Literacy Volunteers of Lake County was formed as a community-based organization in 1983. The College of Lake County was awarded funding from the Illinois State Board of Education to implement an adult volunteer literacy program in 1984. In 1985 the Waukegan Public Library received funding from the Illinois State Library to start a library-based literacy program. Working together, the three organizations decided to form a coalition called the Lake County Literacy Program in early 1986.

In 2000, after student and volunteer forums and input, the name was changed to The Lake County Adult Learning Connection. We are THE source for adults who want to learn to read and write better in Lake County.

The coalition estimates that 8,000 Lake County adults have received educational services either in a one-on-one, small group or classroom setting.