Literacy Programs

Improve your Reading Skills

Practice Communication

The Downey City Library is committed to helping our public learn how to improve their reading skills. If you understand English, are over eighteen years old and need help reading, you may contact the Adult Literacy Program for an assessment.

Our Communication Program provides community-oriented, one-on-one tutoring for individuals over the age of 18 in a safe and informal environment.

What we offer:

  • Confidential literacy instruction

  • Free of charge

  • Confidentiality

Student Inquiry Form

If you are interested in participating in our Adult Literacy Program, please fill out our online form and tell us why you want to be a tutor.

Give Back to Your Community

Become a Literacy Tutor

As a Literacy Volunteer, you will receive training that covers literacy theory as well as hands-on instruction through a range of methods, including audio-visual presentations, demonstrations and role playing. Typically, our tutors train for 9 hours before they start work as a one-on-one tutor. Once trained, our tutors are matched with a student and meet at the library for ninety minute sessions once a week.

All tutors must:

  • Be 18 or older

  • Complete 9 hours of literacy training (online and in-person instruction available)

  • Undergo a Live Scan fingerprinting through the City of Downey

Volunteer Tutor Form

If you are interested in becoming a tutor in our Adult Literacy Program, please fill out our online form and tell us why you want to be a tutor.