September is National Literacy Month! The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) defines literacy as "the ability to use printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential."
As Library Journal reports, low literacy can have negative impacts in such areas of life as health, employment, and wealth-building. The definition of literacy has broadened in recent years, since many skills for understanding information are required in today's world. These include not just a basic reading ability but also numeracy, digital and online literacy, multilingual literacy and cultural literacy.
Local Programs for Adult Learners
The local library-based programs listed below pair adult reading students with volunteer tutors. These programs are great resources if you know someone who needs help learning to read, or if you are interested in volunteering! In addition, SJPL has extensive resources to help tutors. Please explore the local programs and book list below.
- San José Public Library features the Adult Literacy and ESL program
- Santa Clara County Library District hosts The Reading Program
- Santa Clara City Library hosts Read Santa Clara
Resources for Teaching Others to Read (Children and Adults)
Teaching Your Child to Read by Jessica Wang
Literacy and the Youngest Learner by V. Susan Bennett-Armistead
Literacy Play by Sherrie West
50 Early Childhood Literacy Strategies by Janice J. Beaty
Teaching Real-life Nonfiction Reading Skills in the K-1 Classroom by Barbara S. Pinto
Teaching Kids to Read by Gail Saunders-Smith
Whole Child Reading by Natalie Hale
Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness by Don Vu
Teach Anyone to Read by Lillie Pope
You Can Teach Someone to Read by Lorraine Peoples
Life Literacy by Matt Young
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