Literacy Program

Berkeley Reads
Adult Literacy Program
1125 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
Call 510-981-6299
What Is Berkeley Reads?
Berkeley Reads is the adult literacy program of the Berkeley Public Library. We offer a variety of services to English-speaking adults who want to improve their basic reading and writing skills. Most adult literacy students participate in one-to-one tutoring with trained volunteers; we also offer family literacy programming for students with small children, computer-assisted learning, small group instruction, periodic workshops and student leadership opportunities. Services are always FREE and confidential.
How To Get Free One-on-one Tutoring
Adults who read at 8th grade or below may benefit from Berkeley Reads services. We encourage potential students to call 510-981-6299 or visit our office to schedule an initial intake to register for our program. Potential students are invited to attend an orientation and are interviewed for assessment and placement. To be eligible for Berkeley Reads, an adult needs to:
- Be 16 years or older
- Speak English comfortably over the phone and in person
- Not be enrolled in high school
Office Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10am-6pm
- Wednesday, Thursday 12pm–8pm
Computer Lab Hours
- West Branch
- Tuesday 3:00pm-6:00pm, drop-in
- Friday 11:00am-5:30pm, drop-in
- Central Library
- Tuesday 11:00am-6:00pm, drop-in
Program Staff
- Linda Sakamoto-Jahnke – Library Literacy Program Coordinator
- Sherry Austin – Library Literacy Program Assistant
- Jean Shields – Student Advocate
- Gifford Hartman – Computer Lab Instructor
- Esther Suarez-Burton – Family Literacy Instructor
- Sarah Naumann – Library Literacy Instructor
- Kristin Papania – Small Group Instructor
- Dharini Abeysekera – Americorps Member
- Lisa Gardiner – Tutor Trainer