The Literacy Volunteers of Illinois (LVI) was incorporated in 1979 as an independent, self-supporting tax-exempt corporation. LVI was founded by the national Literacy Volunteers of America to serve as a mid-level support system for LVA-affiliated programs. Over the years, LVI evolved into a resource and training center for all literacy programs by providing a range of services to staff, tutors, and learners in five areas - Resource and Referral, Correctional Education, Public Information and Advocacy, New Reader Leadership, and National Service.