Photo Credit: Becky Ruppel/LibraryLiteracy.org

Mission Statement

Our goal is to empower adults within our community to become lifelong learners and to build their reading and writing skills through free, confidential, one-on-one tutoring.

About the Program

The Learners Program is a learner-driven literacy program for English speaking adults who want help improving their reading and writing. Weekly one-on-one instruction with trained volunteer tutors is based on each learner’s specific pace and goals. The Library provides resources, support and space, but the learner decides which skills they’d like to improve.

It’s never too late to start learning.

Getting Started for Learners

• Complete the online form.
• If you meet the program requirements, we will schedule a short interview so we can match you with the best tutor.

Learner Requirements

• Must be 18 years old or older and not currently enrolled in high school or another degree granting program.
• Must currently live in Mountain View, CA.
• Must seek literacy services for themselves.
• Must complete an intake interview in English. 

What to Expect

• An interview and brief assessment by library staff to determine their current literacy level.
• A safe and supportive environment.
• Free learning materials, such as textbooks, pens and notebooks. 
• Six months or more of one-on-one learning.

Getting Started for Volunteer Tutors

• Complete the volunteer application.
• If you meet the program requirements, we will schedule a short interview to discuss the program in further detail.
• If we decide that you will be a good fit for the program and our current needs, we will direct you to complete the volunteer onboarding process which will include a Live Scan fingerprint background check.
• If you clear the background check, we will direct you to a self-guided online tutor training program. We ask that you attempt to complete the approximate ten hours of training within one month.
• Once the training is complete, we will attempt to match you with a learner as soon as possible.
• No teaching  or tutoring experience is necessary—just patience, flexibility and a love of lifelong learning.

Tutor Requirements

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English proficiently.
• Must be able to clear a background check.
• Must complete ten hours of online tutor training.
• Must commit to six months or more of tutoring.

Other Programs and Resources Available through the Library

• ESL Conversation Club.
• Career Online High School.
• Career & Skill-Building Resources.
• Language Learning and Travel.

Contact us at Literacy@mountainview.gov for more information.