"Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace."--
International Literacy Day 2024
International Literacy Day is an annual celebration of the importance of literacy as a human right worldwide, and to advance the international literacy agenda towards a more literate society. Observed every year on September 8, each year a different aspect of literacy is highlighted.
According to the World Literacy Foundation, illiteracy has significant health, economic, and social impacts. Low levels of literacy are reflected in poor health behaviors, a lack of understanding of health-related choices, and a lack of access to healthcare. There are about 750 million people in the world that are illiterate, with the number in the US reaching almost 70 million (2022). Illiterate people can also struggle with daily tasks, including reading medical and food labels, understanding traffic signs, and filling out applications for jobs and education forms for their children.
Learn more about the Alachua County Library District's Literacy Department, and any volunteer opportunities available for aiding with adult literacy.
The Literacy Program offers one-on-one tutoring and small classes for adults. We can help you sign up for a library card and show you how to use library books and databases. We also can connect you to other programs in the library and the community.
There are a variety of library-hosted Book Clubs available at library branches. Host your book club with one of our Book Club Kits. Search for a new book to read with NoveList Plus. Alachua County residents can use their library card to learn a new language through Transparent Language.
Conversation Club: Adult English Language Learners
Mondays, 12:30 p.m. at Tower Road Branch
Thursdays, 10 a.m. on Zoom
Fridays, 10 a.m. at Millhopper Branch
Make connections and increase your English fluency at Conversation Club. We will discuss topics including cultural traditions, hobbies, and current events. This is a great opportunity to practice your English in a small group setting. Let your voice be heard - come chat with us!
English for Families
Join us at the Headquarters Library for the "English for Families" program. “English for Families” is a multi-week series of interactive English classes for families that focuses on developing vocabulary and literacy skills through story reading. Each class features a lesson centered around a children’s book that participating families get to take home with them as well as a hands-on activity and/or game and refreshments.
-Five Saturdays, Starting Sept. 21, 10 a.m. at the Headquarters Library
Sign Language Class
Learn basic ASL at the library
-Saturdays, 11 a.m. at Alachua Branch
Spanish Conversation Club
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
-2nd and 4th Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. at the Headquarters Library
-Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Millhopper Branch
GED Study Sessions: Working Toward Success!
Come work on the skills you need to pass the GED. These sessions will give individuals preparing for the GED an opportunity to ask for help or advice from an experienced GED prep teacher. Topics covered in each session will be tailored to the needs of the attendees. You don't have to go it alone, we're here for support!
-Saturdays, 2 p.m. at Headquarters Library
Introduction to Japanese Language and Calligraphy
Learn more about the ancient art and technique of Japanese writing with Ms. Sylvia Ashwell.
-Saturday Sept. 7, 3-4:30 p.m. at the Hawthorne Branch
Writing Your Life Story
For those who are interested in writing their life story for family and friends. Come share ideas and get encouragement from others.
-Every Month at the Millhopper Branch
Enhancing Communicative World Language Teaching and Learning
Teachers and learners can gain insights and strategies for more successful language acquisition. This presentation will briefly define current professional standards in communicative language learning and teaching, as opposed to grammar-based instruction.
-Saturday Sept. 28, 3-4:45 p.m. at the Millhopper Branch.
Reading is a key component of childhood literacy, affecting brain development that will follow them into adulthood. Exposing children to reading and words as early as possible significantly increases their chances of succeeding in literacy later in life.
Regularly scheduled reading programs for children are available across the Alachua County libraries. Check the event calendar for Story Time, Music & Movement, Baby Time, and Read with a Dog. Alachua County residents can use their library card to access Learning Express and NoveList K-8 Plus.