Want to learn how to read better?
Want to practice your English?
Need help getting ready for the GED or TOEFL exams?
Contact the Literacy Program!
Email: literacy@aclib.us Phone: 352-334-3929
The Literacy Program offers one-on-one tutoring and small classes for adults. We can help you sign up for a library card and show you how to use library books and databases. We also can connect you to other programs in the library and in the community.
Below you will find information about classes, programs, and links to free online resources.
To translate the Alachua County Library District website into another language, scroll to the bottom of this page. Click "select language" and scroll through the list for that language.
Para traducir el sitio web del Alachua County Library District a otro idioma, desplácese hacia abajo hasta el final de esta página. Haga clic en la barra "select language" y desplácese por la lista hasta que encuentre el idioma que desea.
Join us for Spanish Conversation Club Go to Transparent Language
Conversational English
Our award-winning Conversational English program matches English language learners with conversation partners. The Conversational English program also hosts social mixers, an oral history program, and an art show for English language learners and their families. You can now join our remote or in-person Conversation Club.
For information about the Library District's Conversational English program and to be placed on the waiting list for a partner, email us at literacy@aclib.us.
- Reading Help
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Contact us at 352-334-3929 or literacy@aclib.us to sign up for a free tutor who will help you improve your reading skills!
Here are some things you can do to practice reading at home:
Reading Skills 4 Today: https://www.readingskills4today.com/
Reading practice for adults. Audio to play with the readings.The Times in Plain English: www.thetimesinplainenglish.com
Reporting on current events in easy to read, plain English.Khan Academy Reading - https://www.khanacademy.org/ela
For kids, but could be good resource if you want to work with your children or grandkids. 2nd grade and up.
- Adult Ed / GED
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GED Study Sessions at the Headquarters Library with an experienced GED prep teacher
Classes in the Community:
Santa Fe College Adult Education and GED: $30 plus cost of books. Overview of programs
Gainesville Community Ministry's GED Prep: GCM provides a GED program for anyone wishing to get a High School Diploma. The program consists of individual tutoring and mentoring with all test expenses paid for committed students. Sign up Monday - Thursday by calling 352-372-8131.
eSources you can use at home:
Learning Express: www.aclib.us/LearningExpress
Has prep courses and practice tests for the GED. Some resources in Spanish. Log in with your library card number. Create an account with an email and password to track your progress.Tutor.com: www.aclib.us/Tutor.com
Better for K-12 students. Some practice tests, but the big deal is live homework help as well as the ability to submit writing for feedback. Log in with your library card number. Create an account with an email and password to track your progress.Free practice for GED reading and math tests: www.testpreppractice.net/practice-tests/ged-practice-tests
- ESOL - English Classes
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Contact us to sign up for a free English tutor at the library! literacy@aclib.us or 352-334-3920
Join our virtual Conversation Club for adult English language learners on Thursdays at 10 a.m. via Zoom.
ESOL / English Classes and Conversation Programs in the community:
(Updated January 2023)
Alachua County Public Schools ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages): Registration is open. $30 (cash only) plus cost of books. You must register with ID and pay in person. Walk-in registration is open on Thursdays from 9 - 11 a.m. at 620 East University Ave. Special pre-registration is available on Jan. 6, 9 - 11:30 a.m. in Conference Room E. Go to the check-in desk and ask for ESOL for Adults. 352-955-7035. Classes are held on the UF Campus. Beginning classes are available 9 - 11:30 Mondays & Wednesdays. Low Intermediate classes are 11:30 - 2 on Mondays & Wednesdays. High Intermediate classes are 9 - 11:30 on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Advanced classes are 11:30 - 2 on Tuesdays & Thursdays. We can email the class schedule and registration information to you.
Catholic Charities English Classes: Free Zoom classes. Beginning level: Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m. Intermediate level: Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. To sign up, contact Pat Rayos. Call or text: 352-682-5078. Email: patrayos17@aol.com.
English Corner, UF Christian Campus House: Free. UF Student Group welcomes people of all ages who want to practice speaking English. Conversational English Class: Tuesdays, 2 p.m. (Zoom - Gatorygailey@juno.com for Zoom link) & Thursdays 7 p.m. (in-person @ Campus House). Beginning English class is also in-person on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Those interested can email Bob Gailey, gatorgailey@juno.com. You also can call 352-258-9367. 1810 NW 1st Ave, Gainesville (Parking near there can be limited).
English Language Institute at UF: They offer a number of fee-based programs for international students and community members. Contact Daryl Bish with questions. StudyEnglish@eli.ufl.edu. Phone: 352-392-2070. 223 Matherly Hall, University of Florida. 8:00am-4:30pm, M-F. Parking is limited. They speak Spanish. Se habla español.
English Partners at University City Church of Christ: Free. In person English (ESOL) tutoring (1 tutor for each student). Face Masks required. Beginning to Advanced (6 levels). Sundays, 9-10 a.m., optional Bible study 10-10:15 a.m. No separate childcare at this time. University City Church of Christ gymnasium, Family Life Center, 4626 NW 8 Ave. Must reserve a tutor by Friday before that Sunday's class. To reserve tutor, please email josmil733@gmail.com. En español, orosejo@cox.net. Call Church Office with questions: 352-372-4911.
Florida Literacy Coalition's free online Conversational English classes: Free. Intermediate level, 2 hours sessions via Zoom. See the Frequently Asked Questions.
International Learning Center at Parkview Baptist: Wednesday online mixed level class, 6:30-8 p.m. Free for Fall. Click here to register online. For questions: patrayos17@aol.com.
Latina Women's League English & Citizenship classes: Free. We know that many are interested in our Spring Semester classes, and we appreciate your enthusiasm! We just want to let you know that we still don't have a start date, we are still preparing the classes, but as soon as we have that information we will let you know through our social networks. We'd love to gather information about students interested in taking our classes for the spring semester. For this we have created a form where we can save your information and add it to our records in order to send you the information corresponding to the next semester. Please register at the following link. https://forms.gle/tfesP859xg4uYjLNA All levels welcome. For more info, contact Cinthya at cinthya.gax@gmail.com or text/call at 352-792-3820.
Santa Fe College ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages): $30 plus cost of books. Santa Fe offers face-to-face English classes to prepare students for better career and education opportunities. adultesol@sfcollege.edu 352-395-5943
Williams Temple COGIC ESOL classes: Free. Zoom classes for Adults. Intermediate/Advanced only, no Beginner level classes available at this time. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:15 - 7 p.m. Call or email Yvette Colbert: 352-327-8578 , yvettemcolbert@gmail.com.
Here are some resources you can use at home:
Transparent Language: www.aclib.us/Transparent
An online language learning program with over 100 languages; including courses for English Language Learners. You can access it for free with your Alachua County Library District card. Login with your library card. Use your email to set up your user ID and set a unique password.Learning Express: www.aclib.us/LearningExpress
Has prep courses and practice tests for the TOEFL. Some resources in Spanish. Sign in with your library card. Create an account with an email and password to keep track of your progress.Tutor.com: www.aclib.us/Tutor.com
Better for K-12 students. Some practice tests, but the big deal is live homework help as well as the ability to submit writing for feedback. Log in with your library card number. Create an account with an email and password to track your progress.Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab: www.esl-lab.com
Practice your English listening skills- easy, intermediate, and difficult levels. Free to use, but please be mindful of the terms of service.
- Digital Literacy / Computer Skills
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Northstar Digital Literacy - Build your skills. Take assessments. Learn from home. Earn Certificates - Tuesdays 2-6 p.m. at Headquarters (Free!)
- Basic Computer Skills, Email, Microsoft Word, Career Search Skills
Computer Help - Join us at the Headquarters library on Tuesdays from 2 - 6 p.m. to take a proctored assessment and earn a certificate. We can also help with basic computer questions, show you how to use your device, and assist with navigating the digital platforms that your library card gives you access to.
Upcoming Programs:
- Computer Security & Internet Safety - Thursday, April 27, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- Volunteer Tutors
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Our volunteer program has resumed. If you have interest in volunteering as a literacy tutor or assisting with programming, please submit a Volunteer Interest Form and two references. Orientation & training will be provided.
- FL Literacy Coalition's Tutor Help Center and Literacy Resource page
- Remote tutoring resources (Literacy Minnesota)