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Public Library

READ/San Diego

Adult & Family Literacy Services

Please note that beginning January 4, READ/San Diego hours will be by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Located on the Eighth Floor of Central Library

Parent and child reading in library

READ/San Diego is a free literacy instruction service for adults 18 years and older to learn or improve reading and writing. Services include one-on-one tutoring, small group classes, and family literacy.  

Phone: 619-238-6603

Become a Learner! Become a Volunteer!

Regular Hours

MondayNoon - 6 p.m.
TuesdayNoon - 6 p.m.
WednesdayNoon - 6 p.m.
ThursdayNoon - 6 p.m.
FridayNoon. - 6 p.m.
Saturday & SundayClosed
 

Adult Literacy Services

Tutoring session

Improve your reading and writing skills! Get help with: 

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Basic Writing

  • Spelling and Grammar

  • GED Prep

     

To qualify for services:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Must speak and understand some English.

  • Cannot be attending school for credit.

  • Able to make a six-month commitment.

  • Be a City of San Diego resident or able to travel to an area we serve.

  • Adults must be reading or writing at or below the eighth-grade level.

     

Become a Learner!

As a learner in our program, you will be paired with a trained volunteer tutor. One-on-one tutoring occurs twice a week for 1.5 hours each session at SDPL City Branch Libraries or public locations only.


  


Family Literacy Services

Family participating in Family literacy services
  

Available to adult learners and their families to encourage adult learners to be their child’s first and most important teacher.  

 

Family Literacy Programs include:

  • Parenting and Child Development Topics

  • Early Reading and Writing Development

  • Storytimes

  • Art, Crafts, and Cooking Tutorials

  • Playtime, Games, and Music

  • Free Children’s books are given to help families build home libraries. 

 

Programs are offered at the following SDPL branch libraries:

Become a Learner!


 


Volunteer

Volunteer tutor headshot
  

Change a Life! 

Teach an adult to read and give a gift that goes far beyond a single person. 

Who are our volunteers?

  • Community members at least 18 years of age.

  • Must have a high school diploma.

  • Does not have to have a background in teaching.

  • Able to commit up to five hours of service a week.

  • Must complete nine hours of specialized tutor training.

  • Must make at least a six-month commitment. 

 

Other volunteer services include:

  • Community resource events

  • Book fairs

  • Family Literacy Program support

  • Room decorating and event cleanup

  • Event greeters

  • Craft preparations 

 

Become a Volunteer!


 


About READ/San Diego

READ/San Diego staff photo

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.  


Contact Us

READ/San Diego 
Adult Literacy Program 
330 Park Blvd. (eighth floor) 
San Diego, CA 92101 
Phone: 619-238-6603 
Email: readstaff@sandiego.gov 


Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to be in the program?

The program is completely free. We provide all tutoring, computer-aided instruction and books for free.

Do you provide transportation or bus passes?

No. You are expected to get yourself to and from tutoring sessions.

How long does it take to get matched with a tutor/learner?

The wait can vary from one month to several months. It depends on your availability of days, times and locations you are willing to meet a tutor/learner.  

Can tutoring happen at home?

No. All tutoring must occur in a public place, such as at one of our library branches.  

How long can I have a tutor or be in the program?

We ask for a minimum commitment of six months, and you can remain in the program as long as you are committed to the tutoring sessions and have not moved beyond the scope of our program (beyond the high school level or have enrolled in college).  

If the person interested in the program doesn’t speak English, can they enroll in the program?

Our learners must speak English to sign themselves up for the program. Our program is designed to assist with reading, writing and math, and not oral communication.  

I want to sign someone up (family member, friend, or client). How do I do that?

You may help a learner fill out the form, but we will need to speak directly to the learner to explain how the program works.  

Still have a question? Just email readstaff@sandiego.gov, and we will be happy to help.


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