Learn to Read?

The Jersey City Library Literacy Program provides one-on-one basic reading instruction for Jersey City residents aged sixteen and older. We work with students ranging from non-readers through the fifth grade level. We offer small conversation group classes for immigrants striving to learn to speak, read and write English.

Effective September 2010, the Literacy Program will charge a small fee for service.

Each tutor works with his or her student at least two hours each week. We have tutoring sites in various locations throughout the city, primarily at the Main Library and branch libraries. The student and tutor determine the specific time and location. The majority of our tutors are available in the evenings and on Saturdays.

Each tutor becomes certified after receiving 15 hours of training (plus a 3-hour orientation session) in our Literacy Volunteers of New Jersey Tutor Training Workshop. The training prepares the tutor to give instruction using a whole-language approach. The educational backgrounds of our tutors range from high school diplomas to advanced college degrees.

Computer-assisted phonics instruction is available for students at the Main Library and a few branches. Students are encouraged to continue to utilize the software in the Computer Lab even after they have been matched with a tutor or placed in a small conversation group since it accelerates the speed at which they progress.

A Literacy Assistant gives each student an intake interview. This includes a simple grade level placement test, a survey of the student’s background, goals, and time or location needs, as well as a discussion about the responsibilities of attendance and home practice.

For more information to register for tutor training, or to make an appointment for a student intake interview, please call us.

Each One Teach One!