Rise - Adults
We offer free one-to-one tutoring services to help develop reading, writing and comprehension skills. Tutoring sessions are held virtually or in person at times convenient for both the learner and tutor. All learning materials are provided to help learners reach their reading goals at their own pace.
Become a Learner
Welcome, new learners! As a learner, you will be paired with a tutor to help you reach your reading goals. Learn at your own pace!
Adult learners must:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Not be currently enrolled in traditional high school
- Have strong English language comprehension and speaking skills
- Meet with their tutor 60–90 minutes per week
For more information, please email Rise@OntarioCA.gov or call 909-395-2205.
Learning Resources
In addition to being paired with a tutor, we seek to provide additional learning paths for our learners. Below are some helpful websites to help you start your learning journey.
We subscribe to numerous databases that are free to library patrons. An Ontario City Library card may be required to access some of the resources.
Download the CloudLibrary app to enjoy free access to eBooks and audiobooks with your Ontario City Library card.
- Find Quick & Easy Reads (hi-lo readers): books that are high in concept for older readers, but at a lower reading level.
- Find Adult Education help through GED books, grammar, vocabulary and comprehension resources.
Become a Tutor
We are seeking volunteer tutors who have a desire to serve their community by helping tutor adults in reading and writing. No tutoring experience is necessary. Library staff will provide resources and training for volunteer tutors.
Volunteer tutors must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete tutor training and volunteer orientation.
- Complete and pass a free background check from the City of Ontario.
- Commit to at least 6 months of tutoring.
- Commit to at least (1) 60–90-minute weekly tutoring session with an adult learner, scheduled at times convenient for both the learner and tutor.
Rise tutoring is not recommended for those with a volunteering deadline. The Ontario City Library does not accept court-assigned volunteers.
Tutor Resources
We seek to provide tutoring resources needed by our volunteers to assist with helping learners enhance their skills and reach their reading goals.
We subscribe to numerous databases that are free to library patrons. An Ontario City Library card may be required to access some of the resources.
Download the CloudLibrary app to enjoy free access to eBooks and audiobooks with your Ontario City Library card.
- Find Quick & Easy Reads (hi-lo readers): books that are high in concept for older readers, but at a lower reading level.
- Find Adult Education help through GED books, grammar, vocabulary and comprehension resources.
Find easy-to-read news stories that can help you learn to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. The library has a subscription for our adult literacy participants.
California Library Literacy Services Resources
Includes tutor training videos, learning resources and more!
Active Ontario City Library Tutors
Thank you for being a tutor! We provide on-going training at quarterly tutor meet-ups. Tutors can ask questions, receive training, and network with other tutors in the program.
Current tutors are required to report their volunteering hours by the last day of each month. Contact literacy staff at Rise@OntarioCA.gov for more information on Better Impact, the monthly tutor report, or to reserve a room for tutoring.
Please track and report your hours in 3 categories: prep hours, tutoring hours, and other hours.
Login to Better Impact here.
This program is funded in part by the California Library Literacy Services Grant. The State of California provides $7.3 million annually to support California Library Literacy Services: $4.8 million for adult literacy services and $2.5 million for family literacy services. For more information visit .