Give Back: Tutoring at the SPL

Mayor Nickels’ 2010 city budget is on the table before the city council, and within it is a $2.6 million proposed decrease in the Seattle Public Library budget for next year - approximately 5% in cuts. Twenty-one library branches will see their operating hours reduced in 2010, and expect a repeat of this year’s week-long library systemwide closure to trim expenses even further.

But with library use steadily trending upwards, the library is looking for all of the help it can get. You can volunteer at the Seattle Public Library in several different capacities, but one of the most rewarding ways to participate is through the library’s Homework Help program, which offers free after-school tutoring to K-12 and ESL students at select city branches. Four Homework Help centers in particular could use a boost in tutors: the Columbia City Branch, the NewHolly Branch, the Rainier Beach Branch, and the South Park Branch.

Any and all tutors city-wide are welcome at the library’s Math Tutoring Tips for Middle and High School Students session, held this Saturday at the Douglass-Truth Branch. Also of note: Seattle Tutoring Coalition is hosting two upcoming All City Tutor training sessions at Aki Kurose Middle School on November 5 and February 6.

For more information and application materials, contact the Seattle Public Library Volunteer Services Coordinator at Anne.Vedella@spl.org by Friday, October 16.

Math Tutoring Tips for Middle and High School Students // October 17, 10:15 a.m. to 12 :15 p.m. // Douglass-Truth Branch, 2330 East Yesler // Free, registration required

Seattle Tutoring Coalition’s All City Tutor Training // November 5 and February 6 // Aki Kurose Middle School, 3928 S Graham St. // Free