Project Literacy, a program of the Watertown Free Public Library, assists adult basic education learners, both immigrants and English speakers, by providing educational services that: 1) improve their ability to read, write, and converse; 2) gain access to community resources and services, and 3) integrate into the community. We are creating a network in which adult learners, volunteer tutors, and teachers share their knowledge and experience to benefit all.

Description:
Project Literacy trains volunteers for individual or small-group tutoring and participate in a collaborative that offers classes taught by professional English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instructors. The Greater Watertown area is home to many different cultures and one of our goals is to help immigrants access community services, especially the library. Several times a year we have events that give volunteers and students opportunities to socialize and learn more about each other's cultures. Tutor trainings are conducted twice a year.

History:
Project Literacy was established by the Watertown Free Public Library in 1987. While originally specializing in one-on-one tutoring in basic literacy, we realized that the majority of requests for help came from the area's diverse immigrant populations. In response, the program expanded in 1989 to include ESOL tutoring. There are 50-60 tutor pairs meeting at any given time.
Weekly drop-in conversation groups, called Let's Talk, were added to the program several years later to give students additional opportunities to practice speaking English.
In 1996, the program received a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education which expanded the program to include evening ESOL classes, which are managed jointly with Watertown Community Education's Adult Program. Although we have no state funding at this time, we are continuing to offer ESOL classes and tutoring with locally raised funds.

Contact people:

Susan Viskin, Program Director, (phone), (email) Kathy Warren, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

123 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 (See a map)

Directions:

We are located on the second floor of the Watertown Free Public Library in Watertown Square. From Rte. 16 (Mt. Auburn Street) heading west, turn right onto Main Street (Rte. 20).   Nearest Bus Stop: Watertown Square, 5 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.mbta.com