Throughout the 1980s, Canadians were becoming increasingly aware of the considerable literacy challenges experienced by many people in society. In 1987, Action Read was started as a project of the Centre for Employable Workers in response to the significant literacy needs of adults in Guelph, ON. Action Read set out to pair individuals who wanted help with trained community volunteers. From there, small group learning, family literacy and computer-based learning programs quickly emerged. Check out highlights from Action Read’s history 1987-2026.

In 1991 Action Read became an independently incorporated charity. From 2000 until 2017 we were located at the Park Mall building in downtown Guelph. In April 2017 we came to our present location at 8 Cork Street East.

While many changes have occurred at Action Read since 1987, we remain a community-based agency committed to learner-centred programming, involvement and accessibility – the values that propelled us forward from the beginning. Adult learners have a voice on our Board and committees. We work with over 70 volunteers annually who provide critical support. We have published 10 books. This breadth of support has helped thousands of people transition to their goals for employment, training, education or further independence for almost 40 years.