Fact Sheet
Who needs literacy training?
In San Diego County, approximately 422,000 adults cannot read and write well enough to meet everyday needs and pursue professional goals. In California, approximately 5.9 million functionally illiterate adults must compensate for their lack of reading skills by developing effective listening and memorization techniques and relying on a network of trusted helpers.
What is READ/San Diego?
READ/San Diego is a free literacy and family literacy instruction service provided by the San Diego Public Library for adults 18 years of age and older. It is one of more than 100 literacy programs offered by public libraries throughout California.
READ/San Diego is supported by the City of San Diego with assistance from Friends of the READ/San Diego Literacy Programs and the State of California. It also relies on contributions from local businesses, civic and service organizations, and individuals.
How does the program work?
READ/San Diego is staffed by literacy professionals who coordinate the efforts of volunteer reading tutors and cooperate with local adult schools, community colleges and other literacy education providers in making and receiving student referrals. The literacy program's headquarters is located at:
The Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center,
5148 Market Street
San Diego, CA 92114-2209
An integral part of READ/San Diego is its in-house computer lab. Equipped with PC and Macintosh computer workstations and comprehensive software systems, the lab offers a wide selection of programs aimed at helping learners improve language skills, reading, writing, spelling, math, typing, GED and job preparation skills. Training and support are provided by a lab coordinator and trained volunteer assistants.
Tutors, after receiving comprehensive training, including intensive training in learning disabilities, generally meet with their student twice a week for a total of three hours at one of the City's 35 libraries or a mutually convenient public facility such as a church, business office or community center. READ/San Diego co-sponsors with business and industry basic skills workplace literacy programs. Tutors are supported with training resources provided by the City of San Diego, the California State Library and the San Diego Council on Literacy. Families for literacy programs operate at the Malcolm X and City Heights/Weingart Branch Libraries.
What can YOU do?
There are many ways to support READ/San Diego:
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- * Contribute funds that will enhance ongoing literacy efforts.
- * Volunteer as a tutor or volunteer to assist with other program operations.
- * Offer in-kind services such as video production, graphic design, printing or copying.
- * Donate used books, office supplies or computer software for the computer lab.
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