Literacy
Literacy Department
The Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Literacy Center serves the literacy needs of the Glendale business and residential community. Our programs are free and address the English literary needs of adults ages eighteen and over. The Adult Literacy program is partially funded through the California Library Literacy Services, which is a program of the California State Library.
ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM
Our Adult Literacy program offers services to help adult improve their English reading, writing, speaking. The Adult Literacy program is free and open to all adults ages eighteen and older.
One-on-one Tutoring- Skilled volunteer tutors will work in a one-on-one setting with learners to help them achieve their specific educational goals. Registration is required.
Intermediate to Advanced Conversation Class- The Conversation Class is intended for students who have an intermediate to advanced proficiency skill level of English. The conversation class is held concurrently in person at the Central library and online via Zoom.
Citizenship Classes (Open to the public)- Students learn the English, Civics, and History requirements to pass the test and become a United States Citizen.
Services for Literacy Students
Technology Clinic- Students enrolled in the literacy program can make an appointment to receive assistance with a personal digital device. Appointments are 45 minutes in length and available at the Central Library. Registration is required.
Computer Classes-Services to help adults learn and improve their basic computer skills using a Surface Pro Laptop. Classes offered in English and Armenian.
Technology Loan Program- Surface Pro Laptops are available for checkout through the Literacy Center for GCC or Literacy Center students only. Participants must be eighteen years or older and currently enrolled in GCC Garfield campus or Literacy Center classes. Proof of enrollment is required. Laptops may be checked out for three weeks at a time of the duration of a GCC Garfield Campus semester. Checkouts are limited to one laptop per household. Must be in good standing with the library to participate.
For more information, please contact us at (818) 548-6450 or literacy@glendaleca.gov
English Conversation Lounge- The English Conversation lounge is intended to provide a space for students to practice their English speaking and writing skills in a relaxed and comfortable environment. This is an ongoing program, walk ins are welcome, no registration required.
English Computer Basics Class I (Open to the public)- In this class adults will learn the basics of how to navigate a computer using a Surface Pro laptop. Class is held in English. Registration is required. Please contact the Literacy Center at (818) 548-6450 for current class schedule.
CITIZENSHIP CLASSES
Citizenship Classes (Open to the public)- Students learn the English, Civics, and History requirements to pass the test and become a United States Citizen. Classes begin Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Pacific Park Library and continue every Tuesday from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM until November 25, 2025. Classes are free and hosted by the International Rescue Committee. Space is limited to 15 students; registration is required. Please contact the Literacy Center at (818) 548-6450 for current class schedule.
COMPUTER CLASSES
The Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department offers services to help adults learn and improve their basic computer skills using a Surface Pro Laptop. Learn to use a track pad, touch screen, and mouse, learn internet navigation using Google Chrome, learn basic typing skills. Fall 2025 Classes will be announced in September.
TECHNOLOGY LOAN PROGRAM
Surface Pro Laptops are available for checkout through the Literacy Center for GCC or Literacy Center students only. Participants must be eighteen years or older and currently enrolled in GCC Garfield campus or Literacy Center classes. Proof of enrollment is required. Laptops may be checked out for three weeks at a time of the duration of a GCC Garfield Campus semester. Checkouts are limited to one laptop per household. Must be in good standing with the library to participate. For more information please contact us at (818) 548-6450 or Literacy@GlendaleCA.gov
Ready to sign up to any of these programs? Fill out this form and a literacy center staff member will get in touch with you!
Having issues with this form or want more information? Please contact the Literacy Center by calling (818)548-6450 or sending an email to Literacy@GlendaleCA.org.
Office Hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located on the Main Floor at Glendale Central Library
Phone number:
(818) 548-6450
Email:
Literacy@GlendaleCA.gov
Our instructors are trained volunteer tutors. Our tutors provide either one-to-one instruction to qualifying individual learners or small-group instruction based on common group goals.
For the one-to-one instruction, our volunteer tutors currently meet weekly with students through a videoconferencing platform like Zoom, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, Webex, etc. or in person.
The Adult Literacy Program helps adults who want to improve their English as well as English-speaking adults who need to improve their reading and writing skills.
Qualifying Learners are required to pass our assessment test and have at least one of the following learning goals:
Lifelong Learner Role
Worker Role
Family Member Role
Community Member Role
Prepare to Vote/Vote (Please see voters’ resources for tutoring ideas and materials.)
Adult Literacy One-on-One Tutoring
Our volunteer tutors work one-on-one with student/s who have various entry levels of proficiency in English to help them achieve their educational goals, such as improving basic reading, writing, and speaking skills. No prior teaching experience is necessary.
Literacy Tutor Volunteer Requirements:
Volunteers must be 18 years or older
Must complete a volunteer application (please contact the Literacy Office for a volunteer application)
Successfully complete an interview with the Literacy program
All volunteers are required to undergo a background check
Must be able to volunteer as a tutor for a minimum of 3 months
Maintain a regular tutoring schedule that works for both tutor and tutee
Passionate about education and helping others achieve their literacy goals
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this Program, please email the literacy office at literacy@glendaleca.gov or call (818) 548-6450.
Literacy Resources for Tutors and Learners
America Learns - Our Tutor Tracking System for Tutors and Library Staff.
News For You Online (Password: 543367) - This website offers easy-to-read news stories that can help learners read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Seven new stories are posted each Wednesday, along with audio, exercises, vocabulary, a crossword puzzle, a word search, and a poll.
Library Resources for Adult Learners
Mango Languages - A language learning tool that offers instruction in more than 70 languages, plus English as a second language (ESL) courses customized for speakers of 21 first languages.
LinkedIn Learning - LinkedIn Learning is an award-winning industry leader in online training, with a digital library of over 16,000 courses covering a wide range of technical, business, software and creative topics.
PressReader - Over 7,000 global newspapers and magazines in over 100 languages.
Check out our Adult Literacy Program Newsletter! A new edition is coming out soon!
Glendale Library, Arts & Culture (GLAC) Mission Statement:
GLAC provides services, materials and activities to enrich life, foster literacy, inspire intellectual curiosity and stimulate the imagination.