FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. What does the Literacy Council do?
  2. Where do we work?
  3. Do we work with children?
  4. Do I need to speak Spanish or another foreign language?
  5. Does it cost anything?
  6. Do we provide transportation?
  7. Does the staff speak Spanish or another foreign language?
  8. Do we teach Spanish?
  9. Do we teach GED®?
  10. Do we teach computer courses?
  11. Where can I meet with my student/tutor?
  12. When are your tutor orientations?
  13. What do I have to do to get help?
  14. How do I get started?
  1. What does the Literacy Council do?
    The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks teaches reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to the adult population of Berks County, PA. We teach basic literacy, GED®, and English as a second language (ESL). We also provide workforce improvement and computer literacy skills.

  2. Where do we work?
    We serve communities across Berks County. Most of our clients are from the city of Reading, but we serve people from suburban and rural areas as well.

  3. Do we work with children?
    No, we do not provide services to children under the age of 16 who are still in school. If your child needs help, we encourage you to contact your local school district.

  4. Do I need to speak Spanish or another foreign language?
    No, our tutors do not have to speak Spanish or any other foreign language to tutor ESL students. There are many teaching methods we provide in our new tutor orientations that allow native and non-native English speakers to communicate.

  5. Does it cost anything?
    Most of our services are FREE. This includes assessment, counseling, tutoring/instruction, and follow-up. Also, all training and staff development for volunteers is free of charge. In return for providing free services, we require our students to commit to 70 hours of instruction. Any materials that tutors or students wish to purchase are sold at a fair market price. Fees for workplace programs for employers are negotiable.

  6. Do we provide transportation?
    No, we do not provide transportation. The main office of the Literacy Council is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi. Click here for directions. When using BARTA, use bus #14.

  7. Does the staff speak Spanish or another foreign language?
    Part of our teaching philosophy is to prepare our non-English clients for interacting with mainstream American culture. To this end, we speak English exclusively at the Literacy Council. If you or someone you know needs special assistance, arrangements can be made. Please call our office for details.

  8. Do we teach Spanish?
    No, we do not teach Spanish, or any other foreign language. If you wish to learn a foreign language, please consult the telephone book for a language school or community college.

  9. Do we teach GED®?
    Yes, we teach classes to prepare adults for the GED (general educational development)®. Registration for our GED® program takes place in August, January and April. Also, we provide interested adults with tutors to help improve skills for the GED® test, as well as connect people with Distance Learning

  10. Do we teach computer courses?
    Two computer courses are offered for a fee. Introduction to PC's and Introduction to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are offered a few times a year. Contact Laurie Dawkins at 610.670.9960 or laurie@lcrb.org for more information.

  11. Where can I meet wtih my student/tutor?
    Tutors and students meet at various locations across the county. Pairs are welcome to meet at our main location in West Lawn. Churches, restaurants, libraries, and other public places are also very popular meeting places. When you are matched with your student or tutor, you will be given some suggestions of places to meet. The most important thing to remember is that the location should be convenient for both the tutor and the student.

  12. When are your new tutor orientations?
    Interested tutors attend a three-hour orientation. Orientations are generally scheduled bi-monthly. Contact Bev Hirneisen at 610.670.9960 or bev@lcrb.org for more information.

  13. What do I have to do to get help?
    It's very easy to get help at the Literacy Council: just call us! We will schedule you for an appointment, and put you on the right track to meet your goals. Most of our services are free, and we require our students to commit to 70 hours of instruction.

  14. How do I get started?
    Making your first call to 610.670.9960, or visiting this website has already started you on the path to improving yourself as a parent, worker, or citizen. Take the next step: ask for a tutor, register for classes, learn endless skills in the computer lab, or schedule an appointment today!

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