Literacy Services

Literacy volunteer and learner with accomplishment certificate

For one out of five adults in the United States, reading this paragraph is either difficult or impossible. Twenty percent of adults have trouble with filling out forms, taking the DMV license exam without assistance, helping their children with homework, addressing an envelope, or writing a check.

The mission of our Literacy Services program is to help create a better informed community in which literacy helps parents read to their children, improves job prospects for adults, and leads families toward positive life choices.

Burbank Public Library has provided literacy services since 1992. We offer FREE one-on-one tutoring to people over the age of 16 who are not enrolled in high school and who speak and understand English, but read and write below 8th grade level. Burbank Public Library Literacy Services, a member of California Library Literacy Services, receives matching funds from the California State Library.

Adult Learners

  • Tutoring in reading is available for people 16 or older who speak and understand English but read and write below an 8th grade level.
  • To enroll in the program you must schedule an interview during which an assessment to measure current reading abilities will be given.
  • If you qualify for the program learners will be matched with a volunteer for twice a week tutoring sessions.
  • To make an appointment for an interview, call 818-238-5577.

English Naturally: a Conversation Group

Want to improve your English conversation skills? Need to learn more American expressions? 

Our conversation class, English Naturally, might be for you! 

This group meets:

  • For Intermediate and Advanced Speakers — choose to join us in-person or on Zoom (on request)
    Wednesdays 1:30 - 3 pm Burbank Central Library — 2nd floor Literacy Conference Room
    Thursdays 10:30 am - 12 pm Burbank Central Library — 2nd floor Literacy Conference Room.
    To attend online, please call 818-238-5577 to receive the Zoom link.

  • For Beginners: In-person Only — Saturdays 10:30 am - 12 pm Buena Vista Branch Library

Please call 818-238-5577 for more information. 
 

Volunteer Tutors

"Learning to read is hard; not learning is harder."

 To learn more about literacy, visit: