LibGuides Home: Seven Literacies: Basic Literacy

Literacy Resources from ALA

ALA's Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services partnered with ProLiteracy to develop a free online course that guides libraries in integrating adult literacy services and policies to help meet the needs of the 36 million U.S adults who lack adequate literacy and basic skills. The interactive course includes 10 modules based on the recommendations outlined in the 2013 Adult Literacy through Libraries: An Action Agenda. The course is free to all, though registration is required.

ALA's "Literacy for All: Adult Literacy @ your library" program offers:

ALA Literacy Toolkit
This toolkit will help you add, expand, and advocate for adult literacy services at your library. These suggestions will help you reach and serve new and non-readers and establish the library as an essential literacy partner in your community.
Successful and Replicable Library Literacy Programs
These examples illustrate library literacy in action. Their programs, services, and collective wisdom offer service models worthy of consideration and adaptation.

ALA also hosts a literacy clearinghouse that defines literacy and equity of access.

Literacy Resources from IFLA

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has a Literacy and Reading section with a blog and a Facebook page. They also have Guidelines for Library-Based Literacy Programs with some practical suggestions and considerations.

Literacy Resources from Proliteracy

The Case for Investment in Adult Education

Literacy Volunteers chapters in CT

Partner with the chapter that serves your area.

Greater Norwalk Literacy Volunteers
Serving Norwalk.
Literacy Volunteers at Family Centers
Serving Greenwich and Stamford.
Literacy Volunteers of Central CT
Serving these 15 central Connecticut towns: New Britain, Middletown, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Cromwell, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Marlborough, Middlefield, Plainville, Portland and Southington.
Literacy Volunteers of Eastern CT
Serving all of New London County and much of eastern Connecticut.
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Bridgeport
Serving Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Southport, Stratford, and Trumbull.
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
Serving 19 towns in the Greater Hartford area: Avon, Bloomfield, Bolton, Canton, East Hartford, Ellington, Farmington, Glastonbury, Newington, Manchester, Rocky Hill, Rockville, Simsbury, South Windsor, Tolland, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor.
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven
Serving Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Derby, East Haven, Hamden, Meriden, New Haven, North Haven, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge.
Literacy Volunteers of Southern CT
Serving the Greater Milford and Stratford Area.
Literacy Volunteers on the Green
Serving Litchfield and Fairfield Counties.
Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore CT
Serving the towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Lyme, Madison, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.

Grant Funding for Literacy Programs

ALA offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to support programs aimed at enhancing adult literacy through The American Dream Starts @ your library® initiative.
Better World Books gives up to $15,000 for "Game Changing ideas which help advance a compelling literacy project."
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations and schools that help individuals advance their literacy and basic education skills.
The Wish You Well Foundation gives grants between $200 and $10,000 to support new and expanded programs for family literacy and education.

Literacy Courses Online

Goodwill Community Foundation International provides GCFLearnFree.org which provides quality online learning opportunities to anyone who wants to improve the literacy, technology, and math skills needed to be successful in both work and life.

Seven Literacies: Basic Literacy

Literacy Events