It might surprise you to learn that, according to the national adult literacy non-profit organization ProLiteracy, 43 million Americans struggle to read, write, or do math beyond a third-grade level. Only 53% of immigrants are proficient English speakers. And according to the Department of Education, 31.8 million Americans are digitally illiterate, meaning that they do not have the comfort or competence with technology to use a computer or mobile device.

These individuals are all around us and have learned coping skills that allow them to be productive members of our community, but their level of literacy often prevents them from fully pursuing important goals and accomplishments. At Neuse Regional Libraries, we are committed to providing access to assistance for these individuals to help them become more proficient in these essential life skills.

The Literacy Without Barriers program began in 2020 as a way to address the need for increased literacy at all age levels. The adult tutoring component of this program is currently undergoing a relaunch to help serve more individuals in need of guidance and practice to assist them in increasing their level of literacy. Literacy Without Barriers matches volunteer tutors with students for one-on-one sessions focusing on basic reading and math, English as a Second Language, computers and mobile devices, and other general life skills.

Students have entered the Literacy Without Barriers program with a number of goals in mind. Some past examples include improving reading skills to apply for a Driver’s License or a new job, getting some practice with reading and math to prepare for taking a GED program, and having regular conversations in English to improve fluency and accuracy. The program is meant to provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere for participants who may feel unready for a classroom or job interview. Our ultimate objective is to prepare them for those next essential steps to achieve their own life goals.

If you would like to learn more about the program and discuss it further, we invite you to attend our Literacy Without Barriers Relaunch Kickoff event at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library on Monday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to volunteer as a tutor or have questions about the program, please contact me at jstout@neuselibrary.org or 252-527-7066, ext. 127 to learn more about signing up for our brief training program and being assigned a tutor. If you or someone you know would like to sign up to receive tutoring, please visit www.neuselibrary.org/lwb or visit any of our locations in Lenoir, Greene, or Jones Counties to fill out an application. With your support and participation, we look forward to continuing to strive to increase all types of literacy throughout our community.