Family Literacy Program

Literacy Materials: The READY Shelf 
Resources are located at each branch to help adults improve their reading and writing skills in order to participate more fully in community life. These books, audio tapes, and videos have been gathered together and placed on distinctive Plexiglas shelving in each of our branch libraries. 

Materials on the READY Shelf have been selected to help adults gain reading and writing English skills/ In addition, materials designed to improve basic mathematics skills and prepare for GED examinations are located here, as well as in the regular collection. Books to help literacy teachers and tutors as they work with basic literacy or English as a second language students are on the READY Shelf. All materials are available with a Lee County library card.

Improve your English with the Crossroads Cafe Television Series
The Crossroads Café series of 26 videos is now playing on local television. This series  and related workbooks help adults who are advanced beginners improve their English.  The  videos teach practical English quickly and easily. You will love the characters and enjoy the stories and experiences in the friendly café atmosphere.

Start anytime. Practice your English speaking skills, with these free informal sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students. Topics include everyday situations, current events and cultural issues. Advance registration not necessary. Participants should have basic English skills.

Mondays
   6:30 p.m. - Lakes Regional Library

Tuesdays
   6:30 p.m. - Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library  

Wednesdays
   6:30 p.m. - South County Regional Library

Thursdays
   10 a.m. - East County Regional Library
               
   1:30 p.m. - Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Public Library 
                 
   7 p.m. - Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library

Fridays
   10:00 a.m. - Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library     

How can I find out more about these programs?
Contact the Literacy Office at the Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Library (239) 461-5885

APRENDA INGLÉS CON CROSSROADS CAFÉ
Amena telenovela creada para enseñar un inglés práctico, de manera rápida y fácil. Le encantarán los personajes y disfrutará con la narración de sus experiencias en el café amistoso.

The Library: A Place to Learn

Literacy tutors and students will find the library a convenient location for tutoring sessions. At all branches, tables and chairs are available and a wealth of educational resources (electronic and print) making the library an ideal site for lessons. East County Regional Library, South County Regional Library and Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Public Library  have small program rooms which may be used by tutors and their pupils. 

See Map of Lee County Library System locations.

Homework Center

During the school year, there is an after school Homework Center at the Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Public Library. 

  Information about Local Literacy Providers

Toll-free regional literacy hotline for volunteers and students READ Southwest Florida: 1-800-591-9095 

READ Southwest Florida is a telephone referral service, operating Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This toll free regional hotline refers students and volunteers to literacy provider groups in Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades Counties.  

This service refers adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills to appropriate local agencies. Also, if you are interested in volunteering to become a tutor and help an adult improve his or her reading skills, READ Southwest Florida can put you in contact with literacy providers needing volunteers.

Literacy Instruction Providers in Lee County

The following agencies offer individual tutoring sessions or hold classes for adults seeking to improve their reading and writing skills:

Literacy Volunteers of Lee County
Cape Coral Office
1609 SE 26th St.
Cape Coral FL 33904
Telephone: 242-4374

Lehigh Acres Office
9 Beth Stacey Blvd., #202
Lehigh Acres FL 33936
Telephone: 368-1002

Literacy Council of Bonita Springs
27308 Old 41 Road
Bonita Springs FL
Telephone: 495-0999

Lee County Schools Adult Education
Telephone: 936-6310

Hispanic Services of Catholic Charities
3709 Michigan Ave., Ft. Myers 33916
Telephone: 337-4193

Did you know... 

• One of five American adults is not considered to be functionally literate. For example, these adults are unable to read a map or bus schedule, complete a job application or write a letter.
• One half of adult inmates in federal and state correctional facilities are unable to read or write at all.
• One third of all mothers on welfare are not functionally literate.
• Less than ten percent of adults who need help with reading are currently actively seeking that help.
  
  Sources: National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) conducted by the U.S. Department of Education in 1992; National Institute for Literacy Fact Sheet; "LitBits" (Fall 1995), Literacy Volunteers of America
  

Volunteers are needed here in Lee County to help teach those who are lacking basic literacy skills. If you are interested in volunteering, phone READ Southwest Florida
(1-800-591-9095) or contact the Lee County Library System's Family Literacy Coordinator (239-461-5885).

See Also | Talking Books | Bookmobile | Books-By-Mail | Assistive Devices
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