Adult Literacy at the Julian Library

The Julian branch of the San Diego County Library will offer adult literacy tutoring, in a program beginning Sept. 21 at the building, 1850 Highway 78.

Volunteers will work one-on-one with individuals to develop their basic reading and writing skills. Being able to read empowers people to increase their skills in many areas, increasing opportunities for personal growth and success.

San Diego County has a great need for reading comprehension programs.

An estimated 20 percent of adults in the county — 450,000 people — read at or below the fourth-grade level, according to the National Adult Literacy Survey.

The program in Julian will begin with volunteers and local residents Laurel Granquist and Shari Winicki. Together, the women have more than 30 years of experience working as English as a Second Language teachers, adult and children’s teachers, counseling and coaching.

To participate, prospective adult learners must be at least age 18, or 16 and not enrolled in school. Adult learners also must be willing to meet with a tutor for 1.5 hours, twice a week. Finally, they must be willing to meet with a tutor at the Julian Library. Privacy and comfort are assured; the program sessions will be held in the secluded study rooms.

The SDCL centralized office for handling adult literacy is called L.E.A.R.N. For more information, call toll-free, (888) 466-0668.