Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center

We provide children, adolescents, and adults from the Augusta Area with free high quality literacy-related educational experiences that promote the development of life-long readers and writers.

We believe that literacy instruction must be accessible for all. We provide positive literacy experiences that support the development of individuals who may not know how to read and write and those want to improve their reading and writing skills. Our vision is to be a community center for access to literacy resources that serve as a conduit for measurable changes in early childhood and adult literacy growth in the Augusta area.

We are located in and a proud partner of the HUB for Community Innovation
The HUB logo

Contact Us

Literacy Center

Health Sciences Campus

HUB West, 631 Chafee Avenue

Dr. Betsy VanDeusen

706-729-2245

literacycenter@augusta.edu

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 7 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 5 pm

Instructional Services

1st-12th Grade Instruction

We provide, at no cost to you, a fully grant funded after-school literacy instruction services from Monday-Thursday 3pm-7pm & Fridays 3pm-5pm.

These services are available to children living in the Richmond County service area that are 2 or more years behind in reading/literacy. Those not residing within the Richmond County service area or whose children are not behind in reading will unfortunately be ineligible for our 1st-12th Grade Instruction services.

The application process involves collaboration between both the family and the child’s English or Language Arts teacher. Call 706-729-2245 to obtain the application and for more information about the application process. Our free services fill up fast. You will want to contact us before the semester begins, if possible.

  • No cost to you! Fully grant funded services.
  • 1:1 instruction for individualized attention to each learner.
  • Sessions conducted by trained instructors at the Center.
  • Multiple physical & computer-based curriculums centered on reading & reading-related content.
  • 80% of children show improvement in reading ability each year.

Adult Instruction

We provide, at no cost to you, fully volunteer-based literacy & computer skills classes to adults of any age weekly Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. Call 706-729-2245 for more information about getting into the program! Interested in volunteering? 

  • No cost to you! Volunteer based program.
  • 1:1 instruction for individualized attention to each learner.
  • Sessions conducted by experienced volunteers at the Center.
  • Sessions are offered once a week, and each session is 1 hour each.

Adult Services Collaboration with Augusta Technical College

The Harris Literacy Center collaborates with Augusta Technical College as one of its Adult Education centers. Augusta Tech offers free enrollment for courses in: Adult Literacy, High School Equivalency Prep (GED Prep), English as a Second Language (ESL). If these offerings interest you, please call 706-771-4131 or email adulted@augustatech.edu

Resources

Literacy Leaders Learning Community

 The Literacy Leaders Learning Community (LLLC) is a unique enrollment opportunity for freshman and sophmore interested in careers that help support future generations of learners and their communities.Literacy Leaders Learning Community

AU Writing Project Summer Institute

 The National Writing Project focuses the knowledge, expertise, and leadership of our nation's educators on sustained efforts to improve writing and learning for all learners. AU Writing Project Summer Institute

Get Georgia Reading

 The Get Georgia Reading Campaign is a statewide initiative focused on improving early literacy for children in Georgia, aiming to ensure all students are reading proficiently by the end of third grade.Get Georgia Reading

The Basics/Richmond County

 The Basics/Richmond County is a community-driven initiative in Richmond County, Georgia, focused on promoting early childhood development through five simple and impactful practices to help young children thrive and succeed in life.The Basics/Richmond County

Golden Blocks Legends

 Mission serving school-aged children, university students, schools, and multi-generations of Augustans in the understanding and appreciation of the impact and influence of the rich history that includes the Golden Blocks era.Golden Blocks Legends

Get Involved

Person working on literacy with an adult
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Volunteer Interest Form

Want to make a difference? Volunteers with teaching or event planning skills can fill out our Volunteer Interest Form to help the Harris Literacy Center. We'll contact you when opportunities arise.

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Books on a shelf
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Amazon Wishlist

We are always in need of additional books and supplies. If you would like to help keep our bookshelves stocked, we would be incredibly grateful!

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The literacy center logo on a door
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Newsletter Signup

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates for community members, collaborators, and stakeholders on our progress, events, and upcoming endeavors.

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The reading area in the Literacy Center
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Annual Report

Our Annual Report is a celebration of the past year - of learner progress, program outcomes, events, and center accomplishments supplemented with data, visuals, and multi-year context.

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News

College students studying nursing perform an eye test for a young student inside a modern library. The test is part of a community initiative to help young students bridge the gap between literacy and their health.

College of Nursing, Literacy Center form health-focused educational program

College of Nursing, Literacy Center form health-focused educational program
A well-dressed woman smiles at the camera.

Quintuple Jaguar: Lisa Byrd’s inspirational story

Quintuple Jaguar: Lisa Byrd’s inspirational story
A woman stands next to bookshelves filled with children's books.

STEM Literacy Project aims to inspire Richmond County students

STEM Literacy Project aims to inspire Richmond County students

Workshops and Events

Dr. Betsy VanDeusen

706-729-2245

We offer many seminars and workshops emphasizing the importance of fostering the development of literacy skills in children and adults alike. As a HUB partner, we also collaborate with other HUB partners to offer community events.

If you are interested in participating in or hosting a seminar or workshop, please contact us.

Literacy Organizations

Support the Literacy Center

The Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center strives to empower individuals through the transformative power of reading and writing. Your generous donation directly supports our vital programs, providing resources, tutoring, and educational opportunities to those seeking to improve their literacy skills. By contributing, you're not just giving money; you're investing in the future of our community, unlocking potential, and fostering lifelong learning. Please consider making a gift today and help us continue Dr. Harris's legacy of literacy for all.

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