Literacy

The Meaning of Literacy

Literate... educated, cultured, able to read and write... Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 10th ed.

A simple adjective that packs a lot of power. A word that effects each and every man, woman and child. A word that gives power, status, implies intelligence, competency, opportunity or refinement. An adjective when used to describe an individual evokes pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment. When used in negative terms to describe someone evokes shame, despair or failure. We all seek the state of being a literate person. From our very birth, our parents, grandparents and extended family members work with us individually and collectively to achieve the adjective literate next to our name. Some of us succeed, becoming stars in the literate world while others struggle. The power of being literate is increasing in today's knowledge based society. The Lake County Public Library offers many programs designed to assist adults and children to become literate citizens.

The Lake County Public Library Literacy Program is one of these programs. It is a volunteer based program that has been in existence since 1986. It assists adults with learning problems in reading and adults learning English as a Second Language. In the last two years, our volunteers have helped 150 students improve their ability to read, speak and write English. The Literacy Program provides the following services free of charge:

The following programs are held at the Library:
ESL: English As A Second Language Classes

When our classes are not in session we encourage people to utilize other available programs offered in Lake County Indiana.
Here are some options we hope you find helpful.

More Information About LCPL's Literacy Offerings:

English as a Second Language Class - Conversation classes for those learning English as a Second Language.

Special Collection of Materials for Students and Teacher/Tutors at Central Library and Munster Branch Library - These resources are a part of a special collection that includes books, cassettes and videos. All of these materials are available for checkout.

Volunteers Are Welcome!
Tutor Training - For all those interested in tutoring someone with a skills problem. Find out more about volunteer opportunities as a Tutor.

For more information: Contact Rosella Garcia, Literacy Coordinator, at 219-769-3541, ext. 6.

Additional Northwest Indiana Literacy Program Options

  Lake County --

    Bethel Church     (219) 663-9200
    10202 Broadway, Crown Point, IN

    Crown Point Adult Learning Center     (219) 663-5465      Mon & Wed.   5 - 9 pm     Tues. & Thurs. 9 - 3:30 pm
    929 B South Court Street, Crown Point [Lakeview Square Shopping Center]

ESL, GED, Math, Computer, Literacy
One-on-one for 16 yrs. and older
Open enrollment (no registration)

Hammond Adult Education Office (219) 933-2419 Mon. - Thurs. from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm and 6 - 8:30 pm
5727 Sohl Avenue, Hammond (near Calumet & Highland Sts.)

Registration required, must show proof of IN residence
Sept. to Dec & Jan to June --- all full as of 11/1/09
Nov. registration for Jan. 2010
Certified teachers with volunteer helpers
4-wk. Summer program fills fast, July registration & 2-day orientation

    Hobart Adult Learning Center
    100 Main St., Hobart, IN
    (219) 942-2243, ext. 317
    Mon. - Thurs. from 12 pm - 4 pm and Mon. & Wed. 4 - 8 pm

    St. John Township Community Center - Tri-Town Adult Learning Center
    1515 Lincoln Hwy (US 30), Schererville
    (219) 322-6700
    ESL  Tues. & Thurs. from 9 - 11 am     GED  Tues. & Thurs. from 8:30 am - 7:30 pm

August to May, no summer program
4 ability levels at round tables (6-8 per table) with a tutor at each