About OC Read

Since 1991, OC Read has been the literacy division of OC Public Libraries. OC Read provides tutoring and programming for Orange County adults who want to improve their reading, writing, or English skills. For more information about how to enroll in services, call OC Read at (714) 566-3070 or email readoc@occr.ocgov.com, or visit the Tutors or Learners page.

Why Literacy Matters

1 in 4 adults in Orange County read below the 8th grade level
16% of adults in Orange County do not have a high school diploma
Children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading levels
47% of children in Orange County are not ready for kindergarten
Increasing a person's literacy skills just one level from the lowest level makes it 50% less likely they will live in poverty.
59 million adults in the U.S. have literacy skills at or below a PIAAC Level 1 - the lowest level. For perspective, there are roughly 260-275 million adults in the U.S., meaning about 21% read at or below a Level 1. Proficiency is considered Level 3, the equivalent of 7th-8th grade reading skills.

Core Services

Adult Literacy

OC Read offers basic literacy skill tutoring and support through the Reading and Walk-in Tutoring programs. These services cover a range of literacy skill development for both native and non-native English speakers. Visit the Learners page for a full description of each program.

Family Literacy

The Family Literacy department provides impactful, educational programs for adult literacy learners and their family members. Family Literacy programs center around the adult learner to support them in their role as a parent and as a non-parent, such as their own role as a child, grandparent, sibling, etc. Visit the Families page for further details.

ESL Referrals

Available for Orange County residents looking for English tutoring or classes in reading, writing, speaking, and/or listening. OC Read offers personalized assistance locating low-cost and no-cost programs. Patrons seeking referral services should call or email OC Read.

Get Involved Today!

For more information or questions about how you can join OC Read as a volunteer, visit the Tutors page.