Change a life...yours!
Project Read-San Mateo is the literacy program of the San Mateo Public Library, one of 106 libraries statewide helping adults improve their reading, writing and communication skills.

Project Read trains volunteer tutors who work one-on-one or in small groups teaching adults the skills they need.

Project Read students set their own learning goals, and the program is carried out in an atmosphere of encouragement and security. Adults who have improved their literacy skills gain self-esteem and the skills to cope with everyday reading and writing tasks. They are more employable, can help their children with learning, are more informed voters, and are better able to participate in the community. Literacy links all aspects of our lives.

Who do we serve?
Project Read-San Mateo serves residents (and those who work in) San Mateo, Burlingame, and Hillsborough. If you live elsewhere, please see the information to the right.

Native speakers who have not acquired the reading, writing and communications skills they need for their own purposes.

Non-native speakers of English who did not have any or much education in their first countries and so are learning English and literacy at the same time.

Non-native speakers of English who have substantial education but for whom adult school and community college are not a good fit.

How you can help