Literacy Volunteer Program Welcome

Welcome to LVM-Quincy at the Thomas Crane Public Library.

We provide one-on-one tutoring to adults in basic reading and writing. Volunteer tutors are matched with students at a time and place convenient for both. They meet once a week for two hours.

Reading will Change Your Life by William McCarthy

Six years ago I could not read. Then I met a very nice lady who encouraged me to get help. I then went to the Library and met Elaine and she got me a tutor. I worked hard with three tutors over the years. Now I can read on my own and write with some help.

Before I learned to read, my life was a dark shadow. I was always afraid that people would find out so I would stay by myself, fearful that I would be made fun of or that people would not understand. Everyday there was fear of losing my job. I knew that I could not be a phony and I always had to work so hard because if I lost my job, how would I get another if I could not fill out a job application. Life can be very limited when you cannot read. I used to order the same thing year after year at restaurants because I only knew one thing on the menu. Without my wife I could not do many things like take money out of the bank.

My life is so much happier after six years in the literacy program. Now that I have learned to read and write, I have found that my speech is much better and now I can talk about world events that I read in the paper. My life is much more progressive, I am more alert, and I understand more of what is going on around me. I feel more connected to people.

I feel much better about life and I look forward to the future. I will continue to read and write, knowing I will get better. The more I read, the better I write. The more I write, the better I read. I would like to get involved with helping other people. At first I would encourage anyone who cannot read to get help. Later, I would l like to teach other people how to read.

I wish I knew six years ago what I know now. This is a fantastic program and a wonderful opportunity for anybody who wants to learn to read and write. If you do not know how to read, you do not know what you are missing. Reading will change your life.