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Need for Literacy Program | Adults Learn to Read Free

Need for a Literacy Program

About one in five American adults function at the lowest level of literacy. In San José, that means over 100,000 adults lack the basic skills to read the directions on a medicine bottle, find an intersection on a map, or fill out a job application.

Established in 1989, Partners in Reading has trained over 1,000 volunteer tutors and served over 1,000 adult learners. As a member of the California Literacy Campaign, we are part of a State-wide network of over 100 public libraries providing adult literacy instruction. We work cooperatively with other literacy providers, social service agencies, and community groups.

Partners in Reading provides free one-to-one and small group tutoring for adults whose reading or writing skills are below a ninth grade level. To qualify, an adult needs to speak and understand English at a conversational level. Both tutors and learners are required to make a six-month commitment to meet two hours perweek. Tutoring is provided by trained volunteers at the King Library, a San Jose Public Library system branch or another public site in San José.