The READ/San Diego office, located at the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Branch Library, is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In San Diego County, approximately 422,000 adults cannot read and write well enough to meet everyday needs and pursue professional goals. The Library's READ/San Diego program is a free literacy, English as a Second Language and family literacy instruction service for adults 18 years and older. Staffed by literacy professionals, READ/San Diego coordinates the efforts of volunteer reading tutors and cooperates with local adult schools, community colleges and other literacy education providers in making and receiving student referrals. Each year, the program assists more than 1,000 adult students from various backgrounds and learning levels.

In 2006, READ/San Diego was honored with the Advancement of Literacy Award from the American Library Association. The national award honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation or similar group that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of adult literacy. Read the full press release (PDF:22K).

In 2004, READ/San Diego was named one of the top community partnerships in the nation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Vocational and Adult Education. Read the full press release (PDF:117K).