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Last updated on January 17, 2008

The uneducated in the United States go to jail more than anyone else. Lack of basic reading and writing skills hinders positive community re-entry and inmate rehabilitation after release. Since 1989, the Alameda County Library has provided one-to-one and small group instruction to English-speaking Alameda County inmates who read and write below the 8th grade level. (A local school district provides English-as-a Second-Language instruction for non-English speaking inmates.) The Alameda County Library also provides library service to inmates in the county jails. These programs are a part of the Library's commitment to "equal access to information for all". (Alameda County Library Mission Statement)

Description:
The Alameda County Library needs volunteer tutors to teach basic literacy skills to inmates in Alameda County Jails in Dublin and Oakland. We are not looking for any particular educational background in prospective volunteers, but it is important that they be flexible, patient, caring individuals who believe they have as much to learn as to teach. We also ask that prospective volunteers not seek to promote any political or religious platform within the jail. We ask that those interested in becoming volunteer jail tutors participate in a screening interview to qualify. The Alameda County Sheriff 's Department will conduct a security review for all volunteers working in the jails. Prospective volunteer jail tutors are screened by our staff, and, if invited to join the program, must participate in the required 25 hours of classroom training. This includes training in basic literacy instructional theory and technique, a substantial orientation to the jail environment, and an in-depth discussion of the rules for volunteers who work in a jail.All training, support, and materials are provided FREE. For more information, or to sign up for training, please call (510) 745-1486.

Contact people:

Sheryl Springer, Assistant, (phone), (email) Lisa Harris, Program Director, (phone), (email) Raul Rodriguez, Program Assistant, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (510) 745-1494

Address:

2450 Stevenson Blvd Fremont, CA 94538 (See a map)

Web Site: http://readforlife.aclibrary.org

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