Services

:: Tutoring for Adults

Become a Better Reader!
If you or someone you know would like to learn to read, write, or spell better, call the Santa Barbara Public Library Adult Literacy Program at (805) 564-5619. A trained tutor will provide confidential one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing and spelling skills.

Adults are eligible for literacy tutoring if they:

• Are 16 or older;
• Are able to hold a conversation, such as an intake interview, in English;
• Are not enrolled in a degree program; and
• Are able to work with a tutor 2 or 3 hours per week.

Participating in the Adult Literacy program, you will:

• Get free and confidential tutoring in reading, writing and spelling;
• Work one-on-one with a tutor; and
• Meet at a time and place convenient for both of you.

If you think you might be interested in being tutored or know someone who might benefit from this service, please call Adult Literacy Coordinator Beverly Schwartzberg at (805) 564-5619 and leave a message with your name, address, and telephone number and an indication of the most convenient time to call you.

Families for Literacy Program

The Library offers a Family Literacy Program for adult learners with young children ages six months to five years old. Families benefit by:

• Learning to love books together;
• Enjoying learning together;
• Improving children’s chances for success in school;
• Becoming comfortable using Library services;
• Building a home library; and
• Receiving support from other parents.

An adult in the family (parent, grandparent, or other family member) receives free literacy tutoring. The tutoring helps parents with reading, writing, and other skills, and may help with GED preparation, citizenship tests, or job skills.
Families can participate in special activities at the Library, including crafts and storytimes for children and free books to take home for children age five or younger. Parents are able to share questions about parenting, learn what to expect from children at different ages, and get tips on learning and child development.
For more information about the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Families for Literacy Program, call (805) 564-5619.
 

Become an Adult Literacy Volunteer!

Make a difference in someone’s life…join the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program. The program trains volunteer tutors to help adult learners improve reading, writing and spelling skills. There are a few requirements. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Read and speak English proficiently;
• Complete a 9-hour workshop; and
• Have 2 to 4 hours per week to devote to the program.

Tutors and learners meet once or twice a week at a place and time convenient for both. The tutoring may take place in any public location such as a Library branch, coffee shop, a senior center, a community center, etc.

News!

Tutors and Learners: We encourage adult literacy learners to participate in this year's writing challenge for adult learners, sponsored by the California State Library. Entries are due Thursday, July 31, 2008.

The 2008 Writer-to-Writer entry forms and information packets are available at http://libraryliteracy.org/w2w/index.html.

For a video workshop designed to help learners interested in participating in the Writer-to-Writer Challenge, visit http://www.libraryliteracy.org/webcast/05-19-07_jones/index.html
 

Basic Literacy Tutor-Training Workshops

Training is offered four times per year. The nine-hour workshop prepares participants to help English-speaking adults improve their reading, writing, and spelling. Once you have been matched with a learner, on-going assistance on specific teaching or learning issues is available.

Next Workshop

Monday & Wednesday, August 04 & 06, 2008
(both classes required)
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Faulkner E. Gallery, Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St.
Click here for printable flyer

If you might be interested in becoming an Adult Literacy Program tutor, please contact Adult Literacy Coordinator Beverly Schwartzberg at bschwartzberg@santabarbaraca.gov OR (805) 564-5619 and leave a message with your name, address, telephone number, and an indication of the most convenient time to call you.