Retaining adults in voluntary literacy programs is more complex and challenging than expected, concludes this interim report on public libraries’ efforts to increase “learner persistence.” The MDRC report, part of a series from Wallace’s Literacy in Libraries Across America initiative, identifies approaches that show positive early results, such as defining students’ long-term goals and connecting them with sponsors. It also discusses chronic challenges, including providing necessary and highly desired support services such as transportation and childcare. These mid-study findings offer valuable insights that can help libraries more effectively increase persistence in their literacy programs.