Adult Reading Scheme

At Inspire we provide a free 1-to-1 adult reading scheme to help readers with the basics and beyond.

If you are interested in joining the reading scheme, please fill out the form below so that we can call you back, or speak to a member of staff at your local library.

Adult Reading Scheme Form

Who is it for?

This scheme is suitable for any adult who wants to learn to read English. Whatever your starting point, we will go back to basics and work at yout own pace.

There's many reasons why someone might not have learned to read, but the good news is that it’s never too late to learn! By learning to read adults improve their employment opportunities, confidence and self-esteem and general well-being. Many adults are also motivated by wanting to be able to read with their children or grandchildren and we’re here to help develop these skills.

Please note: this scheme is not intended for adults learning English as a second language, we would instead recommend that one of our Inspire Adult Learning ESOL courses would be more appropriate.

How it works

If you want to improve your reading, we'll match you to a volunteer coach and arrange for them to meet with you each week in one of our libraries, where you'll work through a reading manual designed for adults. We'll start with the basics, and as your confidence grows you'll be given more support to access some of the beginner reading books we have in our libraries.

Where do we meet?

Readers and coaches will meet in one of our Inspire libraries. Currently we offer this scheme at

A weekly hour long, one-to-one session will take place in a quiet corner of the library. Readers will not be overlooked but there will be other people around.

If there are any additional requirements, we will discuss this with both the reader and the coach before the first session.

If you are interested in the scheme and your local library is not listed, please complete the form anyway and we'll do our best to find a location that works for you.

Adult Reading Scheme Form

How long will it take?

Reading sessions will take place for an hour each week at a time that suits the coach and reader.

We will initially set up the sessions for 10 weeks and then review this. Some people may complete the course in as little as nine months; for others it may take longer.