Literacy Services

"Learning to Read is Hard; Not Learning is Harder."

What We Are

Burbank Public Library has provided literacy services since 1992. We offer FREE one-to-one tutoring to adults, 18 or older, who speak and understand English, but read and write below 8th grade level. Literacy Services, a member of California Library Literacy Services, receives matching funds from the California State Library. Since 1992, 1,541 volunteer tutors have provided 53,261 hours of instruction to 1,615 adult learners.

If your organization, business, or agency has ever considered offering a literacy program on-site, please contact the Literacy Office at 818.238.5577 about becoming a literacy partner.

Mission Statement

The mission of literacy services is to help create a better informed community in which literacy helps parents read to their children, improves job prospects for adults, and leads families towards positive life choices.

Adult Learners

Adults, 18 or older, who speak and understand English but read and write below an 8th grade-level.
Meet twice-a-week, with a tutor for at least six months.
Attend an Orientation.
Make an appointment for an interview. Call 818.238.5577.

Ready To Read -- Youth Literacy

4th-12th graders who read below grade level.
Meet twice-a-week; 1-hour per session.
Work with adult tutors or high school tutors.
Make an appointment for an assessment. Call 818.238.5577.

Volunteer Tutors

Adults, 18 or older. No experience necessary.
Meet twice-a-week with an adult learner for a minimum of six months.
Work with 4th-12th grader reading below grade level.
High School students can volunteer in the Ready To Read program.
Register for a 15-hour Tutor Workshop.
Use 'Discover Intensive Phonics' and learn to apply; the 42 sounds of the alphabet, 5 phonetic skills, 2 decoding skills, as well as other strategies and techniques.

Families For Literacy (FFL)

FFL is a state funded family component of California Library Literacy Services. It is intended to extend services to the entire family of our adult learners with children 5 years old or under. The goal is to introduce the adult learner and his/her family to the value and joy of reading and to provide a home environment supportive of the literacy development of the child.

Statistics

For one out of five adults in the United States, reading this paragraph is either difficult or impossible. One out of five adults has trouble with filling out forms, taking the DMV license exam without assistance, helping their children with homework, addressing an envelope, or writing a check. For more information, check out www.nifl.gov/lincs/facts_statistics/facts_statistics.html

Fundraising

Trivia Challenge - Three-person teams from local and national businesses and organizations compete for the title of Trivia Champion. The challenge includes an Appetizer/Dessert Buffet and a Silent Auction.

TRIVIA CHALLENGE 2012

March 29
6:30 PM -- Appetizer/Dessert Buffet
7:00 PM -- Trivia Challenge Begins

Ritz Banquet Hall, St. Leon Armenian Cathedral
3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank

Master of Ceremonies: Jack O'Neill, COO Bob Hope Legacy

Teams: $225.00 (tax-deductible donation per team)
Tickets: $20.00 per person -- $25.00 at door

Call 818-238-5577 for tickets or information.

Click on the Downloads below for Trivia Challenge flyers.

Burbank Chamber of Commerce, 2011 Trivia Champions.