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About Literacy Network

About Literacy Network

LitNet provides free, individualized, one-on-one instruction to speakers of other languages wishing to improve their English skills as well as any adult seeking help with basic education, high school equivalency test preparation, or U.S. citizenship test preparation.

Accent

Building an Engaged, Welcoming and Literate Berkshire Community

The Literacy Network (LitNet) has been offering free, one-on-one tutoring sessions for adults since 1991. LitNet’s flexible, personalized approach to tutoring enables adult learners to succeed in their jobs, support their families, and engage with their local communities.

The organization began by teaching reading skills, and LitNet quickly expanded its curriculum with lessons in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), citizenship test preparation, and adult basic education to better serve the large population of immigrants who live and work in the Berkshires.

Our Full Story

Vision, Mission, Core Values

Our professional staff and trained team of volunteer tutors offer generalized educational support and promote access to a network of community resources.

Our Vision

An engaged, welcoming, and literate Berkshire community.

Our Mission

To transform the lives of adult learners, both immigrant and U.S.-born, through the power of literacy, education, and advocacy.

Our Core Values

We believe everyone has a right to an education.

We believe in the power of literacy to transform lives.

We believe challenges in life and learning should be met with patience and flexibility.

We believe a connected community is a stronger community.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Literacy Network of South Berkshire (DBA ‘Literacy Network’ or ‘LitNet’) was founded in 1991 by reading and learning disability specialists, Zoë Dalheim and Peg Smith, in partnership with the Lee Library Association. In 1995, we became an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Don’t worry! LitNet is an English immersion program. Our goals are to help our learners communicate better in English and to be thriving members of our community. LitNet will provide you with training, materials, and ongoing support as you work with your learner. Your skills as an English speaker and your knowledge of our community and culture are invaluable to our learners.

Tutoring takes place at mutually convenient times and in public places. Most tutoring happens in libraries across the county, many have private rooms to offer, and all are accustomed to welcoming tutors and learners. Some tutoring occurs at the LitNet Susan Weintraub Tutor Resource Center in Lee.

  • Tutors work with learners for at least one or two hours a week, making lesson plans as they see fit. 
  • Tutors are asked to submit an electronic monthly progress report.

We wish tutors a bon voyage! In best-case scenarios, tutors make arrangements with learners, giving them assignments or areas to focus on. For longer vacations, including those who winter in warmer places, virtual tutoring (Zoom) is an option or we will try to find a substitute.

We are able to provide this vital resource to our learners thanks to donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations. We host an annual fundraising celebration, which is our single-largest source of revenue for the program. And, of course, we could not do what we do without our amazing volunteers!

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