy Tutor, Keshen Goodman Public Library
What are some typical tasks you do in this volunteer role?
"My tasks include preparing and delivering lessons at the level of my learner with a little challenge in skill and vocabulary. I try to include a variety of activities: videos, podcasts, stories, and exercises in print, conversations, and games. These are intended to help the learner advance to the next benchmark level and to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. I always keep in mind the goals of my learner, whether it’s reading to their children, shopping and running the house, or passing the citizenship test." —Donald, ELL Tutor, Alderney Gate Public Library
"I am not an educator and I before I started, it was very clear that there was no expectation for me to teach or instruct. My job is to engage them in conversation. The advantage of being in the Library is I have books on every subject imaginable at my fingertips. It doesn’t matter the interest, we can find a book on the subject." —Louise, ELL Tutor, Captain William Spry Public Library
"I serve coffee and snacks to people who visit the Library for reading or Library activities. I hope to share warm and friendly moments with them and make the Library feel like a cozy and welcoming place." —Se Ra, Community Café Volunteer, Tantallon Public Library
"My earlier students had some English proficiency and our goal was to develop conversational ability, reduce social isolation, at the same time as familiarizing them with many spheres of life in Canada (geographic, government, health care, education, etc.). My current student is a beginning English speaker so we are working on foundations of the language. He is a refugee, separated from his family and very socially isolated, with minimal supports so the larger role has been helping him navigate many aspects of his life here: completing paperwork, communicating with various agencies, accessing additional supports." —Carolyn, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I work with folks who have recently emigrated to Canada, typically in the last one or two years. The program is intended to provide structured, yet informal tutoring to enhance their English skills. I'm very fortunate as I get to work with a small group, rather than a single person. Sometimes, the group will have specific topics they'd like to learn about (gerund verbs, hyperbole, metaphors, etc.), and other times we'll naturally happen across a topic though our conversations (homophones, irregular pronunciations)." —Tim, ELL Tutor, Captain William Spry Public Library
"Every week, I meet with a learner for two hours and we work on their English skills using a variety of materials. I like to focus and cater to my learner's needs by focusing on a particular skill they would like to improve, such as reading, listening, speaking, or writing. We can also cover focused topics like grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary building. Some students don't have a particular goal in mind, but just want to practice speaking and listening with someone to support them. Our sessions can look like exam preparation, compete with textbooks and study materials, and sometimes it's more like a casual conversation over a cup of tea and cookies." —Becky, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I encourage communication, confidence, and enjoyment through ongoing conversation and a pride in their new-found ability. I include reading and writing, using Canadian texts. I ensure that details of their own language, culture, and traditions are an important part of the conversation during the session. I often use my own background from another country and my experience as a new arrival in Canada to show my empathy." —Linda S., ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"As a tutor, my role is ultimately to help my ‘learner’ partner achieve their English language learning goals. The focus is typically on English conversation—i.e., practice talking with a native speaker in a judgement-free zone where they can get feedback and support. However, often learners have specific personal or professional objectives, and I want to ensure that our time together helps them work toward their goals. Their ambitions are diverse and could range from passing the citizenship test, to getting accepted to community college, to having a more active social life in Canada. We typically spend time talking, reading articles or stories, creating pieces of writing, or doing test prep together." —Kayla, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
What do you love about your volunteer role?
"The one-on-one interaction with my program participant, sharing of stories, and celebrating accomplishments and adventures related to the challenges of learning." —Kent, Adult Literacy Tutor, Keshen Goodman Public Library
"I love what I have learned about other cultures, countries, and the backstory as to what has brought the person to Canada." —Louise, ELL Tutor, Captain William Spry Public Library
"Seeing people progress with their language skills and how that impacts their confidence and quality of life is incredibly rewarding. Some folks have moved on from the program as they've obtained new jobs in their field of choice, or they've moved on to focusing on enhancing their formal education. Knowing that this program played a small part in helping these folks is wonderful." —Tim, ELL Tutor, Captain William Spry Public Library
"I love helping others, and volunteering to do so. The most important part of helping is to impart confidence so they believe they can do it. If not, they won't try. So, if someone comes in and says she went to the doctor's or dentist's office alone and was able to manage, that means she felt confident enough to try that, and was successful! This is progress for her." —Linda V. N., ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"Volunteering at the Library is something I look forward to every week. I love that I get to talk and meet with someone I probably wouldn't have otherwise, and I am grateful for the opportunity to listen to and learn from different perspectives. I also love learning about other languages, cultures, and customs. I especially love trying to pick up new words from my student's language." —Becky, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I like the feeling of being connected to my community in a positive way. Helping others achieve their goals is the best way to do this. Volunteering also gives me a chance to celebrate my love of teaching, but without the stress that often comes with a full-time job." —Donald, ELL Tutor, Alderney Gate Public Library
"I love my work because it not only helps other newcomers but also helps me improve my own language skills, communication skills, and other soft skills. I have truly enjoyed the wonderful experience of working with and learning from professional volunteer teams and teachers. It’s deeply rewarding to see newcomers feel welcomed, gain confidence, and access the information they need. Volunteering gives me a sense of belonging and reminds me that even small actions can make a big difference in the community. I feel happy and proud to be part of our local Library family. Additionally, the conversations are not just about practicing English—they’re real, heartfelt discussions. We share our feelings, new ideas, discoveries, and stories. It often feels like chatting with old friends who share common interests. I also love our debrief meetings and coffee breaks, where volunteers and teachers share ideas, tips, and encouragement. These moments are great opportunities to learn from others and build strong team connections." —Zhao, ELL Tutor, Alderney Gate Public Library
"I love to see the satisfaction, the fulfilment, and the commitment of the learners. I see their pleasure as they describe their own culture. I share a sense of fulfilment with them. I am aware that they feel confident and trusting to share some of the challenges which they face." —Linda S., ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"Mainly, the chance to know someone and become a small part of their success and achievement. But also the opportunity to broaden my horizons, by learning about different cultures, customs, and completely new topics such as landscape architecture, budgeting, and how things are managed at the front desk of a large hotel. We also discuss and share information about books, recipes, new restaurants, and stores in the area." —Som, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I honestly feel like I have gained as much from the experience as I have given! I have made some incredible friends and learned so much from the different learners I’ve met over the years. I consider it an incredible honour and privilege to have had so many generous learners share with me their journeys to Canada, stories from their home countries, and reflections on their new lives here. I have learned a lot about my identity as a (settler) Canadian and as a global citizen. Particularly at this time, when the world appears to be increasingly rife with conflict and distress, it feels like a gift to be able to participate in a program where community members are coming together to support one another and work toward something positive together." —Kayla, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
Share a special memory from the past year
"My current learner is friendly and always eager to learn. It is a pleasure to see her understand a lesson and share her personal thoughts. We have many happy visits together." —Linda G., ELL Tutor, Dartmouth North Public Library
"I have some special memories. There is a senior who has diabetes, so I always try to prepare sugar-free snacks or fruits for them. Also, I remember a senior who visits every week, and I prepare their favourite snacks in advance. I also love when children say 'Thank you' after getting a snack. They are so cute and make me smile every time." —Se Ra, Community Café Volunteer, Tantallon Public Library
"I have had the great joy of working with my current learner, Anna, this past year. The ability to use humour and make jokes is a sign of proficiency in a new language, and I can confirm that Anna’s English skills are strong and ever-improving because she has a sharp wit that makes me laugh every session! I think we have a lot of fun together. When I suggest reading the newspaper, we often end up in the comics section. :)" —Kayla, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"In January, I was paired with a new student who is a beginner English speaker. This student is working hard to build their vocabulary, and we often discover examples of how English can be an absolutely dreadful language to learn. Because we are so stuck in the words, I can't help but agree and sympathize with their frustrations over the inconsistencies in spelling and pronunciation. There have been several occasions where they line up the offending words side by side and try in vain to parse out why two words sound the same, but look completely different. In the end, we've both been laughing and shaking our heads, and I'm saying, “You're right, English is confusing!” —Becky, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I worked with someone who was apprehensive about applying for a customer-facing position at work, due to a lack of confidence in handling direct interactions. Over the next few months, we worked together in mock scenarios where I acted as a customer asking questions about various products and services listed on the company's website. Eventually, she applied for the position and got the job." —Som, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"The most exciting time with both my learners was that each came in and said they went to a medical appointment by themselves, no family member to translate, and they each communicated and understood. That is a banner success day, and each can build on that. The next time there is an appointment, they will think they managed the last one, so will confidently go alone again. This type of situation brings someone to a new level of independence." —Linda V. N., ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"There's one individual that I've worked with since the fall of 2021—he's become a good friend. Earlier this year, he let me know he would no longer attend our group, as he was now ready to focus on obtaining his GED. This individual has experienced horribly difficult things in their life, prior to coming to Canada. Now, they're on track to obtain their GED by the end of the summer, just as their family is growing! I couldn't be happier for my friend, for all the progress he's made thanks to the immense effort he's put in. It was bitter-sweet seeing him leave our group." —Tim, ELL Tutor, Captain William Spry Public Library
"In a tutoring session, my learner wanted to write a few sentences and even typed a short paragraph in a Word document—for the first time! It took a while, but it was a great start. I could see how motivated they were and how much they valued the tutoring session." —Zhao, ELL Tutor, Alderney Gate Public Library
Parting thoughts on your volunteer experience
"I cannot travel to many of the countries my learners come from, but by volunteering in the ELL program, I have learned about their cultures, and most importantly, I have met many wonderful people who have changed my view of the world." —Linda G., ELL Tutor, Dartmouth North Public Library
"The time commitment is small, the rewards are immense." —Carolyn, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I truly enjoy every moment of my volunteering. It’s a great feeling to be able to support people in small ways, and it makes me feel connected to the community." —Se Ra, Community Café Volunteer, Tantallon Public Library
"My volunteering journey has been incredibly fulfilling. I have gained new skills, improved my language skills, and met many wonderful people from the local community. Working in different roles—tutor, assistant, or other program helper—has shown me the value of teamwork and cultural exchange. I am very grateful for the opportunity to give back and to be part of such a supportive community. I especially want to thank my learners and group members for being humble, friendly, and respectful. Their attitude made our conversations and learning sessions successful. I feel lucky and happy to be with them in this year. I also admire our experienced volunteer mentors and teachers. They are always ready to help, and they lead by example—with patience, kindness, and a warm smile. I’m truly happy to be part of these amazing teams. Volunteering here has made my life more meaningful." —Zhao, ELL Tutor, Alderney Gate Public Library
"I think that it is an amazing service that I am very pleased to see the Library provide to long time residents and newcomers alike. I also appreciate all the support tutors get from the program supervisors." —Carol, Adult Literacy Tutor, Keshen Goodman Public Library
"Volunteering is a positive experience for everyone and helps others. The Library is the perfect neutral place, with resources and a very well-run program, to do so. And there is nothing more important than helping those who need language skills to get these so they can assimilate as wanted and needed. We care here and want to help others; it's a positive environment. I lived in the US for decades and that is very different." —Linda V. N., ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"I am amazed and thankful for what this experience has brought to my life. I hope to continue for a long time." —Louise, ELL Tutor, Captain William Spry Public Library
"The Central Library and the program coordinators offer great facilities, resources, and an inclusive environment which is crucial for success. Some of us attend the program on the way back from work. We sometimes take a quick break for tea/coffee and catch up with other volunteers and participants. It is a very cordial environment where we talk about weekend plans, and sometimes exchange notes and experiences." —Som, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"If I had the opportunity to do everything over again, rethink my role as a volunteer in retirement, I would not change anything. This has been truly a blessed experience. The program coordinators are extremely supportive of my role as a volunteer and have always been available to provide guidance and offer training opportunities. The program participants have been a delight to work with and more than often challenge me on how best to work meeting their needs and interests. If anyone has an interest in volunteering, I encourage you to have a look at programs and volunteer opportunities offered through the Library. There are numerous options to choose from." —Kent, Adult Literacy Tutor, Keshen Goodman Public Library
"It's hard to put into words what this program has meant to me personally. Beyond a sense of satisfaction from being able to help someone, I also feel immense gratitude for this feeling of connection and community that is inherent in people coming together with a shared purpose. It's a real pleasure being a part of the ELL program, one I'm looking forward to for many, many more years!" —Becky, ELL Tutor, Halifax Central Library
"The Halifax Public Libraries are so much more than libraries—they are hubs of our communities, providing incredible resources, tools, toys, and programs that everyone in our city can benefit from. I'm proud to be a very, very small part of this wonderful organization. I strongly encourage anyone looking for an impactful, accessible volunteering opportunity, to consider supporting our wonderful public libraries." —Tim, ELL Tutor, Captain William Spry Public Library
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