The California Literacy Campaign (CLC) was created in 1984 by the California State Library to provide literacy instruction to anyone “over 16 years of age, out of school, and reading on less than a 6th grade level.” In 1987, the Benicia Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program was created to serve the literacy needs of adults in our community. At present, 105 public library-based literacy programs are active in our state.

The Adult Literacy & ESL Program has expanded beyond the initial mission of 1:1 volunteer tutoring services for English speaking adults who need help with reading. The ESL program offers ESL classes twice weekly. We look forward to resuming our free conversation groups, writing workshops, access to our computer lab, and Families For Literacy programming when the public is able to access the Library. #COVID

Please register for any of our Literacy services by calling 707-746-4341 or by emailing Bette Bogart at bbogart@ci.benicia.ca.us

How You Can Make a Difference

• Become a volunteer tutor with the program.
• Let us know if your business has unused space that can accommodate tutoring sessions.
• Make a financial donation to the program. The generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations allows us to better serve the community. Checks should be made payable to Adult Literacy & ESL Program and sent to: Adult Literacy & ESL Program, Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia, CA 94510
• If you own a business, why not make an in-kind donation for our annual fundraiser, the Trivia Bee?!
• If you are a large corporation, encourage your employees to volunteer as tutors.
• If your business has a Human Resources department or area that displays business cards or fliers, display our outreach cards.

Other ways to help:

• Promotion of our services among employees
• Donating in-kind services such as printing and advertising
• Collecting staff contributions for Adult Literacy & ESL Program
• Organizing special events benefiting the Adult Literacy & ESL Program
• Sponsoring Adult Literacy & ESL Program events or services

Lastly, include the Adult Literacy & ESL Program in your estate planning. We are happy to speak with you or your estate planning professional about opportunities for planned giving to the Adult Literacy & ESL Program.

"Become a volunteer tutor with the program. Adult learners are in real need of volunteers to aid them in building and bettering their skills. "