BANGOR It's a stunning statistic: At least 20 percent of the adult population has trouble understanding written instructions, health information and other printed materials. It's a problem for all of us because low literacy skills are linked to lowered workplace productivity, crime, increased healthcare costs and challenges in school for the next generation.

Literacy Volunteers of Bangor trains a cadre of volunteer tutors willing to work one-on-one with area adults to teach reading and English skills. Becoming a tutor does not require teaching experience or fluency in another language. Patience, an interest in learning about others and a desire to transform an adult's life through literacy are all that is needed.