Literacy Program

What Is Berkeley Reads?

Berkeley Reads is the adult literacy program of the Berkeley Public Library for adults who read at 8th grade or below.  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. 

Get Free One-on-One Tutoring

Call 510-981-6299 and schedule an initial intake to register for our program. To be eligible for Berkeley Reads, an adult must:

  • Be 16 years or older
  • Speak English comfortably over the phone and in person
  • Not be enrolled in high school

Office Hours

  • Call 510-981-6299 to arrange office visits and literacy staff appointments. (Central Library office is located in a staff-only area on the 2nd floor.)

Computer Lab Hours

  • Central Library - 3rd floor / Electronic Classroom
    • Tuesday 10:00am-5:00pm, drop-in/scheduled sessions

Program Staff

  • Library Literacy Program Coordinator
  • Library Literacy Program Assistant
  • Family & Health Literacy Instructor
  • Family Literacy Class Instructor
  • Tutor Trainer

Be a Volunteer Tutor

To become a Volunteer Tutor, call 510-981-6299 or email at libraryberkeleyreads@cityofberkeley.info. Quarterly tutor trainings take place in January, March, June, and September.