Berkeley Reads
Adult and Family Literacy Program
1125 University Ave
Berkeley , CA 94702
What is Berkeley Reads?
Berkeley Reads is the adult and family literacy program of the Berkeley Public Library. We offer a variety of services to English-speaking adults who want to improve their basic reading and writing skills. Students participate in one-to-one tutoring with trained volunteers; we also offer computer-assisted learning, small group instruction, workshops, student leadership opportunities, and drop-in/outreach tutoring. Our Families for Literacy program serves parents with children five years and younger. Services include monthly story time, free children's book distribution, special events and literacy workshops. Services are always FREE and confidential.
We Make a Difference!
Since the program began in 1987, we have served more than 2,000 adult learners. People join Berkeley Reads to improve their literacy skills so they can function more powerfully and effectively at home, at work and in the community. With the help of committed volunteers and a small staff, students make progress at their own pace and work toward their personal learning goals. Some of students' recent learning accomplishments include: writing checks independently, helping children with homework, voting with an understanding of the issues, and taking a promotion at work instead of turning it down.
Call (510) 981-6299 for more information
Become a Student!
Adult literacy students are lifelong learners and come from many walks of life! Many have encountered literacy obstacles in their everyday life, and have decided they want to do something about it.
To be eligible for Berkeley Reads, an adult needs to:
• Be 16 years or older
• Not be enrolled in high school
• Speak English comfortably over the phone and in-person
• Commit to at least six months in the program.
Call (510) 981-6299 for more information
We are looking for volunteer adult literacy tutors! Volunteers are patient, flexible and want to make a difference and contribute to their community . They work one-to-one with adult literacy students, helping them improve their basic reading and writing skills, and achieve their learning goals. Volunteers gain valuable teaching experience, develop a powerful connection with another lifelong learner, and become part of a community of learning in Berkeley .
We require all of our volunteer tutors to:
• Have a high school diploma or a G.E.D.
• Complete our free tutor orientation and training sessions
• Commit to at least 6 months in the program
• Be available to tutor twice a week for 1-2 hours each session
• Stay in touch with the Berkeley Reads office through monthly reports, quarterly phone calls and lesson-planning meetings.
We're here to offer whatever assistance we can to help tutoring pairs succeed.
Please call (510) 981-6299 to learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor and to find out about other ways to volunteer in our program .
Berkeley Reads students and their families are invited to join us for special events, workshops, and monthly storytimes with free book distribution. Together we:
• Explore and expand the ways that literacy is part of our families
• Share stories and learn about children's books
• Make art
• Practice reading and writing
• Go on field trips
• Discuss subjects that matter to parents.
Families select children's books to take home, keep, enjoy, and add to their own home libraries.
Berkeley Reads students improve their reading and writing while they gain basic computer skills that help them in the real world. Student tutor pairs can participate together, or students can come alone to meet with a specially trained computer lab volunteer tutor.
Lab Hours:
Monday - 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Thursday - 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday - 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Drop-In/Outreach Tutoring
Individualized tutoring is offered based on a drop-in schedule for those students who are waiting to be matched with an available tutor; off-site tutoring is provided at designated local social/human service agencies, which serve clients who also seek literacy assistance.
English Literacy Instruction
Immigrant students are provided with English Literacy Instruction through the development of reading/writing and life skills. Call for schedule of small group instruction.
Berkeley Reads students and an experienced adult literacy teacher learn together as they explore how to be better readers and writers. Open to all levels. Call for days and times.
- Pass this information on to someone who may need our services.
- Become a literacy tutor or volunteer with us in some other capacity.
- Volunteer for Family Literacy.
- Outreach by conducting a storytime at a selected local agency, which serves children under the age of five years.
- Invite a Berkeley Reads speaker to visit your church, community group or business.
- Help publicize, post or distribute Berkeley READS information and literature at local sites.
- Donate office supplies, in-kind services, or food for our holiday party.
- Make a tax-deductible donation.
Berkeley
Berkeley Public Library, West Branch
1125 University Avenue
Berkeley
510-981-6299
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Sherry Austin - Student/Tutor Coordinator
Helen Kreisler- Families for Literacy Instructor
Lauren Giniger - Outreach Tutor
Jean Shields - Student Advocate/Outreach Worker
Lisa Derr - Tutor Trainer
Dharini Abeysekera - Americorps Member
Astrid Jerez - Americorps Member
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