Turning Pages SC and Richland Library Unite to Empower Adult Learners and Transform Literacy

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COLUMBIA SC – Turning Pages SC, a leading adult literacy nonprofit, and Richland Library, an innovative library system, have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership aimed at revolutionizing literacy in our community. This collaboration supports Turning Pages tutors and adult learners, providing free and accessible learning experiences in a supportive environment.

Turning Pages SC provides over 50 free hours annually of reading tutoring services and comprehensive curriculum to any adult who reads below a 9th grade level. Through personalized one-on-one tutoring, Turning Pages SC empowers adults to enhance their reading skills, gain confidence, and achieve their goals.

“Our trained volunteer tutors meet one-on-one with their learners one hour each week. So, they need a safe public space to meet that’s both quiet and private,” highlights Lisa Cole, Interim Executive Director of Turning Pages SC. “Meeting at their closest library just makes sense.”

Tamara King, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer at Richland Library, shares her enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “Literacy is the great equalizer and helps to foster growth and success in our community. Partnering with Turning Pages SC is an active step toward increasing vital access to education for Richland County residents of all ages and enhancing the quality of life for us all.”

This partnership opens doors for both the tutors and their adult learners. Of particular note is the provision of comfortable meeting spaces within all of Richland Library’s 13  locations, creating an ideal learning environment surrounded by a wealth of literary resources. Most notably, Turning Pages tutors can now schedule private room reservations without needing their own library cards, making tutoring sessions even more accessible to all participants.

“Library-based tutoring really helps our learners’ motivation levels,” remarked Cole. “Just last week a tutor sent in a picture of her 60-something year old learner holding their first library card. Both were so proud!”

Turning Pages SC and Richland Library share a common vision of improving adult literacy and empowering individuals in our community. By leveraging their combined resources, expertise, and unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, these organizations aspire to make a lasting impact that reverberates throughout the community.

For more information about Turning Pages SC and its mission, please visit TurningPagesSC.org. To explore the services and offerings of Richland Library, please visit RichlandLibrary.com.

ABOUT

Founded in 1968, Turning Pages SC has trained over 1,700 tutors and helped over 6,000 adults read better. Qualified adults receive over 50 hours of free, one-on-one tutoring annually plus curriculum.

Richland Library, recognized as a top workplace and awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is a vibrant organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for the community. With its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, and diverse range of literary and cultural programs, Richland Library offers a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.