Finger Lakes Library System

Connecting public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins Counties

Literacy Resource Guide

Literacy Resource Guide

FLLS Resources

Print Collection Resources

The FLLS system contains many resources for new readers and ESL/ESOL students. Tompkins County Public Library has an excellent Adult Literacy collection that can be browsed at the library. To locate materials in the catalog, visit catalog.flls.org and search for the following subject terms:

  • High Interest—Low Vocabulary Books
  • New Literates’ Writings
  • Readers (Adult)
  • Readers for New Literates

Online Resources

JobNow™ consists of a unique suite of resources for job seekers, including access to trained career experts who provide live, one-to-one assistance. JobNow™ services include: templates, on-demand tutorials, helpful links and tips, live interview coaching, resume lab, live career assistance, eParachute, SkillsFirst resume builder, and the Adult Learning Center. The Adult Learning Center provides foundational, career-enhancing skills to adult learners through test preparation (including HSE/GED and the U.S. Citizenship Test) and a comprehensive academic skills center featuring live, online tutors. JobNow™ resources are available 24/7. Live services are available from 2pm-11pm; 7 days/week. Available from home. Funded by the Finger Lakes Library System with help from the Friends of Tompkins County Public Library and the NYS Outreach funding. 

TumbleBook Library offers E-Books for Kids! With this early literacy tool, kids can listen and read along to animated talking picture books. Materials are available in English, Spanish and French.

Mango Languages is an easy to use online language-learning system teaching actual conversation skills for a wide variety of languages, including specialized ESL courses.  Mango uses real-life situations and actual conversations to more effectively teach a new language to learn how to communicate.

Local Resources

Free Tutoring Services

The following organizations offer free tutoring services for adults who need help reading, writing, or speaking English. Many also offer tutoring in basic computer literacy:

Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES)

BOCES sites offer many adult educational programs, including GED classes and ESL classes.

Early Literacy

The Family Reading Partnership is a local nonprofit which promotes early literacy through many family-oriented programs.

Helpful Links

Adult Literacy

GCF Learn Free – Free online tutorials in reading, math, and technology

News For You – A weekly newspaper for adult learners. Read and listen online to the top current events stories each week.

New York State HSE/GED Test – New York State selected the General Educational Development Test (GED® Test) to replace the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC™ Test) as the primary pathway to a New York State High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma, effective January 2022. Information about how to prepare for and take the GED, including local resources and a list of upcoming test dates.

USA Learns – 100% free English classes: Learn English speaking, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing and grammar.

Digital Literacy

DigitalLearn – If you are new to computers, haven’t used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, we have the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed.

Microsoft Digital Literacy – Learn how to effectively use devices, software, and the Internet to collaborate with others and discover, use, and create information.

GCF Learn Free Technology Tutorials – free self-taught technology tutorials.

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