Countywide : Two Groups Seeking Volunteer Teachers

Several groups that teach adults basic literacy skills and English as a second language are seeking volunteer tutors. They have announced new class schedules for tutor preparation.

According to some estimates, as many as 700,000 Orange County adults are functionally illiterate or possess only limited reading and writing skills, and their number is steadily growing.

The Orange County Public Library’s READ/Orange County program has scheduled orientations for potential volunteers who want to learn more about the literacy teaching process and the necessary time commitment.

The Orange County Literacy Council is also seeking volunteers.

Library officials are hoping volunteer turnout will keep pace with the increase in the number of functionally illiterate adults expected to turn to the program for help in the next year.

About 125 adults improved their reading and writing skills through the program’s offerings this year, and library literacy coordinator Scott Cheney said that number could reach 250 next year.

The workshops will be offered at two sites in January and February. They include a two-hour orientation, 15 hours of training and three hours of follow-up seminars. The READ/Orange County schedule:

* La Habra Public Library, 221 E. La Habra Blvd., will hold an orientation session at 6 p.m. Jan. 20, with 9:30 a.m. classes on Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5. A final, follow-up class will be held at 9 a.m. Feb. 26.

* The READ/Orange County headquarters at 1501 E. St. Andrews Place in Santa Ana will be the site of a Feb. 1 orientation at 6 p.m. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. through the end of the month. A follow-up class will be March 24, also at 6 p.m.

* Orientation will be offered at the Garden Grove Regional Library at 6 p.m. Feb. 2 and at Dana Niguel Library at 6 p.m. March 2. Those sites will not offer the extended classes.

Space for the workshops is limited, so those interested should act early to ensure attending sessions nearby. Registration closes two days before orientation. For reservations or more information about READ/Orange County programs, call (714) 566-3070.

The Literacy Council will instruct prospective tutors in the Laubach teaching method at several locations. The schedule:

* Beginning Jan. 10, the Family Life Building at the Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St. in Garden Grove, will be the scene of Monday and Thursday classes at 6:30 p.m. Volunteers must attend seven of the three-hour sessions for certification. Call (714) 637-5765 to register.

* In Costa Mesa, classes will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 11 at the United Methodist Church, 420 W. 19th St. Call (714) 548-3384 for details or registration.

* In Santa Ana, classes will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 13922 Prospect Ave., beginning Feb. 1. Call (714) 545-5095 for more information.