What is the Youth Literacy Program?

The Youth Literacy Program, presented by Red Deer Public Library in partnership with Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity, supports students in Grades 1–12 who need to improve their literacy skills, comprehension, and vocabulary. The program provides free, one-on-one help in a fun and supportive environment, offering sustainable, long-term support for families and meaningful opportunities for community volunteers.

For Grades 1–5, the focus is on building skills, confidence, and a love of reading. For English learners in Grades 6–12, the emphasis is on academic vocabulary and comprehension skills to help ensure success in school. Youth Literacy hopes to offer both English and French tutoring, depending on volunteer availability.

The program runs during the school year beginning in September 2025, with a three-month commitment. Learners are paired with a volunteer tutor and meet once a week at the branch and time chosen by the family and tutor. (Note: French tutoring will only be available at Timberlands Branch).

Volunteer tutors must be 16 years or older.

Learners must be referred by a teacher to participate in the program.

For more information, please email:  youthlit@rdpl.org

Our Supporters

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our funders and donors, whose contributions help sustain the Youth Literacy Program:

Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity

Joanne Courtice – Wade Courtice Memorial Collection

Doreen LeClaire – Marion Evelyn Bayne Memorial Collection

Paula Lefaivre – Supporter of libraries and access to information, with 30 years of service in public and academic libraries in Red Deer