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Skills for Life

Portsmouth Library Service has a range of resources to help you with your reading, writing and number skills. Central, Elm Grove, Milton, North End and Cosham Libraries all hold Skills for Life stock and if we do not have what you need in your nearest branch, we will be happy to reserve items from another branch for you. Staff can help you find items to assist you in your learning.

These items include:

• Fiction books for a wide range of reading levels. We also have stories on CD or cassette with some books.
• Rapid Reads: these are fiction books aimed at those who do not have the time to read larger novels and books, or those who simply want to continue with their reading skills. This collection includes Quick Reads; specially written books by well-known writers and celebrities.
• Writing and number guides and books: these include spiral bound books with exercises that can be photocopied.
• ESOL (English for speakers of other languages): we keep a large collection of resources aimed at those whose first language is not English, and who want to develop their English language skills

Courses

Staff will also help you find Skills for Life courses in your area; we have college and community centre leaflets and guides. We also host LearnDirect courses at Central Library.

The ESSU (Essential Skills Support Unit) website allows you to search for your nearest Skills for Life provider. Please find their link under 'Internal links'.

Library tours

Library tours for Skills for Life users can be arranged. If you have a group you would like to bring to the library for a tour, then please contact the Library Service on 023 9268 8044 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Library tours specifically tailored for ESOL groups can be arranged. Contact Linda Collins, the Multicultural Librarian on 023 9268 8259 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Useful web links

Below are a list of Skills For Life websites you may find useful. Links to these sites are provided under 'External links'.

Essu: The Essential Skills Support Unit can provide information on Skills for Life providers in the area. You can use their course finder search by clicking on ‘learner’ on the left hand side of the home page screen, and then ‘learning in your area’. The ESSU also hold courses for providers.

Penguin Readers: Penguin Readers supply a wide range of fiction books catering to different reading levels and tastes.

Avanti Books: Avanti supply Skills for Life learning materials.

The Literacy Trust: The Literacy Trust website gives Skills for Life information for library practitioners and adult literacy practitioners.

BBC RaW: The BBC’s reading and writing campaign RaW. This website has much useful information about Skills for Life and includes events information and fun features.

Six Book Challenge: The Six Book Challenge invites people to read six books and record their reading in a diary in order to receive a certificate to celebrate their achievement. It is mainly delivered through public libraries working with colleges, community learning, trade unions, prisons and other learning providers. Together they can use the Six Book Challenge to promote reading for pleasure. The Challenge is targeted at emergent readers; adults who can read but who have yet to build reading stamina and experience. 

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