Literacy Collection
Collection Description
The Library Media Center’s Literacy Library contains materials for college students who are in the earlier stages of learning to read and write English. These materials provide readers with rich cultural content, language and literacy learning, and enjoyment of classic and contemporary fiction and non-fiction.
Testing Options
The most effective, efficient, and fun way to learn from and enjoy reading is to select books on topics you enjoy at a level appropriate for you. You know what you like, and we can help you find your best level through free and easy testing.
We use three assessment tests available for free for students to help place them at the appropriate level for extensive reading materials: Five Finger Test, CELSA, and the Rosetta Stone.
- The CELSA test is recommended for non-native English speakers if possible. It is internationally-normed, available for free at the GCC Testing Center, and only takes about 45 minutes to complete.
- The Rosetta Stone software is available to GCC students for free. It provides a placement score. This score can be used to determine the best reading level for non-native English speakers.
- The Five Finger Test is recommended for native English speakers.
If testing is impossible, consider your ESL class level when selecting a leveled reader:
- ESL non-credit classes would use Started Level or Level 1;
- ESL level 1 would use Level 1 or Level 2;
- ESL level 3 would use Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5;
- ESL level 4 would use Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 (and Leisure Reading).
Search Tips
Use the search bar below and enter in your Level. It will show you what is currently available in the collection.
If you need additional assistance, please visit with a librarian at the Reference Desk. Or, you can go to the shelves and browse the physical Literacy Library Collection at GCC Main Library and GCC North Library.
- Browse the Literacy Library Collection
GCC has a small browseable collection of books designed for readers working to develop college-level literacy skills. This collection is located on the tall book shelves near the library classroom. - Other Literacy Reading Materials
Other titles in the circulating collection are suitable for English literacy development. These books are available in both the General Collection, the Juvenile (Children's) Collection, and the Leisure Reading Collection. - Interested in finding more books that might be helpful? The following are useful subject headings with links to the combined GCM and GCN general collection.
