For the 800,000 to 1,500,000 Hoosier adults who read basic or below basic levels of comprehension, it can be difficult to function effectively in the world as we live in it now.1 Healthcare becomes a problem when a person is unable to read and understand health information, and the ripple effects of poor reading comprehension add $232 billion spent in health care costs each year alone. Adults without basic comprehension skills face problems in employment and it’s reported the United States spends $225 billion in nonproductivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment tied to low literacy.2
Support for Adults with Low Literacy Skills
The Library partners with READ La Porte County to support adults with low literacy skills. Many people associate this organization with classes for adults learning English for the first time, but adults with low literacy skills can also receive services from READ La Porte County. Adults interested in improving their reading abilities are invited to fill out an application to work one-on-one with a tutor. Students set their own goals and work towards those goals with the support and encouragement (and homework assignments!) from their tutor.
Tutoring and support from READ La Porte County is free and confidential.
Library Resources for Adults with Low Literacy Skills
The La Porte County Public Library has resources for adults with low literacy skills.
The New Reader Collection includes easy-to-read books for adults learning English for the first time or those who are new to reading. These books meet adults at their reading level without sacrificing the content of the story. Some titles in this collection include:
- Fran’s Story by Moira Kovats
- The Hike by Linda Kita-Bradley
- The Day the Rebels Came to Town by Robert Hough
We Are Here to Help
If you need assistance with these resources or want more information, contact the library at 219-263-6156 or send an email to help@laportelibrary.org.
1 “Literacy in Indiana.” 2016. Indiana Literacy Association. 2016. http://www.indianaliteracy.org/blog-archives/literacy-in-indiana.
2Rea, Amy. 2020. “How Serious Is America’s Literacy Problem?” Library Journal. 2020. https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=How-Serious-Is-Americas-Literacy-Problem.
