The Minnesota Literacy Council has a lending library of over 2,000 volumes related to literacy and English language instruction, volunteer program management, professional development, and literacy research. Resources are available for loan to volunteers and volunteer coordinators currently working in Minnesota. Access to the library is by appointment only. Limited evening times are available. For more information or to set an appointment, contact the Minnesota Literacy Council at 651-645-2277, Ext. 201.
Want to learn more about materials in the MLC library? Click on an item below or click on "Books at the MLC library" and then click on "your library" to view a catalog of our ESL books.
Minnesota Literacy Council's Lending Library Policies and Procedures
Who may use the library? Volunteer coordinators and current volunteers tutoring in Minnesota may borrow materials.
How do I check out materials? When checking books out of the library, you will fill out a Lending Request form, including the book title and material ID number. The office manager or other MLC staff person will sign the form, assign a due date, and make a copy for the borrower to keep. Library users are ultimately responsible for materials borrowed from MLC's Lending Library. If materials are not returned, the library user will be charged replacement costs.
How long may I borrow materials? The lending period is two months. Materials can be renewed by phone or e-mail, provided those materials have not been requested by another tutor or program. E-mail Burgen Young or call 651-645-2277, Ext. 218, to renew materials.
What are the library hours? Hours for the lending library are the same as MLC's regular office hours (M-F 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.). On nights when there are tutor trainings at the MLC office, arrangements may be made to use the library after regular office hours. Because we use the library for meetings, it is best to call ahead to be sure that the library isn't being used during the time you intend to use it. Call 651-645-2277, Ext. 201, to schedule a library visit.
How do greater Minnesota programs use the library? Greater Minnesota programs may call to request that materials be sent to them. MLC will pay the shipping cost to the program, and the program will be responsible for the return shipping cost. Programs within the Twin Cities area may pick up and drop off books at the MLC office.
What materials MLC does recommend? Visit the recommended resources list below for books that come highly recommended by tutors and MLC. If you are with a current volunteer or volunteer coordinator in Minnesota and would like assistance in selecting materials, you may e-mail Burgen Young, ESL Training Coordinator, or call 651-645-2277, Ext. 218.
Can I purchase materials? MLC does not sell materials. For purchasing information, you may contact the publisher.
