Volunteer at Indy Reads—for one day or many years—and leave a lasting impact

Make an impact in our community 

Join us in advancing social equity through literacy! 1 in 6 Hoosiers cannot read above a fifth-grade level. At Indy Reads, our mission is to build the literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential. 

As a volunteer with Indy Reads, you will make a difference for our students every day. Whether you serve in a Community Classroom (virtual or in-person), in our community bookstore in Fountain Square, or as a one-time Day of Service participant, your time and talent will have a vital impact as we strive for 100% literacy for all.

A group of kids play on the floor as two adult volunteers watch

Community Classroom Volunteer 

Indy Reads offers a series of courses through our Community Classroom program. As a volunteer, you would receive training and support to work alongside our experienced Teachers and adult students. Working alongside our adult students in our High School Equivalency (HSE), English Language Learning (ELL), Literacy Foundations, or workforce certifications classrooms is an opportunity to share your time and talents with our ambitious, resilient, and talented students.  

Through our classrooms, adult learners build the skills and confidence they need to access better job opportunities, help their children with their homework, and more meaningfully engage in the community. Volunteering in our Classrooms is a chance to change the life of an adult learner – and your own – for the better!   

Engage with our community in new ways by tutoring in our Community Classrooms (virtual or in-person)! 

  • Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week for 19 weeks minimum. Option to renew each semester. Tutoring options available in-person and/or online via Zoom.
  • Skills & Experience: Patient, good listener, critical thinker, passion for teaching, cultural awareness, & sensitivity.
  • Training Requirements: New volunteers must attend a Volunteer Info Session. They will then complete an online training before starting their volunteering commitment in a classroom. Additional online training options and materials will  be provided for ongoing learning opportunities!
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer.

Community Bookstore Volunteer

We welcome the help of volunteers in Indy Reads’ community bookstore located in Fountain Square! Our bookstore serves as the center of Indy Reads’ programming, a site for some of our Community Classrooms, and the home of our community programming.

We host events for children and families with open mics, story times, job readiness workshops, and local author events. In our community bookstore, we also turn donated used books into revenue to help fund our academic programs.

Volunteers help us to sort and shelve donated books, greet patrons, and keep our space beautiful, warm, and inviting for all. 

  • Time Commitment: Minimum 2-hour shift monthly for 3 months. Days/times can flex!
  • Responsibilities: Help with shelving, pricing, sorting, and general organization. Provide customer assistance. Help with book transport. Assist with special events (Big Chair Story Time, Drag Story Hour, Author Readings, etc.).
  • Bookstore Hours of Operation: Wednesdays-Saturdays 11am-7pm. Sundays 11am-5pm.
  • Training Requirements: New volunteers must attend a Volunteer Info Session. They will then complete a Bookstore Volunteer Training before their first shift!
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer.

Day of Service Volunteer

Days of Service are a great way to give back to your community while strengthening team bonds. If your company, book club, other organization, or family is searching for a completely customizable opportunity to engage with Indianapolis in a new way, we want to speak with you!

Our Days of Service all support our High School Equivalency (HSE), English Language Learning (ELL), Literacy Foundations, and workforce certifications programs.

Make an impact as a team by choosing one of the options listed here and speak with our Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator to tailor the experience to your needs!

For Day of Service volunteer opportunities, please contact Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator, Jennie McDowell by emailing jmcdowell@indyreads.org.

We cannot wait to meet you!

Day of Service Options:

  • Wrap Surprise Reads with book recommendations printed on the outside! This is a great option for book clubs and families of readers.
  • Participate in a Mailing Party! Mailing parties are essential for shipping free books to students, letting our community know what’s happening at Indy Reads, and so much more. This is a great option for corporate groups seeking a team-building opportunity.
  • Read for Big Chair Story Time! Join us on a Saturday at 11am to read books to families in our community. This is a great option for smaller groups.
  • Helping Hands for Literacy! Help Indy Reads get some of our used books into Little Free Libraries around Indianapolis. This is a great option for larger groups who want to see more of the city.
  • Placemaking Projects! Help Indy Reads keep our space beautiful, accessible, and equitable with one-off projects in Fountain Square. This might include painting, organizing, assembling, or rolling up your sleeves in some other way! This is a great option for artsy groups.
  • Choose Your Own Adventure! Have a great idea for a group volunteer project not listed here? Get in touch!
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