In today’s reading world, it is difficult to fathom accomplishing even the simplest of tasks without the ability to understand words on a page.
Reading a newspaper, scanning instructions on a pill bottle, or comprehending a boss’s memo would prove to be orders too tall to handle.
Completing job applications would require assistance, and earning a high school or GED diploma would always be out of reach.
The thought is unimaginable to some, but for others — some 14 percent of American adults who lack basic literacy skills and are unable to read above a third-grade level, according to U.S. Education Department data — it is a reality.
At Statesboro Regional Library, and around the nation, volunteers and staff are doing what they can to improve the situation. 
This week marks National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, and all of September has been proclaimed Literacy Month in Bulloch County.
In recognition, the Statesboro Regional Library is celebrating a more than 30-year-old program that continues to change lives throughout the region.
“The program here is an affiliate of ProLiteracy America, which is a national organization of literacy volunteers. We teach adults foundation literacy skills,” said Elaine McDuffie, the head of Youth and Family Services for Statesboro Regional Public Libraries. “Often, when adults come into this program, they can’t say the alphabet, or they read at only the second- or third-grade level.
“What we do in this program is provide individual instruction and foundation skills. We use a scripted curriculum that teaches reading skills,” she said. “You might be surprised to learn that in this part of the state, approximately one in five adults read below a fourth grade level.”
As part of the library’s efforts, 35 adult learners work weekly with assigned tutors to slowly build, and enforce, language and reading skills.
The program is so popular, McDuffie said, that several students are currently on a waiting list until more tutors become available. 
In the 33 years since the program — funded by the United Way — began, McDuffie says she has marveled at the commitment and drive of students and tutors involved.
“For those of us who learn to read as children, it is hard to imagine the challenges faced by adults who aren’t able to read. The world does not give them a break. They have the same responsibilities that everyone else has,” she said. “To help and watch someone overcome that is just wonderful.”

A learning pair
Thursday evening, as Literacy Month in Bulloch County rolled along, the program’s longest-tenured student-teacher pair met in their usual location for another hour of learning.
As they have done for more than five years, Ken Homer, an assistant professor of English and reading at East Georgia State College, and Gregory McBride, a 26-year veteran with the Georgia Department of Transportation, met in a quiet, upstairs reading room to continue an ongoing lesson.
With occasional input from Homer, when encountering a new or difficult word, McBride worked steadily through a sample article included in a teaching workbook.
He read several stories aloud, breaking only to receive occasional tips — about compound words and “reading just like you’d speak” — from his friend and tutor.
McBride, who has jumped several grade levels in ability since joining the program, has become a model for what can be accomplished at the library.
“Gregory has overcome so much to get where he is. He is a husband, a father and an employee. He has grown in all of those areas as a result of what he has done here,” McDuffie said.
By his own account, McBride’s life has improved in a major way.
He says learning to read has changed his life.
“I can do paperwork at my job, and can read the Bible when I go to church,” he said. “I even conducted a sermon; all thanks to this program helping me learn to read.
“I was probably around a third-grade level (when starting),” he continued.
“There were a lot of words I didn’t know and could not pronounce. Signs on highways were a struggle, I had to have someone read the driving test to me, and I’d have to get help with applications and other papers. I could not read papers at work.”
After years of working with Homer, McBride said he is capable of doing more than ever before.
“Because of this program, I was able to advance into another position at work. Also, I can teach a Sunday school class now,” he said. “I just want to continue getting better and better. I see no end in sight.”
He said he owes much to his teacher, who has become a great friend.
“Once I met with Ken, we clicked and have worked well ever since,” he said.  “I love him. He is a great teacher.”
Homer has worked as a volunteer teacher at the Statesboro Regional Library for about a decade, since moving to the area. In California, he did the same for another 10 years.
“I feel like (doing) this is part of citizenship, and I am contributing positively in some way,” he said. “I think people who have always read well don’t get it — what a struggle it is to learn.
“You often don’t realize how dependent on reading you are in this society,” he added. “I think the Statesboro library is doing a tremendous service for this community.”
Homer said his student has made tremendous strides.
“Gregory has made substantial progress,” he said. “We started at a very basic level and have worked on a lot of things. At first we were very heavily involved in phonics and sight-word vocabulary.
“He has jumped several grade levels,” Homer continued. “It really shows you what persistence will do.”
In continued support of the program, McDuffie said the Statesboro Regional Library will train new tutors during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, beginning Monday.
Workshops will be conducted Tuesday and Thursday at the library.
“For anyone who can read, who would like to teach someone else, please call us,” McDuffie said.
Potential students certainly need the help, she said.
“I’ve had one person tell me that not being able to read was like being in prison: You can go to the wall as much as you like, but you can’t get over it,” McDuffie said. “There is just no place for a non-reader in the world of words in which we live.”

Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.