Adult Literacy
Our adult literacy program provides free reading, writing and comprehension tutoring in English for adult learners. Those seeking to improve their literacy skills are paired with a volunteer tutor. All learning materials are provided to help learners reach their reading goals at their own pace. Orientation and training are provided to volunteer tutors – no teaching experience necessary. Learning sessions are held virtually or in-person at times convenient for both the learner and tutor.
Did you know?
- Adults who improve their reading have a higher self-esteem.
- Adults who read more can positively impact their children’s schoolwork.
- Adults who participate in adult literacy education experience higher rates of employment.
- Higher levels of literacy in adults can increase voter participation and result in higher rates of citizenship among immigrants
For more information, please email Literacy@OntarioCA.gov or call 909-395-2205.
Become a Learner
Welcome new learners! We are excited that you are taking the steps to accomplish your reading goals. As a learner, you will be paired with a tutor who will help you reach your reading goals. Learn at your own pace!
Adult learners should:
- 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
Become a Tutor
Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community? Do you enjoy teaching others? We are seeking literacy volunteer tutors who have a desire to serve their community. As a tutor, you’ll help adult learners gain valuable English reading and writing skills. No teaching experience is necessary. Library staff will provide resources and training for volunteer tutors.
OCL Tutor Information Packet.pdfVolunteer 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 tutoring session per week with an adult learner, scheduled at times convenient for both the learner and tutor.
Liftoff to Literacy is not recommended for those with a volunteering deadline. The Ontario City Library does not accept court-assigned volunteers.
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 .
For Learners
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 get started on your learning journey.
We subscribe to numerous databases that are free to access to library patrons. An Ontario City Library card may be required to access some of the resources.
Enjoy free access to over 60,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks with your Ontario City Library card. No late fees! Download the app for Android, iOS, Mac, PC, and more.
- 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.
This website offers 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.
For Tutors
We seek to provide tutoring resources needed by our volunteers to assist with helping learners enhance their skills and reach their reading goals.
Active Ontario City Library Tutors
We appreciate your willingness to participate in our literacy program. Thank you for being a tutor!
Current tutors are required to report their volunteering hours by the last day of each month. Contact literacy staff at Literacy@OntarioCA.gov for more information on Better Impact and the monthly tutor report.
Please track and report your hours in 3 categories: prep hours, tutoring hours, and other hours.
Login to Better Impact here.
Tutor Resources
California Library Literacy Services: Includes tutor training videos
International Literacy Association: Lesson plans, reading lists, blog and more
ProLiteracy Education Network: Articles, videos and more
United States Department of Education: Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: Educational products, lesson plans, activities, naturalization information and supplemental resources links
Tutor Forms
OCL Roles Goals Introduction.pdf OCL Roles and Goals Role Map.pdf OCL Roles Goals FAQs.pdf OCL Roles Goals Form.pdf
Tutor Training and Events
We provide on-going training at quarterly tutor meet-ups. Tutors can ask questions, receive training, and network with other tutors in the program.