Stacey Zwald Costello, Library Director
Alissa Morrow, Literacy Coordinator
Sue Vroomman, Library Assistant
To meet the needs of a diverse community of learners, the Colusa County Free Library's Literacy Program offers a wide variety of learning opportunities. Patrons and literacy students are encouraged to learn how to access a range of library materials in different formats, languages and reading levels to increase their literacy skills. Patrons and learners can use public computer stations, access free WiFi, and explore a multitude of e-resources at each branch location. With options ranging from traditional English language reading and writing tutoring, and digital literacy workshops and classes to independent learning resources, the Literacy Program has options for everyone.
The Adult Literacy offers free, individualized and confidential tutoring with trained volunteer tutors from the community. Learners gain the skills they need to read to their children, complete job applications, pass the driver’s test, write a birthday card and achieve any other goal they have set for themselves.
Learners must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Not currently enrolled in school
- Can speak a basic amount of English
An adult literacy tutor meets regularly with an adult learner who wants to improve his or her reading and writing skills. Volunteers tutor at libraries, adult educational facilities, and community-based organizations. Tutors must be at least 17 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Patience, sensitivity, and flexibility are essential.
Tutors are required to attend an orientation and complete basic tutor training with the Literacy Coordinator. Additional volunteer training is offered monthly through California State Library Literacy Program tutor webinars and Colusa County Free Library in-service classes.
Tutors must agree to:
- Meet with a learner in a public place at least once a week for a minimum of one hour
- Help the learner to identify specific reading and writing goals
- Periodically evaluate the learner's reading and writing progress using the State Library's Roles and Goals achievement survey, and acknowledge his or her efforts and successes through the learner's portfolio
- Report tutoring hours each month
- Treat learners with respect and maintain a team approach to learning