Centers for Reading and Writing

The Centers for Reading and Writing help adults who have difficulties reading and writing improve their communication skills. The Centers are welcoming neighborhood settings that help new readers and writers become comfortable with library services. All services are free for students registered in the program.

In addition to the Centers for Reading and Writing, the Library offers free classes in English for speakers of other languages at many branches of The New York Public Library.

The Centers provide instruction in small groups, facilitated by volunteer tutors who are recruited, trained, and guided by professional staff members. The Centers have books, newspapers, magazines, and computer programs designed for new readers.

Features of the Library's literacy program include:

• Small group tutoring using volunteers
• Computer-assisted instruction
• Publication of student writings in Writer's Voices
• Lifelong Learning Collections
• Book collections with a multicultural emphasis for adult new readers
• Enrichment activities: programs on health and parenting, author presentations, African-American and Women's History Month celebrations, visits to museums and other cultural sites

The Library's Literacy and English Language Programs are funded by the Mayor’s Office of Adult Education as part of the New York City Adult Literacy Initiative, The New York State Department of Education, and The New York State Coordinated Outreach Services Grant.

For more information contact the Office of Teaching & Learning, Literacy and Outreach, 455 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016-0122.