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Use the Easy Voter Guide to help you prepare for the November 2026 election!

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Click on the picture to go the list of games.

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These are photo books written by Read Santa Clara learners, tutors, and staff.

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Adult New Reader books on a library shelf

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Click on the picture above to read the stories and listen to them at News for You. Ask Read Santa Clara staff for the password.

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Easy-to-read news stories that can help you learn to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

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This is a free resource to help you improve your writing. Read Santa Clara learners can ask staff for help to use the program’s account.

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Generative AI assistance for any writing challenge Try It for Free ⟶

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Millions trust Grammarly's AI writing assistance to communicate with confidence and make writing faster and more delightful. Getting started is simple - download the app today.

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Here is a great way to learn grammar rules.

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In this free Grammar tutorial, you'll get the grammar help you need to avoid making grammatical mistakes in your writing and in life.

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This app is for Read Santa Clara learners to use to improve phonics and spelling skills. Please ask literacy staff for help to access this app.

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Lexia Core5® Reading® is a research-proven, blended learning program that accelerates the development of fundamental literacy skills for students of all abilities in grades pre-K-5. Following a rigorous scope and sequence, Core5 provides explicit, systematic instruction through personalized, adaptive learning paths in six areas of reading.

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You can get online tutoring help with your Santa Clara City Library card. Tutors are available from 10 am to 7 pm Pacific Time.

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On demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning. View how easy, intuitive and engaging Brainfuse HelpNow eLearning is for all ages and levels.

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On demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning. View how easy, intuitive and engaging Brainfuse HelpNow eLearning is for all ages and levels. HelpNow's features include: Homework Help Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests. Skills-Building Choose your topic to receive real-time help.

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Northstar has lessons to learn basic computer skills. You can then take a test and earn a certificate!

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Northstar Services at this Location

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Please contact Santa Clara City Library Staff at readsantaclara@santaclaraca.gov to set up a Learner Account or if you have questions about taking a proctored digital literacy assessment. The library will award certificates to those who successfully complete a NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessment module.

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Improve your computer skills and prep for your future!

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Video of Steve Telling His Story About Learning

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Watch this inspiring video about how Steve and his tutor helped him gain confidence and meet personal literacy goals.

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See examples of how to use verbs to talk about things that happened yesterday, are going on now, or what will happen tomorrow.

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All 12 Verb Tenses in English - Past, Present and Future Verbs

Do you want to improve your English verb tense skills?

A good place to start is this list of all 12 verb tenses where we give the verb conjugation for the verb "to travel".

From past, present and future, here are practical examples with different subjects.

Take a look at these 12 types of verb conjugation:

The 12 Verb Tenses in English

Before we begin, here's a list of the 12 verb tenses in English:

Present Simple

Present Continuous/Progressive

Present Perfect

Present Perfect Continuous/Progressive

Past Simple

Past Continuous/Progressive

Past Perfect

Past Perfect Continuous/Progressive

Future Simple

Future Perfect

Future Continuous/Progressive

Future Perfect Continuous/Progressive

Present Simple Verb Tense

When you use present simple, you are using a routine. It's something that you always do every day, month or year. Or it's something that you never do.

Present Continuous/Progressive Verb Tense

When you use present continuous, you are referring to what is happening right now. Also, it can be an action that is not yet complete.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS/PROGRESSIVE EXAMPLES:

I: am traveling right now.

You, We, They: are traveling right now.

He, She, It: is traveling right now.

Present Perfect Verb Tense

Although it's easy to confuse this verb tense with present simple, the main difference is that the action is complete for present perfect. In other words, you are looking at the result right now without any words referring to time.

Present Perfect Continuous/Progressive Verb Tense

In this verb tense, an action starts in the past but it's still continuing now. You have been performing the action and still are performing the action in the present.

Past Simple Verb Tense

For past simple, it includes a finished action and time.

Past Continuous/Progressive Verb Tense

When you use past continuous, you are often using two actions. However, one action is not finished in the past, and another is complete interrupting the other action.

Past Perfect Verb Tense

This verb tense uses two actions at two different times. Before the second action occurs, the first action is complete.

Past Perfect Continuous/Progressive Verb Tense

For colloquial English, we don't use past perfect continuous very often. But in text books, it's a bit more common. This very tense has a complete action that happened before a second action. But in this case, you can describe how long.

Future Simple Verb Tense

This verb tense is about planning things to do in the future. For example, what will you do tomorrow or next week?

Instead of using "will", you can use "going to" for future tense. But this lesson uses "will" for the future tense.

Future Continuous/Progressive Verb Tense

The action is not complete, when another action happens in the future. This is similar to past continuous, but it refers to the future.

Future Perfect Verb Tense

An action will be completed in the future before another is completed.

Future Perfect Continuous/Progressive Verb Tense

An action will be continuing in the future when it is interrupted by another action. In this future verb tense, it often includes an indication of how long the action has been happening.

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All 12 Verb Tenses in English - Past, Present and Future Verb Conjugation - ALL ESL

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Do you want to improve your English verb tense skills? A good place to start is this list of all 12 verb tenses where we give the verb conjugation for the verb "to travel". From past, present and future, here are practical examples with different subjects.

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I just have to say that this resource is a lifesaver! I am in the middle of doing a practicum with Orton Gillingham and refer to this list daily! I love it!! Thank you for providing it and for making it free to teachers!!

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Here are all the free phonics word lists and decodable sentences taught in the Ultimate Phonics Reading Program. That's over 4,400 words and 2,100 sentences organized into 262 phonics lessons that raise reading level.

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English news and easy articles for students of English

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News in Levels « World News for Students of English

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We write news in three different levels of English. We want to help you understand English more. Now all students can enjoy reading and listening to news.

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Lesson 6: Staying Out of Debt

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Staying out of debt

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

Estimate a reasonable amount of personal debt

Recognize signs of compulsive indebtedness

Effectively manage existing debt

Recognize the benefits of staying out of debt

What is debt?

Debt is money owed to a person or entity that must be paid off by a deadline. Mortgage loans, student loans, car loans, and credit card balances are types of debt.

Cutting expenses and taking other steps to better manage your money can help you get out of or avoid debt.

How much debt is too much debt?

At some point in your life, it's likely that you'll have debt. But how do you know if you have too much debt? On average, your annual debt payments-including car payments, credit cards, and bank loans-should ideally be no more than 20 percent of your annual take-home income. (This 20 percent debt guideline does not include rent or mortgage costs, which can be 30 percent on their own).

Example: Michael's annual take-home income is $30,000. Does he carry a reasonable amount of debt?

To calculate whether he falls under or at the 20 percent limit:

1. List monthly debt payments. This includes a $250 car payment, credit card payments of $60 and $50 each, and a $120 student loan payment.

2. Add up all debt payments for one month, then multiply by 12 to determine how much is spent annually. Michael's total monthly debt payment is $480, or $5,760 annually.

3. Calculate whether debt payments exceed 20 percent of annual take-home pay. To calculate 20 percent of his take-home pay, Michael multiplies 0.20 by $30,000 to get $6,000.

Michael's annual debt payments of $5,760 do not exceed the recommended 20 percent limit for his income of $6,000. However, he probably shouldn't take on any more debt if he can avoid it.

To help you determine your debt, use our Debt Worksheet.

Do you have a compulsive debt problem?

If your debt far exceeds the 20 percent rule, you may be a compulsive debtor. According to Debtors Anonymous, here are some other signs of compulsive indebtedness:

Unclear financial situation: Not knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations

Poor saving habits: Not planning for taxes, retirement, or other predictable items, then feeling surprised when they come due

Compulsive shopping: Being unable to pass on what appears to be a good deal, making impulsive purchases, leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned, and not using purchased items

Difficulty in meeting basic financial or personal obligations: An inability to pay bills, and an inordinate sense of accomplishment when such obligations are met

Always dealing with a financial crisis: Using one credit card to pay another; bouncing checks

Living paycheck to paycheck: Taking risks with health and car insurance coverage; writing checks without knowing your checking account's balance

Overworking or under-earning: Working extra hours to earn money to pay creditors; taking jobs below your skill and education level

Living in self-imposed deprivation: Denying basic needs in order to pay creditors

A false feeling of hope: The belief that someone will take care of you if necessary so you won't get into serious financial trouble

If you are struggling with debt, seek help. Look for resources in your community, and review the resources at the end of this lesson.

Credit counseling and debt consolidation

If you need help getting your debt under control, contact a credit counseling agency. Such agencies are designed to assist people who are dealing with difficult financial situations.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS), one of the oldest counseling services in the United States, is part of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Local CCCS organizations are listed online under debt or financial counseling, or call the national number at (800) 388-2227 to speak with a counselor near you.

If you cannot find an office in your area, NFCC suggests asking the following questions to help you choose another qualified credit counseling service:

Is this agency a nonprofit organization?

How much will these services cost?

Are agency services confidential, and what types of services are offered?

Are the counselors and agency certified?

Are budget and credit education opportunities offered?

Will my funds be protected?

If you have a serious problem with incurring debt, consider joining Debtors Anonymous. This fellowship of men and women share their experiences, strengths, and hope with each other as they work to recover from compulsive indebtedness. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop incurring unsecured debt; no dues or fees are required.

What is bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that provides a financial fresh start to people who cannot pay their debts. It is a serious step and should not be considered a quick fix for money woes. Bankruptcy should only be pursued as a last resort when all other attempts to solve financial problems fail.

There are three types of bankruptcy:

Chapter 13 is for when you are temporarily unable to pay your debts and would prefer to pay them in installments over a period of time. You can usually keep your property, but you must earn wages or have another source of regular income, and you must agree to pay part of that income to creditors. A federal court must approve your repayment plan and your budget. A trustee is appointed and will collect the payments from you, pay your creditors, and make sure you abide by the terms of your repayment plan.

Chapter 11 is primarily for the reorganization of a business. Under Chapter 11, you may continue to operate a business, but your creditors and the court must approve a plan to repay debts. No trustee is appointed unless a judge decides that one is necessary. If a trustee is appointed, the trustee takes control of your business and property.

Chapter 7 is for debtors who cannot pay their debts. Under Chapter 7, you may be able to keep certain property, and a trustee may take control of the remaining property of value and sell it to pay creditors.

Bankruptcy does not fix a bad credit history, and it remains on your credit record for up to 10 years. It also may be a roadblock toward obtaining a mortgage or credit card. Also, not all debt can be cleared up through bankruptcy. For example, you must still pay taxes, alimony, child support, student loans, and court fines.

Check with a financial counselor to find out if it's necessary for you to file for bankruptcy. Instead, you may be able to reach an agreement with your creditors.

Tips for staying out of debt

Consider taking one or more of the following steps to help pay off debt or stay out of debt:
Credit cards

Stop paying high interest rates. Apply for a card with a lower rate, but make sure you understand the credit card agreement before signing it.

Consolidate credit card debt. Transfer your largest high-rate balances to a card with a low rate and work to pay it down.

Stop using credit cards if possible. Cancel and cut up the cards you don't need. Write to card issuers, and close the accounts. (Check terms of use first because some issuers charge a higher interest rate on the remaining balance due to people who close accounts. If this is the case, pay it off and then cancel it.)

If you have savings, consider using some of it to pay off debt. It may sound drastic, but it makes sense if the money in your savings account is only earning interest of 3.5 percent, while the price of carrying debt is 15 percent or higher.

Student loans
Consider consolidating if you have sizable student loans. Under the federal Direct Consolidation Loans program, you can combine multiple federal education loans into a new loan. Benefits include no charges for consolidation, a choice of payment plans, and dealing with one lender and one monthly payment. To find out if you're eligible for this program, review Federal Student Aid's Loan Consolidation page.

Benefits of staying out of debt

Debt is not a bad thing. It is how people manage debt that gets them into trouble. There are several benefits of not getting too deep into debt.

Debt can drain your cash. Once you free yourself of debt, chances are you will have more money to spend on things you want or enjoy without having to worry about interest payments.

Mishandling debt can lead to a bad credit history. This can have a negative impact if you are applying for a job or attempting to obtain a home loan. Managing your debt wisely can put you in a good financial position when it comes to making major purchases.

Being in debt can be stressful. It can strain relationships at home and could possibly affect your work. In essence, becoming debt free or paying down your debt could make life easier.

Online

Offline

Get Out of Debt: Smart Solutions to Your Money Problems - by Steve Rhode and Mike Kidwell

Getting Real Solutions for Getting Out of Debt (Real Solutions Series) - by Mike Yorkey

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Lesson 6: Staying Out of Debt /en/moneybasics/credit/content/ By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Estimate a reasonable amount of personal debt Recognize signs of compulsive indebtedness Effectively manage existing debt Recognize the benefits of staying out of debt Debt is money owed to a person or entity that must be paid off by a deadline.

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Use this app to make a budget.

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Play quiz games to learn about how to manage and save money.

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The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent agency created by the Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation's financial system. Learn about the FDIC's mission, leadership, history, career opportunities, and more.

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Find links to health information that is easier to read, understand, and use. These materials are designed to be clear and to follow best practices in health literacy. The links on this page are arranged alphabetically by health topic.

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To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Find links to health information that is easier to read, understand, and use. These materials are designed to be clear and to follow best practices in health literacy. The links on this page are arranged alphabetically by health topic.

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California's CalFresh Healthy Living, with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - USDA SNAP, produced this material. These institutions are equal opportunity providers and employers. For important nutrition information, visit www.CalFreshHealthyLiving.org

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Find easy, low-cost recipes

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Go to MyPlate Kitchen

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MyPlate | U.S. Department of Agriculture

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View delicious recipes in our very own MyPlate Kitchen! Search by ingredient to use what you already have or browse by category to find something new. Save your favorites, make personalized cookbooks, and more! Go to MyPlate Kitchen

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Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

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How to Divide a Word Into Syllables - Reading Blocks

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A syllable can be the whole word or just part of the word but must contain at least one vowel. Learn how to divide a word into syllables on this page.

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If you’re new to computers, we can help. These tutorials will help empower you to be more comfortable with this type of technology, from learning the parts of a computer to using a mouse.

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Learn how to make your writing more clear and easier to read.

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Active vs. passive voice in your writing

Have you ever noticed how some parts of your writing seem to pop, while other parts don't? You can improve those dull sentences if you take a moment to consider the active and passive voices.

Learn more about the differences between active and passive voice in the video below.

The difference between active and passive

There are two voices in writing: Active and passive. In the active voice, the subject of a sentence acts, like "Neil Armstrong walked on the moon." The active voice is direct, clear, and easy to read.

With the passive voice, the subject is acted upon, like "The moon was walked on by Neil Armstrong". Although the passive voice is still grammatically correct, it typically doesn't carry the same energy or clarity as the active voice. Its structure can feel clumsy and unnatural, which makes your writing harder to read. It also tends to use more words than the active voice. Over the course of a document, all those extra words can make your writing drag.

Overall, we recommend using the active voice more often than the passive. This will help keep your writing snappy and efficient.

Identifying the passive voice

Here's how to spot the passive voice:

First, look for a phrase like "was visited", "has been cleaned", or "will be built". Each one contains a "to be" verb, like "was", "has been", or "will be".

That phrase is followed by an action that's already happened, like "visited", "cleaned", or "built". Finally, the person or thing doing the action comes last, if they're mentioned at all.

If you see these parts together, there's a good chance the sentence is in passive voice.

Changing passive into active

Let's change a sentence from passive into active voice.

Our sentence is, "The money was tossed into the air by Jacob". "Jacob" is our subject, and "tossed" is the verb. Move Jacob to the beginning of the sentence, cut out any unnecessary words, and rearrange a few others. Our passive example is now, "Jacob tossed the money into the air". The delivery is more brief, clear, and more immediate.

When passive is best

Although active voice is incredibly useful, the passive voice is occasionally the better choice. For instance, you may go passive if the actor of a sentence is unknown or irrelevant, like in the sentence, "The amendments will be approved after a discussion". In this case, we're interested in the amendments' approval, not who approved them.

Passive voice is also great for creating an authoritative tone, like on a sign requiring employees to wash their hands. It doesn't matter who requires employees to wash up; they just need to do it!

You may also want to go passive when you don't know who is responsible for the action, like in this example: "The mystery was never solved."

The voice you use can make a big difference in your writing. The active voice will often add pep and clarity, but occasionally the passive voice will be your best option. Take some time to choose the voice that fits best, and your writing will almost certainly grow stronger.

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Writing Skills: Active vs. Passive Voice in Your Writing

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Discover the differences between the active and passive voices in this free lesson.

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Use these organizers to plan your writing and to better understand things that you read. You can see your topic and facts and details.

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Help your students classify ideas and communicate more effectively with these free graphic organizer templates, available for download. They can be used to structure writing projects and help in problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research, and brainstorming.

Printable Graphic Organizers

Select a blank graphic organizer from the following categories depending on your curriculum needs.

Sequence of Events

Main Topic and Key Details

Compare/Contrast

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Free Downloadable Graphic Organizer Templates

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Use these free graphic organizer templates to help your students communicate more effectively by classifying ideas, structuring writing projects, and more.

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Click on a link to play a game.

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See the names of beginning and low intermediate books by California tutors and staff. Click on the titles to read the books online for free.

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Open Access - California Literacy Initiative

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Open Access - California Literacy Initiative

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Choose a course to learn and practice computer skills.

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Digital Skill Building Pathways With SJPL’s Digital Skill Building Pathways, you can practice the skills essential to living and…

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Watch 1-minute videos to learn about U.S. History.

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From the time of our country’s founding 250 years ago, the story of America has been one of the constant efforts of Americans—from all races, ethnicities, ge…