FLORENCE—The Northwest Alabama Reading Aides program is looking for a few good tutors.

Those interested in becoming a certified adult literacy tutor are encouraged to attend a three-day tutor workshop on Feb. 12, 19 and 21 from 5:45-9:30 p.m. at the Reading Aides office, 501 N. Seminary St., across from Pope’s Tavern.

Tutors must complete all three days of training and there is a one-time $20 fee to cover teaching materials. Light meals will be served.

Director Jim Green said the program currently has about 40 students and 35 tutors but as more non-reading adults are identified, more tutors are needed.

“We occasionally get students who have gone through 12 years of school, yet still can’t read proficiently enough to get through a GED,” Green said. “We’re here and we want to help. We know it’s difficult to function in this world without being able to read and we’re committed to getting the word out about our program because literacy betters all of society.”

The illiteracy rate in the Shoals area is 15 percent, according to the most recent statistical data of the information bureau of the U.S. Department of Education. That’s one person in seven, a ratio that is much too high, Green said.