Center for Adult Learning

"I'm not afraid to open my mail
anymore because I can read now!"
-Tony H.

Tony was 35 when he first received help with reading at the Center for Adult Learning (CAL). CAL services are free and confidential. Students must be 18 or older, read above a second grade level, and speak English.

We evaluate each student to determine his/her needs and reading level. Together the student and tutor make an individual education plan.

With help from instructors, audio and video tapes, and personal computers, students receive instruction in four areas:

Reading

We develop word attack skills, phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and spelling.

Math

We help with basic math skills for everyday living such as balancing a checkbook, using a calculator, and unit pricing.

Life Skills

Applying for a job, filling out forms, getting a driver's license, and completing an election ballot are a few examples of necessary life skills taught at CAL.

English as a Second Language

Adults who speak English well enough to communicate with an instructor can improve their pronunciation, reading, verb usage and conversational skills in small groups.

What is Illiteracy?

Illiteracy is the inability to read and write.

Functional illiteracy is the ability to read and write, but at lower levels than the average adult. Lack of such basic skills make it difficult to function in today's world.

You need to read and write to:

• Write a check
• Follow a recipe
• Use a computer
• Read a newspaper
• Use an ATM machine
• Write a letter to a friend
• Fill out a job application
• Find a number in a phone book
• Read warning labels on medication
• Read a letter from a child's teacher

What are the Statistics?

According to the National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS), more than 150,000 adults in Duval County read below the 5th grade level - nearly 20% of our total population. It is estimated that more than 40 million Americans age 16 or older have significant literacy needs.

Help Someone Read

You can be part of the Jacksonville Public Library's literacy efforts.
Businesses, organizations, and foundations help fund the program.
Volunteers serve as tutors, work in the office, and speak to community groups.

Please call us at 630-2426 and help someone learn to read.

Click here to find out how to become an ESL volunteer!

Jacksonville Public Library's Center for Adult Learning
receives funds from the following sources:

• The Jacksonville Public Library Foundation, Inc.
• State Library of Florida through the Division of Library and Information Services