For some in Lake County, speaking English requires enough exertion, let alone trying to read it. Others can’t read because of learning disabilities, or they dropped out of school early. Now this surprisingly large group has a new resource to turn to: the Literacy Suite, opening soon at the Waukegan Public Library. The Literacy Suite will offer free one-on-one tutoring for adults wanting to improve basic reading or writing skills, plus free group classes. These include adult basic education, family literacy classes for parents and their children age 6 and under, and computer classes in Spanish and English. Visitors are welcome to tour the facility at the Grand Opening ceremony, January 27, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Waukegan Public Library has devoted the last quarter-century to helping Lake County residents learn to read. Partnering with the College of Lake County and Literacy Volunteers of Lake County, the library has provided literacy classes and tutoring at various sites, including the Adult Learning and Technology Center in Waukegan. Last year, the program helped educate 336 adults and children, primarily from Waukegan, Round Lake, North Chicago and Zion. About half of those learners spoke English as a second language.
“As a public institution serving a low-income area, we’re always searching for ways to expand our services without further burdening our taxpayers,” says Elizabeth Stearns, Assistant Director of Community Services. By moving the program in-house, the library can eliminate rental costs; offer more adult tutoring and group classes; and allow youngsters in family literacy classes to take advantage the adjacent, award-winning Early Learning Center.
In Waukegan, 17% of adults and 27% of children fall below the federal poverty guideline. Studies by the National Institute for Literacy show poverty and literacy rates are inextricably linked, with 43% of low-literacy adults living in poverty. The library believes that free resources like the Literacy Suite and Early Learning Center will help bolster the community’s defenses against poverty, and open new opportunities for the littlest learners on up.
“It’s never too late to learn, and we are a great resource,” says Barbara Babb, Adult Literacy Program Manager. “Here at the library, adults can improve their own basic skills and also support their children’s education.”
State and federal grants will fund most of the Literacy Suite administration. To underwrite the cost to build the facility, the library launched a “Legacy of Literacy” fundraising campaign. North Shore Gas, a major sponsor of the library’s Early Learning Center, has donated $20,000 of the $70,000 required for construction, furniture, fixtures and equipment. “Legacy for Literacy” offers several levels of giving, each with donor recognition, along with naming opportunities for two of the rooms. To make a contribution or learn more about the Literacy Suite, call Elizabeth Stearns at (847) 623-2041, ext. 256.
