Literacy Council of Reading/Berks Inc.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Does it cost anything?
Our services are completely FREE. This includes assessment, counseling, tutoring/instruction, and follow-up. Also, all trainings and staff development are free of charge. In return for providing free services, we only ask our students to commit to 50 hours of instruction. Any materials that tutors or students wish to purchase are sold at a fair market price.

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.

Do we 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.

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.

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 and December. Also, we provide interested adults with tutors to help improve skills for the GED® test, as well as connect people with Distance Learning

Do we teach computers?
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 610.670.9960 or laurie@lcrb.org for more information.

When are your trainings?
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.

What do I have to do to get help?
Interested tutors receive four hours of training at a convenient time, usually within a week of inquiry. Contact Katherine Atkinson at 610.670.9960 or katherine@lcrb.org for more information

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. All of our services are free, and we only ask our students to commit to 50 hours of instruction.

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, attend conversation or citizenship classes, learn endless skills in the computer lab, or schedule an appointment today!