Math tutor Allison Niblett, left, works with Hanah Habecker. (Carolyn Swayze photo)
It’s the perfect equation to see Arnprior and area students excel in what can be a very challenging subject for some.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Arnprior Rotary Club and the willingness of one local post-secondary student to share her enthusiasm and knowledge, the Arnprior Public Library is offering free drop-in math tutoring several times each week.
Youth services librarian Carolyn Swayze explains that a number of parents of were inquiring if library staff knew of any tutors. And then the Arnprior Rotary Club approached the library asking if there were any literacy-tied in programs they could fund.
So, when University of Waterloo mathematical physics student Allison Niblett, who grew up in Arnprior, reached out looking to support local youth in math, it all made sense, said Swayze.
Always very enthusiastic about the subject, something Niblett had been interested in as a high school student was a reach-ahead program and that’s what she at first envisioned at APL. However, she quickly pivoted when she realized the need for catch-up help for students.
Having tutored also in high school, Niblett said she realizes there can sometimes be financial barriers to tutoring so she’s thrilled to be involved in offering the free program. Helping others improve and excel is rewarding, she said.
The library is thrilled to be offering the program, said Swayze, and very grateful for the $4,800 Arnprior Rotary grant that’s making it possible.
Response and interest has been great, so far, she said. Anyone interested or even curious should drop by and see what it’s all about.
Drop-in support sessions run Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays and include healthy snacks to help the students focus.
For more information, contact the library.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)