Library Services
Adult Literacy
Programs & Events About Our Program
Introduction"Once you learn to read, you are forever free." - Frederick Douglass
The Literacy Service of the Sacramento Public Library believes wholeheartedly in these words. Since its inception in1984, it has been committed to helping adults attain the skills they need to achieve their goals and develop their knowledge and potential.
Who We AreEstablished in 1984 with a grant from the California State Library, the Literacy Service strives to make Sacramento County a more literate community. Free one-on-one tutoring is provided to English speaking adults who want to improve their basic reading and writing skills.
Members of the community volunteer their time at least once a week for 1 and a half to 2 hours after they attend fourteen hours of training. The basic materials for both tutor and learner are provided at no charge. Literacy staff provide assistance and support as they progress through the program. Tutoring space is available at most library locations along with several other public sites.
Where We AreLiteracy Services
Arcade Community Library
2443 Marconi Ave.
Sacramento, Ca 95821
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 p.m.
Literacy 966-READ (7323)
Literacy
Staff 
Literacy Coordinator, Jackie Miller - (916) 575-2156 jmiller@saclibrary.org
Literacy Representatives:
Judith Alvi - (916) 575-2164 jalvi@saclibrary.org
Teresa Gutierrez - (916) 575-2159 - tgutierrez@saclibrary.org
Mary Van Orden- (916) 575-2158 - mvanorden@saclibrary.org
- It is estimated that 230,000 adults in Sacramento County are in need of help to improve their reading and writing skills.
- Of those adults who are unemployed, 75% have reading and writing difficulties.
- According to the National Institute for Literacy, 20% of the adults in Sacramento County have difficulty with reading, writing, and computational skills necessary to function in everyday life. http://www.nifl.gov/ .
Consider being a tutor, if you are 18 or older, able to read, speak English clearly and are willing to:
- tutor at least once a week,attend one 10-hour tutor workshop for certification in The Laubach Way to Reading. Check the calendar for dates and registration.
- participate in one-hour workshops offered during the year to reinforce your tutoring skills.
The Laubach Way to Reading is based on a multi-sensory approach to learning, with an emphasis on phonics. This method, used since 1930, has been very successful.
Do you know an adult who wants to improve their literacy skills? It is sometimes very difficult for adults to admit they need help. Many hesitate to make that first call. Perhaps you can help someone to make this important decision. Simply encourage the individual to call us. If he or she is 18 or older, able to speak English and is willing to:
- meet with a volunteer tutor each week,
- remain in the program for a minimum of six months or until his or her specific goals have been met.
Our Literacy Service staff is ready to help new learners begin the learning process.
Get involved, help someone change their life through this free program. Remember, the only degree you need to tutor is a degree of caring.