The Literacy Connection, an affiliate of ProLiteracy, is a non-profit, community-based 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1983 by Gail Borden Public Library staff. The organization’s service area is spread throughout 16 northwest Chicago suburban communities: Algonquin, Bartlett, Carpentersville, Cary, Elgin, South Elgin, East Dundee, West Dundee, Gilberts, Hanover Park, Hampshire, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Streamwood, and Schaumburg located in Cook, Kane and McHenry Counties.
The organization offers learner-centered instruction in settings that meet individual needs. In the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, the organization provides free literacy and English language tutoring to adults. The twelve-hour tutor training teaches volunteers to help individuals learn to read, write, speak and understand English better. Instruction is offered in any public location or remotely at convenient times. Most learners are tutored at a minimum of four hours each month for at least a one-year commitment.