San Bernardino Public Library

 
ABOUT US

San Bernardino Public Library's literacy department is located in the Jack L. Hill Lifelong Learning Center which is on the 2nd floor of the Norman F. Feldheym Library. We offer classes, one-on-one tutoring, resources, and a welcome space for learners to improve their reading, speaking, and writing skills. All services are free.

Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

GETTING STARTED: HOW TO BECOME A NEW LITERACY LEARNER

All incoming learners for our classes and one-on-one tutoring are required to go through an intake process with San Bernardino Public Library Literacy Staff. This is what to expect.

1: Chat with Staff
We want to know why you're here and how we can help. If we are a good match, we will set up an appointment for the intake form and assessment portion. If we believe your needs are better met elsewhere, we will refer you to a different agency that we know and trust.

2: Complete an Intake Form
We need to get to know you, how to best work with you, and talk about your goals. A staff member will help you fill out this form in person. It will help us understand where you are coming from and where you want to go. 

3: Take an Assessment
This feels like a test, but it is not. Do not worry about being perfect, just do your best! This helps us know where you are for your literacy needs so we can meet you where you are at. Assessments can take up to 75 minutes depending on the person.

4: After the Intake
Congrats, you're in! You are more than welcome to attend any class we offer, schedule 1-on-1 tutoring, or hang out with us and practice on your own time using our resources. You direct your learning and we are here to help. Down the line we will check in by discussing the goals you first set when joining and provide you with another assessment.

 
APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER

Interested in helping someone meet their life needs? No experience is needed - we will train you how to help a person. We ask that you are open-minded, ready to try new things, and willing to learn. We are currently looking for 1 on 1 adult tutors and small class instructors.

Literacy volunteers should be 18 or older and must clear a background check.

Apply Online Here

FAQ: WHAT IS LITERACY? AND MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1: What is Literacy?
Literacy is the ability to read, write, listen, and speak. It involves having the language skills to live, learn, and work within a community. Literacy is a large part of a person's every day life from reading street signs, answering the phone, filling out a form at the doctor's office, and speaking to their child's teacher. Literacy can even apply to more areas of life such as understanding numbers, finances, health, information, and technology.

2: Why San Bernardino?
It is estimated that 20% of adults in San Bernardino County do not speak English well or do not speak English at all. This means that around 305,000 people struggle to communicate their needs in day to day life.

3: Is this free?
Literacy services are free.

4: Why is there so much information to fill out?
The San Bernardino Public Library Literacy Department is grant funded. The information we take is for reporting and demographic purposes so we can continue to receive grant funding and help you for free.

5: Is this information confidential?
Yes. Any information given to the Jack L. Hill Lifelong Learning Center is kept confidential with literacy staff.

6: How often should I attend?
We recommend meeting a minimum of two hours a week for one-on-one tutoring or attending one class a week. 

7: What is Career Online High School?
Career Online High School is a free opportunity for adults 19 and older to earn their high school diploma. This program is offered completely online and requires an average of 8 to 10 hours of work per week. Students can earn their diploma in 18 months or less depending on transferred credits. To sign up for this opportunity please visit https://sbpl.mycareerhs.com/. This opportunity is provided free thanks to California Library Literacy Services. California Library Literacy Services is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

RESOURCES

Information Databases
Brainfuse
Footsteps2Brilliance
Tuition Funding Sources

SBPL Virtual Reference Desk
Virtual Reference Desk: Employment Resources
Virtual Reference Desk: Government and Legal Resources
Virtual Reference Desk: Health and Medicine
Virtual Reference Desk: Tax Information

Additional Websites
DigitalLearn.org: Learn about Computers
GCFLearn.org: Technology and Career Skills
PracticalMoneySkills.com: Learn how to handle finances