Four women smiling and giving thumbs up around a cluttered desk in an office, with bookshelves filled with books in the background.

Literacy Volunteers of America

We believe the ability to read, write and communicate in English is critical to personal freedom.

About Literacy Volunteers of America

Since 1984, Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) Monroe County, Inc. has helped adults throughout the Florida Keys improve reading, writing, and English communication skills. Through free, confidential one-on-one or small group tutoring, we empower learners to reach personal goals, gain confidence, and participate more fully in their communities.

Serving the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys from our main office in Key West, LVA provides personalized instruction through trained volunteer tutors. Our programs support learners at every level and to date have helped over 7,900 students build essential literacy skills.

In 2025 alone, 142 volunteer tutors helped 326 students reach personal goals through improved literacy skills.

How We Can Help

  • Literacy & Reading Support

    We help students build essential reading and writing skills through our Basic READ program.

  • English Language Education

    We offer beginner through advanced English instruction, including classes for Spanish, Russian, and Haitian Creole speakers.

  • Personalized Tutoring

    Students receive free, confidential one-on-one or small group tutoring from trained volunteer educators.

  • Citizenship & Workplace Readiness

    We provide citizenship preparation, civics education, and workplace English to support community and employment success.

A diverse group of six students sitting in a classroom with a woman teacher standing in the back near a whiteboard. The students are smiling, some are waving, one is holding a clipboard, and others have notebooks. The room has bookshelves, an area with kitchen appliances, and a patterned green rug on the wooden floor.

Students

Are you looking to improve your basic reading and writing skills, or learning English as a second language? Please visit our student page.

Group of people holding certificates and a Literacy Volunteers of America banner, standing in front of a colorful mural with trees and a parrot painted on the wall.

Volunteers

Do you want to be a volunteer? Please visit our tutor/volunteer page.

LVA Little Libraries

“Take a Book, Leave a Book”

LVA Little Libraries are free community book exchanges located throughout Key West and Marathon, where neighbors are invited to “Take a Book, Leave a Book.”

Four women standing together indoors, two with glasses, one in a graduation robe, smiling.

Donations

If you’d like to make a secure donation to support literacy in the Florida Keys, please visit our donation page.