Prepared by the office of the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, this manual describes the components and basic start-up steps of successful volunteer literacy programs. The 17 short sections provide an overview of the following topics: (1) purpose and mission; (2) determining need in your community; (3) recruiting students; (4) screening and testing students; (5) recruiting volunteers; (6) training volunteers; (7) designing an instructional program; (8) keeping records; (9) libraries and literacy; (10) cooperating with others in your community; (11) cooperating with other literacy agencies; (12) finance and budget; (13) staffing; (14) long-range planning, business plan; (15) program evaluation; (16) raising money; and (17) incorporation and board of directors. Three one-page appendixes provide information about adult basic education and English as a second language testing materials, literacy volunteer training guidelines, and 11 sources for learning materials. (KC)