How To TCCL: Literacy Services & Resources

One in six adults in Tulsa County cannot read the prescription label on a medicine bottle, understand a newspaper article, or enter complete information on an application. Our free literacy resources and services are here to help YOU learn or improve your English-speaking, reading and writing skills. 

Please note that while the resources listed below are free, they may require an active TCCL card and email address. If you don't yet have a library card, register for one HERE. If you need help finding your card number or with your account, contact the AskUs helpline at 918-549-7323.

For native English-speakers and beginning learners: 

• Adult Learners:
  • Universal Class offers courses to strengthen your English-language skills, such as Enhance Your Everyday Vocabulary, Vocabulary Building, Spelling 101, Punctuation and Grammar 101, Writing Basics 101: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures and more. Access Universal Class HERE or through OverDrive. 
  • Each of our regional library branches has a Literacy Lab that offers a private room and a desktop with specialized literacy-focused software. Contact the Literacy Office at 918-549-7400 or literacy@tulsalibrary.org for more information. 
• Young Adults:
  • LearningExpress Library has two literacy collections (Become A Better Reader and Improve Your Writing, Speaking & Grammar) of tutorials, practice sets and ebooks focused on English for beginning learners. It also offers reading comprehension practice for high school students! Access LearningExpress Library HERE. 
  • Universal Class offers courses such as Enhance Your Everyday Vocabulary, Vocabulary Building, Spelling 101, ABCs of English Grammar, Punctuation & Grammar 101, and Writing Basics 101: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures. Access Universal Class HERE or through OverDrive. 
• Children:
  • LearningExpress Library has two literacy collections (Become A Better Reader and Improve Your Writing, Speaking & Grammar) of tutorials, practice sets and ebooks focused on English for beginning learners. It also offers reading comprehension practice for elementary students! Access LearningExpress Library HERE. 
  • Bookflix is an online read-aloud experience that pairs 135 animated stories with 135 related nonfiction titles to reinforce early reading skills. Online reading with BookFlix can support both literacy and family time through engaging read-aloud books great for all members of the family. Start helping your child develop their literacy skills and encourage a love for reading today. Find BookFlix HERE, then log in with your last name and TCCL card number.
    • Find additional digital read-along content HERE in Hoopla and HERE in OverDrive. (Make sure to log in if you want to check out an item!)
  • Our Kids Blog (for parents and educators) produces new content, written by our children's librarians, weekly. Explore it to find tips and ideas that can help you improve your child's literacy and encourage a love of reading! 

For English-Language Learners:  

• Mango Languages offers 20 English as-a-second-language courses! Log in to Mango Languages with your last name and TCCL card number HERE to find an English course in your native language.
• LearningExpress Library has two literacy collections (Become A Better Reader and Improve Your Writing, Speaking & Grammar) of tutorials and practice sets and ebooks focused on English for beginning learners. Access LearningExpress Library HERE. 
• BookFlix is an online read-aloud experience that pairs 135 animated stories with 135 related nonfiction titles to reinforce early reading skills. Online reading with BookFlix can support both literacy and family time through engaging read-aloud books great for all members of the family. Start helping your child develop their literacy skills and encourage a love for reading today. Find BookFlix HERE, then log in with your last name and TCCL card number.
• Universal Class offers self-paced English-focused courses such as Basic English Speaking Skills and ESL Basic Writing Skills. Access Universal Class HERE or through OverDrive. 
• The American Library Association (ALA) offers many additional free resources for English-Language Learners. Explore them HERE.
• Ongoing events from our Literacy, Outreach and Volunteer Services:
  • ​​​​Conversation Circles are a fun and friendly class designed to help students practice English speaking and listening skills. Visit tulsalibrary.org/events or check with the Literacy Office at 918-549-7400 or literacy@tulsalibrary.org for details. 
  • There is also a Book Club for English-language learners, which provides a chance for learners to meet with other students by reading and discussing fun books. Contact the Literacy Office at 918-549-7400 or literacy@tulsalibrary.org for more information. 

For Tutors:

• Visit our Literacy webpage for additional tips and resources geared toward tutors and educators. 
• Universal Class even has courses for those looking to teach English, whether your learners are learning English as a second language or learning it for the first time. Classes include Teaching Grammar to ESL Students, Basic English Speaking Skills, ESL Basic Writing Skills, Building Children’s Reading Skills, and How to Teach Reading Fundamentals. Access Universal Class HERE or through OverDrive.