New service offers adult learners free help with reading and writing

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Sept. 8 was International Literacy Day, and the County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries announced its new in-house literacy program, The Literacy Connection, where adult learners can work with trained tutors or in small groups to improve reading, writing, English skills, or other goals.

TLC is volunteer-based and offers Adult Literacy, ESL (English as a Second Language), and Family Learning tutoring. Because it operates out of libraries, TLC offers learners a direct connection to books, family learning programs, and other resources. 

“Learners can find great books in our Read On collections in our libraries,” said Erica Thatcher, engagement and marketing coordinator for the library. “We designed the collections to be stigma-free, and they include bestsellers, graphic novels, engaging nonfiction, as well as several adult basic education titles.”

Libraries offer specialized programs that promote literacy within the family unit, including family story time, simultaneous parent/child learning, and family literacy events at the library. 

“When families learn together, they thrive together,” said Michelle Haddad, literacy coordinator for the library. “We provide opportunities for learners to be active in their child’s early learning.”

Free and confidential, the new program connects learners with tutors at a library or another location convenient to the learner. Photo identification is not required.

Interested learners or tutors can find out more at SLOLibrary.org/TLC or call the Library’s Literacy Coordinator at (805) 706-0583.