Located on the Eighth Floor of Central Library
READ/San Diego is a free literacy instruction service for adults 18 years and older. This award winning program has become a model for the country. It is staffed with literacy professionals, who work with community organizations and coordinate the efforts of volunteer reading tutors to teach adults to read and write, and improve literacy in San Diego
Regular Hours |
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|---|---|
| Monday | 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Why Literacy Matters
In San Diego County alone, there are over 450,000 adults who cannot read and write well enough to take care of the everyday tasks that we take for granted. That means they can't read medicine labels, recipes or even the guide on the television. Many cannot read to their small children, which puts the children at a disadvantage when they begin school.
READ/San Diego is working every day to make a difference in people's lives by empowering them to read. Our professional staff of literacy experts coordinates the efforts of volunteer reading tutors. They also cooperate with local adult schools, community colleges and other literacy education providers in making and receiving student referrals.
Families for Literacy Program
In addition to providing individual one-on-one tutoring for adults, READ also conducts Families for Literacy. This program is designed to break the cycle of intergenerational low-literacy. They do this by teaching low-literate parents and caregivers with preschool children the skills they need to be their children's first and most important teacher. Families for Literacy also provides age-appropriate books to help families build home libraries - a critical component for improving literacy for the whole family.
See real life stories about how families' lives have been changed:
Tutor Conference
READ/San Diego hosts an annual tutor conference open to all volunteer tutors as well as professional adult teachers at the University of San Diego. This exciting event is full of workshops and lectures given by literacy experts at major leading institutions around the country.2016 Conference
2015 Conference
Awards and News
READ/San Diego has been recognized as a model literacy program and has been repeatedly recognized nationwide for its community service and literacy leadership.
Our dedication to providing comprehensive, unique modern programs has resulted in numerous grants and awards.
won a $10,000 award from Better Books and the National Center for Literacy. Read the full Advancement of Literacy Award press release. Read the full Top Community Partnerships press release.Volunteer Literacy Tutors Needed Now!
At any given time, there are up to 150 people on a waiting list to take advantage of this free literacy program. Helping someone learn to read is giving them the gift of knowledge with the power to change their entire world! Your volunteerism can help change lives! See real life stories: Read more about Bob Perez . 2016 READ/San Diego Honorees 2015 READ/San Diego HonoreesBecome a Volunteer!
If you want to make a difference, please take a look at our Volunteer Opportunities and contact READ/San Diego at readstaff@sandiego.gov today!
Watch short video interviews of real adult learners at: www.libraryliteracy.org.
Tutor Training Schedule
To register for training or more information, call 619-238-6603 or email readstaff@sandiego.gov
