Courtesy Photo Richard Wehn, a READ tutor at Alpena County Library, smiles with a book in the READ office at the library.

ALPENA ­– For the last year, the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library’s READ Program volunteers have been quietly strengthening our community and the library through their commitment to tutor individuals seeking to learn to read, learn to speak and understand English, and/or earn their GED. Approximately 21 individuals volunteer their time every week to improve the lives of community members.

The Independent Sector estimates the national value of each volunteer hour to be $33.49. This year, READ Program tutors have contributed over 1,075 hours of tutoring which is valued at over $36,000.

In sharing their gifts and talents, READ tutors have also found it to be very personally rewarding.

“As a member of the United States Coast Guard, it became second nature to help wherever and whenever I could,” said Richard Wehn, READ tutor. “As a service, everything we do is aimed at helping someone. Thanks to READ, that sense of purpose has been rekindled.”

“Knowing that I can make a positive impact on someone’s life and their future is very rewarding,” said Sue Suszek, READ tutor.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the library’s READ Program is an opportunity for volunteers to make a lasting impact.

For more information about the READ Program, visit alpenalibrary.org, or call Program Coordinators Leslie Kirchoff and Pat Garant at 989-356-6188, ext. 15.