Become a Tutor

Volunteer tutors make the mission and vision of OLC a reality. Teaching someone to read requires perseverance, patience, and the caring flexibility to work at the speed of the student. Although the experience can be challenging it is also just as rewarding for the tutor as it is for the child or adult learner. Tutors attend a one day training prior to being matched with a child or adult.  All materials for the tutor and student are provided.  For information on changing a life through tutoring, click here. 

Read to Preschool Classrooms

Volunteers donate their time to read to a classroom 4 times during the school year.  OLC provides these reading activities and books to 39 preschool classes throughout Springfield Public Schools.  Introducing literacy at an early age sets the students up for success later in life. These interactive visits have prepared lesson plans for volunteers, a fun book related activity and provides a free book for each child.  Each visit takes about 30 minutes.  No training or prior experience is required.

Special Events & Community Fairs 

Pizza and Pasta Bowl in March, Trivia Night in September, and the OLC-BEE in Novemeber are OLC’s most exciting Special Events! Up to 30 volunteers are needed per event to help at these events doing tasks such as ticket sales, silent auction assistants, and so much more! Additionally, OLC works to get books in the hands of children by giving away free books at Community Events such CandyLand, Back to School Bash, Grant Beach Neighborhood Night Out and more.  We are always in need of outgoing volunteers who would like to help give out books and promote OLC programs. If you enjoy a hands-on experience, OLC would love to have your help! Check out more information on events page.  To download and fill out the volunteer data form, click here.

How to Volunteer as a Senior