Adult Literacy Program General Information

When did it start?

In 1984 The California Literacy Campaign was born.
In 1985 The State Legislature established support for library services under The California Library Services Act.
In 1986 The Adult Literacy Program of The Sonoma County Library was established.

Who are our students?

Our students are 18 and older (the exception to this is if they are over 16 and have a child)
A student must speak enough English to speak to his/her tutor.

How does a student enroll in the program?

A student must call the office and make an appointment to have an orientation and an assessment.
The orientation is to give details to the student about our program and to ensure that this is the best program for the student.
The assessment is for us to learn more about the reading level of the student. Students must enroll for a six- month period and be able to meet weekly for 2-4 hours.

What do we provide?

Where do the student and tutor meet?

They meet in their local library.
We want the student to be exposed to all the other wonderful programs that the library offers.

What are the Volunteer Opportunities and Training?

All of our tutors are volunteers. To become a tutor you must attend an orientation and a training workshop.
For more information, call our office at (707) 544-2622 or email us at literacy@sonoma.lib.ca.us.
The training and books are free.
Both student and tutor will work together for a minimum of six months for 2-4 hours per week.

What qualifications do I need to become a tutor?

Tutors must be at least 18 years old, speak English and have a high school diploma or GED.
Previous tutoring experience is not required. We provide training and ongoing support.

What is the philosophy of the program?

We are learner centered. We work on the individual goals of the student.
The goals are as diverse as the people we serve. That goal can be anything from wanting to learn how to write a check, helping a child with his/her homework, reading an email, becoming a citizen, reading a map, writing a letter to the school, to getting a better job.

Volunteer tutors - monthly report form - print on your home printer, fill in, and return to Library