Civic Literacy

Civic literacy helps people feel more confident, connected, and able to take part in everyday community life. It’s not just about reading and writing—it’s about using those skills in real situations.

Local libraries play an important role in supporting civic literacy. They are often the first place adults go to ask questions, find trusted information, access technology, use services and connect with learning opportunities. Read more about the important role libraries play in connecting adult learners with literacy support.

Why civic literacy matters:

It helps people take part in community life and find or keep work
Everyday tasks like filling in forms, reading information, and using services become easier
It supports independence and making informed choices

What research shows:

Lower literacy can make daily life more difficult and can lead to social isolation
Building skills in real-life settings helps improve confidence and connection with others
Many adult learners say they feel more involved in their communities as their skills grow

In everyday life, this might look like:

Reading a letter from a school, employer, or government service
Getting a driver’s license
Booking a medical appointment or understanding health information
Filling out rental applications or job forms
Reading public transport timetables or community notices
Understanding voting information or local community updates

In today’s world:
Civic literacy also includes digital and media skills—helping people understand information, access services, and stay informed in a fast-changing world.