Who We Are

Since 1976, Tompkins Learning Partners has been providing tutoring services, free of charge, to local residents who need help reading, writing, or speaking English. Initially, the organization was known as Literacy Volunteers of Tompkins County (LVTC) and had an office in a former custodian’s closet in GIAC’s basement. In 1986, the agency became a full affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of America. In 1989, LVTC became a United Way Agency and moved to the Henry St. John building.

In 1994, the office relocated to its current space at 124 W. Buffalo Street, renting the lower half of the building. Literacy Volunteers of Tompkins County received its own 501(c)(3) status as Tompkins Learning Partners, Inc. and began operating under that name in September 2004.

In 2009, David and Elaine Easton donated the building at 124 W. Buffalo Street to Tompkins Learning Partners (TLP), providing at long last a permanent, centrally-located home. A capital campaign was launched to raise funds for renovating the space, allowing TLP to increase usable spaces for tutors and students, both inside and outside. Renovations were completed in 2015. The new space provided 5 classroom spaces, a technology center, a library, and an outdoor reading garden, 

Tompkins Learning Partners will celebrate its 50th year providing adult literacy education, with an emphasis on training and supporting volunteer tutors, in 2026. Students have gone on to be active, contributing members of our Tompkins County community.