Fox Valley Literacy incorporated as a nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) corporation in Appleton, Wisconsin during International Literacy Month in September 1990 and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2020. The Outagamie Waupaca Library System, which supports all public libraries in the area, along with Appleton Public Library led the formation of the organization in an attempt to bring together other existing literacy programs into one coordinated effort.

Fox Valley Literacy provides both Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning through trained volunteer tutors who teach adults learners one-on-one. Adult Basic Education Learners in this program are adults who are native-English speakers who want to improve their reading or writing skills, or need help attaining a GED or HSED. Some people have graduated from high school but still need help learning to read better. Sometimes the people we help have a learning disability. English Language Learning Learners in this program are from another country may have limited or advanced English skills. They may not have had an opportunity to get an education in their home country. On the other hand, they may have advanced degrees but want to learn more English.