Many of Colorado’s public libraries contribute significant resources to family and adult literacy activities, despite the difficult budget climate they currently face. The federal government no longer provides direct funding for adult literacy activities in public libraries and Colorado’s public libraries have faced significant budget cuts in the last two years. But a survey conducted by the Library Research Service in August 2003 found that 33 percent of Colorado’s public libraries still offer family and/or adult literacy activities. Family literacy activities go beyond children’s story time to teach parents how to help children read and to provide opportunities for children and parents to interact in reading activities together. Adult literacy activities help adult students with GED high school equivalency diploma test skills, English as a Second Language (ESL), or basic reading. Chart 1 in full report indicates 38 of Colorado’s 115 public libraries reported providing adult and/or family literacy activities.
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