New free reading lab offers real help for adults who want to read well
July 30, 2025
Literacy SC has launched a new free class for adults who want to raise their reading skills. It’s called the Turning Pages Reading Lab. Starting August 18 until November 21, it will be held every Monday and Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM in ROOM M at Richland Library Main.
The Reading Lab is for English-fluent adults who struggle to read and want to feel more confident in everyday life with things like menus, signs, instructions, and short books. The class is small, supportive, and welcoming. There are no grades, no tests, and no pressure. Just real reading help at your own pace.
This small group is part of Literacy SC’s larger vision to make reading well a reality for all. Since 1968, Literacy SC has helped thousands of adults in central South Carolina learn to read through one-on-one private tutoring. That tutoring program is still going strong and residents have access to both for free.
“This class is built to give adults a space where reading feels possible again and I am excited to meet every learner that walks through the door,” said Susanna Shastri, Literacy SC’s program instructor for the Turning Pages Reading Lab at Richland Library Main. “We will start small, work collaboratively, and celebrate every letter, word, or sentence that clicks. I can’t wait to get started!”
Literacy SC’s Turning Pages Reading Lab is free. It’s welcoming. And it works. If you or someone you know is ready to start reading well, now is the time to begin. Anyone can drop in to the Turning Pages Reading Lab and enroll onsite. For those who want to plan ahead, enrollment is open now. Just call Literacy SC at 803-216-5663 to join.
Volunteers can also help out. Volunteer assistants will help the program instructors setup for class, greet and enroll learners, pass out materials, and support those just getting started. Volunteers can sign up to help with the class at literacysc.org/point.
The Turning Pages Reading Lab is also available twice weekly for all residents of Transitions Homeless Shelter and is taught by Belinda McEachern. Volunteers are needed to assist instructors at both locations.
ABOUT LITERACY SC
Founded in 1968 as the Greater Columbia Literacy Council, Literacy SC has trained over 1,800 tutors and helped over 6,000 adults read well. Adults and families in Richland, Lexington, Aiken and Saluda Counties can access a variety of free and low cost literacy education.
