Sunday, July 29, 2007

BlogAThon - Finale

Well, a long, long day. Let's just 'bookend' the event with a modified post announcing my first attempt at Blogathon.

Blogathon began yesterday at 6:00 am. Bloggers from around the world blogged for one day to help charities around the globe. We posted every 30 minutes over a 24 hour period; at one the time just became a blur -know there are extra posts, double posts, probably some within minutes of each other.

For this, we collected sponsorships and pledges. They could be a flat donation, or a certain amount for every hour we managed to stay awake.

It's not too late, go to Blogathon, choose ‘Southern California Library Literacy Network,’ and PLEDGE !

Or you can to go the SCLLN ‘Donations Page’ and send a Donation.

And continue to use GoodSearch: 1000 people @ 2 searches a day = $7,300


In 2006:
8,870 Adult Learners
5,586 Volunteer Tutors
358,604 Hours of Free Tutoring
Families For Literacy program
7,015 children under 5
8,844 children over 5
received 103,709 Free Books

SCLLN thanks you for your support !

BlogAThon - Library

Library Economic Value

Worth Their Weight: An Assessment of the Evolving Field of Library ValuationThe Americans for Libraries Council newest report offers researchers and advocates an overview of the cutting-edge field of library valuation, or models for expressing a library's multiple contributions to its community in dollars and cents. Libraries for the Future

Library Use Value Calculator:

What is your library worth to you?
How much would you pay out-of-pocket for your library services?
Use Kern County Library's calculator to find out.

This worksheet was originally provided by the Massachusetts Library Association, then adapted for the web by Chelmsford Public Library. The Maine State Library added extra accessibility coding and reformatting for ease of reading online; feel free to link the calculator where ever your library is. The Maine State Library site shows how the figures were calculated and how to customize and use on any library web site. The spreadsheet requires either Microsoft Excel or an Excel viewer.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Literacy Blogs

Some interesting literacy blogs to visit:

Adult Learner Blogs

Project Read - San Francisco Public Library
~ a friendly little internet site offering some helpful literacy tips, strategies, and resources

Literacy Blogs

Literacies Cafe - Toronto
~ Chit chat from literacies, a magazine from canada about adult literacy research and practice

Literacy News - Canada
~ Your source for literacy news and literacy development

Newton Free Library
~ Talk Time for Tutors

Literacy Changes
~ Kids, Special Ed., Occupational Therapy, Graphic Organizers, Text-to-Speech

Literacy Matters
~ 21st Century Literacies: The Challenge, The Opportunity, The Tools. What now?


Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - News

from PRNewswire: 7.25.07

On Labor Day, preschoolers can step into a world where words truly are the stars of the show. "WordWorld," debuting Sept. 3, 2007, on PBS KIDS(R) (check local listings), is a 3-D animated series funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education, which encourages three- to five-year-old children to become friends with words.

The show makes preparing to read so much fun that kids will laugh out loud as they learn. "WordWorld" playfully brings words to life through a patent-pending methodology that embeds words into the objects they represent.

In each episode, children will explore their world of words. "WordWorld's" humorous storylines focus on age-appropriate social-emotional lessons while introducing preschoolers to key literacy-based skills, such as letter recognition and phonological awareness.

"'WordWorld' is an adventure series that makes words tangible by introducing preschoolers to a world of words that come alive right before their eyes," said Don Moody, founder and CEO of Word World, LLC. "The novelty of the show is that when a word is formed correctly, it morphs into the character or thing it represents, which makes learning to a read a totally new experience.

Our goal is to help preschoolers prepare for reading by telling engaging stories that are fun, sparking their imaginations and fostering a love for words."



A sneak preview.



Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - SCLLN

SCLLN' s Flickr account is certainly worth a visit.

There are about 100 photos that tell part of the story of literacy in Southern California.

We also have a number of contact with more photos about literacy and libraries.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Covina Public Library

The Second Start Literacy Program is a library-based literacy service with a mission of assisting English-speaking adults who wish to improve basic literacy skills and school-aged children that need additional help to succeed in school.



Trained volunteers and staff strive to create a learning environment that promotes self-esteem and helps learners to participate more effectively and productively in society. Lessons are individualized, confidential, and highly goal oriented. Tutors structure the learning process around the goals of the learner using materials that relate to those goals. The service is provided free of charge and on a one-to-one basis.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - LD

SCLLN links for LD: organziations and Technology

Learning Disabilities

AVKO Dyslexia Research Foundation
International Dyslexia Association
L D Association of California
L D Online
Literacy and Learning Disabilities
National Center for Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities: Assistive Technology

Abilility Hub
ABLEDATA
Boston Public Schools Access Technology Center (pdf.file)
Closing the Gap
Dyslexic Adult Links
KATS Network-Vision
KATS Network-Disability
LD and Assistive Technologies
Untangling the Web

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Upland Public Library

Reading for a brighter tomorrow

The Upland Public Library is a site of the West End Literacy League, a joint program between the Rancho Cucamonga and Upland Public Libraries. Since its inception in 1989, the Adult Literacy program has helped over 1,000 English-speaking adults improve their basic reading and writing skills, and the program can help you or someone you know. Adult learners are matched with trained volunteers for free one-to-one tutoring. Instruction is based on the learner's needs and goals.

Adult Literacy Book Club
First Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m.
Starting October 3, 2006
Adult learners discuss books and meet other aspiring readers in their own book club. Each book club member receives a free copy of the book to be discussed. Please check the Library Calendar for specific dates. Grant restrictions limit participation to adult literacy learners and tutors only; please contact the Literacy Office to pre-register, (909) 931-4212.

Ready-Set-Read
As an outreach service, the Upland Literacy Program coordinates the "Books for Babies" project. This is a joint effort to nurture literacy at an early age by providing a Ready-Set-Read kit to new parents who visit the San Antonio Community Hospital's Healthy Beginnings Family Care Center. These bilingual (English/Spanish) kits provide information about the benefits of reading to baby, tips on how to read to baby, a list of appropriate titles, a list of parenting books, information about the four participating libraries, a board book, and a coupon to be redeemed for another board book at any one of the four libraries. The Upland Public Library, in partnership with the Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and San Bernardino County Libraries, provides the "Read-Set-Read" Kits. For additional information about this program, call any of the participating libraries or the Healthy Beginnings Family Care Center at (909) 980-BABY.




Blogathon 2007

BlogAthon - Riverside County Library



Riverside County Public Library



To help English-speaking adults improve their literacy skills so they may fulfill their personal goals and take advantage of opportunities as lifelong learners.


Annual Facts

• 175 Tutors Trained

• 150 Students Matched

• 60 Families Served

• 10,000 Instructional Hours


• 600 Talent and Support Hours

• 4 Full - Time Staff Members

• Population of Area Served - 760,000

• Number of Literacy Sites/Centers - 3



Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Imperial County Free Library

Help for Reading or Writing

Help is available for adults 16 years of age and older who would like to improve their English-language reading and writing. It can be help to begin reading, or help in learning how to read better.

The Imperial County Free Library offers free, confidential help in conjunction with Literacy Volunteers of America/Imperial Valley. Interested persons can call LVA/IV at 352-8541 to inquire further.

Also in conjunction with LVA/IV, the County Library system offers Families for Literacy (FFL) programs for adult learners and their children under 5. The FFL story times are held once a month, September through May, at the Calipatria, Heber and Holtville Branches. See our calendar or call staff at those locations for further information on this program.

Blogathon 2007

Saturday, July 28, 2007

BlogAThon - Banned Books

"And Tango Makes Three" tops ALA's 2006 list of most challenged books: 3.06.07

The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) received a total of 546 challenges last year.

A challenge is defined as a formal, written complaint, filed with a library or school, requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness. Public libraries, schools and school libraries report the majority of challenges to OIF.

"The number of challenges reflects only incidents reported," said Judith F. Krug, director of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom. "For each reported challenge, four or five likely remain unreported.

"The "10 Most Challenged Books of 2006" reflect a range of themes, and consist of the following titles:

"And Tango Makes Three" by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

"Gossip Girls" series by Cecily Von Ziegesar

"Alice" series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

"The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things" by Carolyn Mackler

"The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

"Scary Stories" series by Alvin Schwartz

"Athletic Shorts" by Chris Crutcher

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

"Beloved" by Toni Morrison

"The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

Off the list this year, but on for several years past, are the "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain.

@Your Local Library - CalCat or WorldCat

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Burbank Public Library

Check their Blog
http://burbanklibrary.blogspot.com

BlogAThon - Palmdale City Library

Palmdale Library Literacy Program

Did you know that one out of five American adults cannot read well enough to fill out a job application, understand the instructions on a prescription bottle, or read a bedtime story to their child? That means in the City of Palmdale, there could easily be over 17,500 adults who have problems reading and writing English.

In 1991, Congress defined literacy as "an individual's ability to read, write, and speak in English," but added to this traditional definition the abilities to compute and solve problems in order for an individual to "function on the job and in society, to achieve one's goals, and develop one's knowledge and potential." The new focus, in other words, is on functional literacy.

The Palmdale City Library's Literacy Program is designed for English-speaking adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills. The Literacy Coordinator provides regularly scheduled training sessions for volunteer tutors. Once trained, each tutor then works one-on-one with an assigned learner.

Someone you know could have difficulty reading or writing and you might never be aware of the problem. Functionally illiterate adults mask their deficiencies well. They listen to and observe the world very carefully. They memorize. They ask their trusted family members and friends to read and write for them. It is embarrassing for them to admit that they cannot read or write "like everybody else." However, given encouragement and guidance in a safe and comfortable setting, most of them can and will improve their literacy skills. The Palmdale Library Literacy Program provides that environment and level of support.

The Literacy offices are located in the Chimbole Cultural Center. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about this worthwhile project, please call 267-5600.


Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Wiki

The Adult Literacy Education (ALE) Wiki! *

Learn about adult literacy education here, including English language learning, numeracy, and adult basic and secondary education. Add knowledge from your experience teaching adult learners, from research or professional wisdom, or from your experience as an adult learner.

The ALE Wiki is a community of practice with links to research for practitioners, researchers, learners and others. Although some people add to the discussion here, unlike an electronic list where dialogue may be frequent and lively, for the most part discussion archived here has taken place on electronic lists elsewhere.

Basic Literacy Topics - one of many Topics

Contributory Causes of Adults' Low Literacy:

~ What are the various reasons that adults in the United States have low literacy skills?


Teaching Reading to Adults:

~ What are the best strategies for teaching reading to adults?

Adult New Readers Who Plateau at the Second or Third Grade Level

Optimum Size for Basic Literacy Classes

Basic Literacy Assessment

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - MySpace

Check out SCLLN on MySpace !

Millions of adults in this country are unable to read at functional level. The Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN) is a coalition of libraries who provide free tutoring services to these adults.
Do you have three hours to donate to a low literate adult ?

Or maybe you would like to support the mission by offering a small contribution.
Please visit http://www.sclln.org/.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - READ/San Diego

READ/San Diego

In San Diego County, approximately 422,000 adults cannot read and write well enough to meet everyday needs and pursue professional goals.

The Library's READ/San Diego program is a free literacy, English as a Second Language and family literacy instruction service for adults 18 years and older.

Staffed by literacy professionals, READ/San Diego coordinates the efforts of volunteer reading tutors and cooperates with local adult schools, community colleges and other literacy education providers in making and receiving student referrals.

Each year, the program assists more than 1,000 adult students from various backgrounds and learning levels.

Adult Literacy Program Phone: 619-527-5475
Serving the City FAX: 619-527-5485
of San Diego Email: readstaff@sandiego.gov



Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Books

from Blogger News Network - Simon Barrett

I am involved with adult literacy and was delighted to read Desert Claw, there are so few books available that can be utilized in improving adult literacy. I know that often children’s books are used in literacy programs and this creates a stigma for the adult learner.

Damien Lewis does in 125 pages of oversize type what authors such as Tom Clancy would take 800 pages to achieve. Damien leaves out the long and usually pointless scene settings, and endless pages of boring minutia. He just gets right into the tale.

In this case the story involves 4 ex UK Special Forces members who are invited to take part in a ‘black operation’. Their mission is to go into war torn Iraq and liberate a Van Gough painting that was looted from one of Saddam’s palaces.

Right from the start our hero’s smell a rat, there are many aspects of this operation that are bothering them, but the money that they are offered becomes an overriding factor. It may not be quite enough to retire on, but certainly enough to have a great deal of fun with.

I wish more famous authors like Damien Lewis would take some time off from the regular writing regimen and produce a ‘Quick Read’.


Quick Reads is a major initiative from British publishers, booksellers and writers, launched in 2006. Twelve of the biggest names in fiction and non-fiction will publish short, fast-paced new books designed to encourage reluctant readers to get hooked on books.


Also available in Large Print and Audio.
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - San Bernardino Public Library

Since 1986, CARTOONISTS ACROSS AMERICA founder Phil Yeh has criss-crossed the globe using artwork and humor to promote literacy, the environment, creativity and other positive issues.

He and the internationally known group kicked off California's statewide literacy promotion in Sacramento: 'Literacy: It's A Whole New World." They led a group of adults and kids in painting a literacy mural on a Yolo County Library bookmobile.

Last year, he drew a crowd at San Bernardino's Norman F. Feldheym Central Library.

Yeh is creator of the befuddled Patrick Rabbit and a menagerie of witty dinosaurs and other wise and wonderful critters.

He is a passionate children's literacy advocate.


Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Newport Beach Public Library

The Need

"There is no literacy problem in Newport Beach!" This is a common response from the community. In fact, there is a great need for Newport Beach Public Library Literacy Services.

The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy states that there are 93 million adults in the United States that demonstrate, at best, only basic literacy skills. This is almost 1/2 of the adult population of the U.S.

Approximately 10.5 million of these adults are in California; 350,000 of them reside in Orange County and over 7,000 are our friends and neighbors in Newport Beach. Many of these adults are immigrants that are hoping to become an active part of our community. Some are people who have slipped through the cracks of our system and are tired of just "getting by." Whatever the reasons, they are 7,000 people that need help.

The effects of adults who struggle with literacy impact each and every one of us. Did you know that adults with low literacy skills ....

Are less likely to vote and integrate into our system
Are suffering from more health problems and lose more time from work
Are not able to advocate for themselves or their children
Are more likely to spend time in jail or prison
Are more than twice as likely to receive public assistance
Are not able to help their children succeed in school, thus perpetuating the problem of illiteracy

contact literacy services: (949) 717-3874


Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Statistics

Literacy skills show decline with age:
Reading for pleasure helps fight drop
Edmonton Journal: July 7, 2007 by Shannon Proudfoot,CanWest News Service

Most Canadians, but especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, experience "significant" literacy loss as adults, a Statistics Canada report shows.

The decline in skills begins at age 25, peaks around 40 and then tapers off around 55 years old. For example, adults aged 40 scored an average of 288 on a standardized literacy test in 1994, but in a second survey nine years later, that had dropped to 275 -- a loss of reading ability equal to half a year of schooling.

Over their lifetime, the average Canadian will lose about one grade's worth of literacy skills, the report estimates."Literacy is not a static commodity that is acquired in youth and maintained throughout life," it concludes.More education mitigates the decline, with university graduates scoring about 30 points higher than high school grads.


People who didn't complete secondary school scored nearly 50 points lower than those who did, while employed Canadians scored 12 points higher than those not in the labour force.


The reading people do at work helps, but not nearly as much as reading a variety of materials for pleasure at home.


The data came from a series of international literacy surveys conducted in 1994 and 2003, with StatsCan gathering the Canadian component. This report focused on native-born Canadians, though other surveys show immigrants have significantly more literacy difficulties. More

For Overview & Highlights:

ABC Canada
ALL Literacy Survey

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - SCLLN

SCLLN is finally on the Google Literacy Project map.

We are the ‘red marker’ just below the ' A ' in CA.The Literacy Project, launched in 2006 at the Frankfurt Book Fair, is a resource for teachers, literacy organizations and anyone interested in reading and education.

It was created in collaboration with LitCam, Google, and UNESCO's Institute for Lifelong Learning.

Remember to use GoodSearch !


Use GoodSearch and every time you click, SCLLN gets a donation.

Click on the Icon just below the ClusterMaps.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - READ/Orange County

READ/Orange County provides:

• Tutoring in reading and writing

• Tutor training

• On-going tutor support

• Mutually convenient times and locations

• Small group or one-to-one setting

• Confidential, individualized, goal-oriented lessons

• Families for Literacy

• Working for Inmate Literacy Now (WIN)

• English Literacy Civics Education

• Referral information

Check their Calendar for upcoming Workshops.


Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - San Luis Obispo Library

San Luis Obispo Literacy Council works directly with the San Luis Obispo Public Library.

They have a fundraiser going on right now; you still have time !

Fundraiser at Barnes & Noble!

Click on this voucher, print it out and present it when you make a purchase at the downtown SLO location of Barnes & Noble on July 28, 2007. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Literacy Council plus you can preview Chocolate Suite artwork while you’re there.

Chocolate Suite: August 25, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Wine, Music, Appetizers and of course lots and lots of Chocolate!
Why: A fundraiser for literacy
Where: Talley Vineyards, Arroyo Grande
Tickets: $50.00 per person

Tutor Workshops

4 August:
Tutor Training August 4 & August 11 (9:00 am)
11 August:
Tutor Training August 4 & August 11 (9:00 am)
25 August:
A Chocolate Suite (5:30 pm)
8 September:
Tutor Training September 8 & 15 (9:00 am)
13 October:
Tutor Training October 13 & 20 (9:00 am)

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Learners

Voices for Adult Literacy United for Education

VALUE’s mission is to strengthen adult literacy efforts in the United States through learner involvement and leadership.

Adult learners will be involved as primary stakeholders and full partners in every aspect of literacy program operations throughout the country.

VALUE just held their annual Conference, Juy 5-7 in Hartford, CT.

"Literacy + Leadership = Independence"

Come meet and network with adult learner leaders and supporters from around the country; take part in leadership training work-
shops; and discuss what is going on in adult literacy nationally.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Videos

an SCTV classic

BlogAThon - California

from the CLA weblog:

II. AB 1030-CABALLERO: LITERACY PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

AB 1030 by Assemblywoman Caballero, the former Mayor of Salinas, is part of a multiple bill package that she has titled her "Gang Prevention Kit" in order to assist at-risk youth.


Specifically, AB 1030 would expand the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program to services targeted to young adults, 16 years of age and over, who are not enrolled in school.

The program would allow these youths to receive adult basic literacy tutoring and related services. Recent research by the State Library indicates that only 618 youths, ages 16-19 were served by this program in 2005-06.

CLA is in support of the measure, which recently had a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.

The measure will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, July 16. If you have an interest in AB 1030-Caballero, please contact the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee via phone to indicate your support.

Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair (916) 651-4007
Senator Dave Cox, Vice Chair (916) 651-4001

-heard it is now on its way for funding: still needs support
call your State Senator or Assemblyman or Assemblywoman
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Carlsbad

ADULTS CAN LEARN TO READ, WRITE, AND SPELL BETTER!

The Adult Learning Program is the adult literacy service of Carlsbad City Library. The program serves English-speaking adults who want to improve their basic reading and writing skills.

At the Adult Learning Program we've helped hundreds of adults to become more confident and independent.

Adult learners:
Develop basic reading skills
Improve spelling and writing
Gain general knowledge
Apply literacy skills in daily life.

In September 1998, Carlsbad Library's Adult Learning Program began a cooperative literacy effort with Carlsbad High School. Special education students come daily during regular school hours to the Adult Learning Program site. Ninth through twelfth graders are tutored one-to-one in basic reading and writing skills by their special education teacher and aide and by the staff and volunteers of the Adult Learning Program. Enrollment is done through the high school and students receive high school credit.


Check out their current Newsletter - for information about the Henry Huffman Institute.

"Before I was in this program, it was like I was in a cave. Now I have the whole world opened up to me." Adult Learning Program Learner

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Books

You've GOT to Read This Book! 55 People Tell the Story of the Book That Changed Their Life by Jack Canfield, Gay Hendricks.


"To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable spelled out is a spark." These words of Victor Hugo continue to cast light nearly two centuries after they were written. In You've Got to Read This Book!, Chicken Soup impresarios, Canfield and Hendricks, share personal stories about the power of reading. The contributors include Malachy McCourt, Dave Barry, Stephen Covey, Kenny Loggins, Mark Victor Hansen, Lou Holtz, and John Gray.


Why don't you write books people can read ?
Nora Joyce to husband James.


Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - California

California public libraries began offering free adult literacy in 1984. Credit goes to Gary Strong, State Librarian, and his staff at the State Library. It was originally called the California Library Campaign. Families For Literacy was added in the 90's and it is now called California Library Literacy Services.



We celebrated our 20th Anniversary in 2004. A part of the Celebration was a 'California Literacy' timeline (in pdf).
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Humor

Flickr Photos


Illiterate by W1z of oz's


Houston by The Rocketeer

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - SCLLN

Afternoon Reminder:
Here to raise money and encourage people to volunteer.
Please visit the Blog A Thon and click on the Southern California Library Literacy Network.

Public libraries in Southern California provide FREE literacy services to English-speaking adults who want to improve basic reading and writing skills. As a volunteer, you have the rare opportunity to share the excitement and joy of helping someone read for the first time and to create a learning environment that promotes self-esteem and helps adult learners participate more fully in their community.

You can help an adult:

Develop basic reading skills
Improve spelling and writing
Gain general knowledge
Apply literacy skills to daily life
Become more confident and independent
Successful volunteer tutors:

Read and write comfortably in English
At least 18 years old
Previous teaching or tutoring experience is not required
Have patience and empathy
Have good listening skills
Flexible and nonjudgmental
Able to learn and use a variety of teaching methods

Typical commitment of a volunteer tutor:

2 tutoring sessions per week
Each session is 1 1/2 hours
Minimum 6 months of tutoring
A combination of Orientations, Tutor Workshops, and In-Service workshops
One-to-one tutoring and/or Small Groups
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Books

Still looking for some Summer Reading ?

Some ideas:

NPR's list of recommended reading for Summer 2007.

Every summer, UC Berkeley sends new freshmen a list of books suggested by faculty and staff. 2007 Theme: Survival. Also has past years’ lists.

Who Reads What - 2007: Authors and celebrities; by year and name.

Celebrities Caught Reading

~ Celebrity Book Club
~ Celebrity Summer Reading
~ Read-Like-A-Celebrity

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Children

. . . ran across this on Maggie Reads

Newberry Challenge

Because there are so many challenges out there, I thought I'd start one of my own. While I like all the challenges, I wanted to craft one to meet my needs and others could join in if they want. When I was looking at the Pulitzer list and Newberry list recently I realized that I've read more Newberry books. And I like it that way. I am a mother. I like to have my pulse on what the kids are reading AND I love young adult fiction. It reminds me of curling up in my dad's lazy boy and reading the afternoon away. It also makes me wonder if I could write children's books too.


So here is the challenge...

1. Pick 6 books from the Newberry list.
2. Comment here that you are in the challenge and list to your blog.
3. Post your picks on your blog.
4. You have from May 15, 2007 to Dec 31, 2007 to read and review the 6 books you choose.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Links

Other Southern California Literacy Organizations:


Kern Adult Literacy Council
Laubach Literacy Council of San Diego County
Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles
Long Beach Area Literacy Council
Orange County Literacy Council
San Diego Council on Literacy
South Bay Literacy Council



-if there are others - let us know -

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Fundraisers

Most library programs have to raise money to provide free tutoring in their communities.

Some do Trivia Challenges, Spelling Bees, Scrabble Tournaments -it takes alot of work to put on these fundraisers.

Here are few:

Glendora Public Library

22 Mar 2007 by Free To Read The organizers would like to extend special thanks not only to the hard-working trivia challenge committee but also Spaghetti Eddie's, and all of the restaurants who donated food and all of their sponsors including Athens Services; ...
Southern California Library Literacy Network - http://sclln.blogspot.com/


Burbank Public Library

Trivial Matters That Matter
31 Mar 2007 by Library Moose Well, I must say that I am impressed in that three of my people herd at the Library on Thursday night won the 2007 Trivia Challenge. Trivia Challenge is an annual fundraising and awareness raising event for my Library's Literacy ...

The Library Moose - http://librarymoose.blogspot.com/index.html


Project Read - North County
Trivia ChallengeThe Trivia Challenge is an annual fundraiser for Project Read, North County. For a $350 entry fee, teams of three compete for the distinguished title of “Trivia Champions of Northern San Mateo County.” Each year the winner takes home the Trivia Challenge perpetual trophy. Invite your friends and co-workers to cheer you on and enjoy dinner. Call the Project Read office (650) 829-3871 for more information on the Trivia Challenge.
http://www.ssf.net/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=469

Benicia Public Library
Trivia Bee 16 “Summer of Love is coming. This signature fundraising event benefiting the Benicia Library’s Adult Literacy & ESL Program is scheduled for ...
http://benicialibrary.llwip.org/geninfo/pressreleases.html

Escondido Public Library
Escondido resident had long career in foreign service. November 24th, 2006 .... May 28th, 2006. Spelling's charm as simple as A-Bee-C. May 26th, 2006 ...
http://www.nctimes.com/news/columnists/jeff_frank/




Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Videos

The Calgary Public Library's award-winning television commercial.

BlogAThon - LAPL

Work one on one with an adult tutor to improve your reading and literacy skills. Tutors meet with students in any branch of the Los Angeles Public Library.

This service is free.

They meet twice a week for 1 to 1½ hours at a time for a minimum of six months.

Hear learners talk about literacy: Featured Learner: Marvin Nettles

You can also learn Online.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Library


A tool for advocacy and inspiration - get as many libraries to sign up for a customized, library friendly version of the 365 project - downloading at least 365 pictures from in, around or about the library you work in, for and/or with.

If you decide to take part, please add the photos you upload for the project into this Flickr group. Also, please also tag the pictures you take for this project with the tag: 365libs.

Drop me, Michael Porter, libraryman here on flickr, a line via flickr mail or email me and I'll help you get things running if you have any trouble.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - READ/San Diego

San Diego Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program Receives National Award from American Library Association.

has been chosen by the American Library Association to receive the prestigious Advancement of Literacy Award. READ/San Diego is a free adult and family literacy for adults 18 years of age and older.

“I am extremely pleased that the American Library Association has recognized READ/San Diego for its accomplishments in improving literacy,” said City Library Director Anna Tatár. “Library staff and volunteers have helped make this program a national model.”

Established in 1984, the Advancement of Literacy Award honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation or similar group that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of adult literacy.

A plaque was awarded at the American Library Association’s 2006 conference, held in New Orleans. The awards event is sponsored by The Library Journal.

Recent past recipients of the Advancement of Literacy Award include Verizon Foundation (2005); Elizabeth Fischer, Subrata De and Tom Brokaw of “Dateline NBC,” NBC News (2004); Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (2003); Center for Literacy, Philadelphia (2002); The Providence Journal (2001); Starbucks Foundation (2000); Lila Wallace, Reader’s Digest Fund and Mount Clemens Rotary Club (co-winners) (1999).
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Children

California Reading List (CRL)

Is based on a child's score on the California English-Language Arts Standards Test, a specific list has been designated as appropriate for him or her in terms of reading difficulty and interest level.

There are 13 different lists titles: starting with 01 to 13+.

Each list is made up of a collection of titles that are slightly more difficult to read than the titles on the list before it. List #01 has the most easy-to-read titles, while List #13+ is made up of the most difficult or sophisticated titles.

The list numbers DO NOT correspond to grade levels.

Might also want to look at Lexile

It has a Database of thousands of titles with Lexile measures: 200L for beginning-reader material to above 1700L for advanced text.
You can search by Lexile measure and it has a Lexile Analyzer –free but limited use- to calculate
reading ability or text difficulty.
Also has a ‘Lexile BookBag’ for parents.
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Links

A new(ish) literacy website:

The National Commission on Adult Literacy is an independent panel of leaders from labor, business, government, education, literacy, and philanthropy. Its aim, to focus attention on the great cause and need for adult education and literacy services in America.

Site includes:
Publications, Inspirational Essays and Links to literacy reports & organizations.

~ Dare to Dream: A Collection of Papers. . .
~ Mounting Pressures Facing the U.S. Workforce . . .
~ Adult Literacy & the American Dream by Forrest P. Chisman
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Health

People over 65 who can’t read or understand basic health info –prescription bottles, appointment slips, or even their doctors, etc.- are more likely to die sooner than more literate seniors. "Inadequate health literacy is associated with less knowledge of chronic disease and worse self-management skills for patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma and heart failure," according to a study at Northwestern University.

From Scientific American: July 23, 2007

Confused older patients die sooner: study
By Ishani Ganguli

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Understanding doctors' orders can be a matter of life or death for senior citizens: those who had trouble comprehending their physicians died sooner than their more savvy peers, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Medicare clients who were confused by pill bottles or appointment slips were 52 percent more likely to die over the six years of the study, especially from heart disease.

"Patients with inadequate literacy know less about their diseases ... They are much more likely to be hospitalized," said Dr. David Baker of Northwestern University, who led the research.

"It's not just higher hospital rates. It's significantly higher mortality."

Baker and colleagues followed 3,260 Medicare patients 65 and older in four U.S. cities. To test the volunteers' so-called health literacy, which drops with age, they quizzed them on how well they understood prescription bottles, appointment slips and insurance forms. MORE

@ Your Local Library: CalCat - WorldCat

Sixty Things to do When You Turn Sixty: 60 experts on the subject of turning 60, edited by Ronnie Sellers Publisher Ronnie Sellers Productions, c2006.
~ first essay: Be a grouch / Garrison Keillor

The 100-year Lifestyle by Eric Plasker
Avon, Mass.: Adams Media, c2007.
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Learners





Literacy Card Aims to Prevent Awkward Moment -July 19, 2007

An initiative to help save embarrassment if people have difficulty reading or writing was announced this week, the Southland Times reported.


Businessman Stephen Winteringham has come up with a literacy card – which people who have difficulty reading or writing can use to explain their situation when in a bank or a shop or other situations where they may need more time to fill in forms or deal with information.


What a good idea ! Or Not ?

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Video

Reading Inspires Children

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Video

A Terrific Literacy Video !

BlogAThon - Library

Need a read? Get books from own library, Michigan court says
Detroit Free Press
Freep.com: July 26, 2007 by David Eggert

LANSING - Residents not living in a community have no constitutional right to borrow books from its library, a divided Michigan Supreme Court ruled today.

The court voted 4-3 to dismiss the lawsuit of George Goldstone, who sued after Oakland County's Bloomfield Township Public Library refused to sell him a nonresident library card. Goldstone lives in nearby Bloomfield Hills, which does not have a library.

The township's residency requirement is "a viable means of establishing and maintaining a local public library," Justice Stephen Markman wrote for the majority.

He was joined by Chief Justice Clifford Taylor, Maura Corrigan and Robert Young Jr.

The 1963 state constitution says libraries "shall be available" to all Michigan residents but also gives libraries the authority to create rules.

Writing for the dissent, Justice Michael Cavanagh said the constitution lets any Michigan citizen borrow books from any public library in the state.

"While the doors of Michigan libraries remain physically open, the majority tramples the intent of our people by misinterpreting the law to the severe disadvantage of those who wish to educate themselves," Cavanagh wrote. Justices Marilyn Kelly and Elizabeth Weaver also dissented.

Goldstone was denied a nonresident card in 2004 after talks had broken down over what the township's service contract could charge Bloomfield Hills for letting all of its nearly 4,000 residents check out books.
Check out the Comments to the article.
If you would like to comment:
Hon. Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor
Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan Hall of Justice
P.O. Box 30052
Lansing, MI
Apparently there is a history of some discord on the bench:
LawInfo
Michigan's high court descends into bickering; 'Almost like they're children'


The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich.

The notion of black-robed judges as symbols of decorum and civility seems almost laughable these days in Michigan.

Justices on the Michigan Supreme Court have fallen into sniping and name-calling and traded accusations of unprofessional conduct. One justice referred to another as a "very angry, sad woman" and suggested she go on a hunger strike for everyone else's benefit.

"It's almost like they're children, isn't it?" said Brian Einhorn, a Southfield lawyer who represents judges in disciplinary cases. He said he has been getting calls from lawyers in other states asking about the bad blood.

"It's embarrassing for all members of the bar," Einhorn said.
Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Learners

SCLLN along with BALIT and California Library Literacy Services is sponsoring Writer To Writer this year. Adult Learners write a letter to the author of book that has inspired them. There were 142 letters this year -they are being judged this week.

The Awards Ceremony is September 8 -International Literacy Day- at the Glendale Public Library.

SCLLN also has pages for Adult Learners: Magazines, Activities,
Financial information, etc.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Festivals

Steinbeck Festival
Thursday, August 2 - Sunday, August 5, 2007
Salinas, CA
Theme: The Culture of Discontent
Link
http://www.steinbeck.org/Home.html

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Volunteer Tutors

Our library literacy programs work with adults who read below an 8th grade level. If you have thought about tutoring a neighbor in your community who needs help, some local workshops to check out. There is one today in Santa Barbara.

Tutor Workshop - Santa Barbara Public Library
Saturday, 7/28, 10am - 5:30pm
Location:
Santa Barbara Public Library40 E AnapamuSanta Barbara CA
More Info: SCLLN Calendar

Tutor Training - READ/San Diego
Tuesday, 8/14, 6 - 9pm
Location:
Linda Vista Branch Library2160 Ulric StSan Diego CA 92111
1st Session: also Aug 18 and 25619 . 527 . 5475
More Info: SCLLN Calendar


Tutor Training - Los Angeles Public Library
Saturday, 8/18, 10am - 5pm
Location:
Baldwin Hills Branch2906 S La Brea AveLA CA 90016
All Volunteers must be Interviewed First !Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037
More Info: SCLLN Calendar


Tutor Training - Burbank Public Library
Wednesday, 8/22, 6 - 9pm
Location:
Burbank Public Library Auditorium110 N GlenoaksBurbank CA 91502
Register for the first session of a 15-hour workshop:also Aug 25 and Sep 8.
Help an adult improve reading, spelling and writing skills.Learn how to use Discover Intensive Phonics.818 . 238 . 5577
More Info: SCLLN Calendar


Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - News

The 1/2 hour comes flying at ya !

Have had time to check some literacy - library feeds & alerts:
A few of the items within the last day . . .

Reading skills enhance fun, preserve livesSauk Valley Newspapers - Dixon,IL,USAOne local school is trying to nip illiteracy in the bud, with the help of the University of Illinois Extension service. Dillon Elementary in Rock Falls is

Good News in the Deaf Community!By Flora Doehler In Ontario Deaf, Aboriginal/Native, Francophone, and Anglophone are the four distinct cultural groups funded by the government to provide adult literacy programs. Today I want to tell you about some great news for the Deaf literacy ...
AlphaPlus Blog - http://blog.alphaplus.ca

Illiteracy: The Downfall of American SocietyBy forums_mp ... we set our entire country up for failure. Statistics for this article were obtained from the following sources: National Institute for Literacy, National Center for Adult Literacy, The Literacy Company, US Census Bureau.
National - http://betboards.bet.com/forums/110/ShowForum.aspx

Low Literacy Equals Early Death SentenceBy Julia Whitty Older people with poor health literacy have a 50 percent higher mortality rate over five years than people with adequate reading skills. Low health literacy is defined as the inability to read and comprehend basic materials like ...
The Blue Marble - http://www.motherjones.com/blue_marble_blog/

-can also check out Literacyspace for more on this last item.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon

Here we go !
Southern California Library Literacy Network's first Blog-A-Thon.

Will be posting items about volunteering, sponsorships, some of the
libraries in the Network.

GoodSearch !

Use GoodSearch and every time you click, SCLLN gets a donation.
Click on the Icon just below the ClusterMaps.

Will be back in 30 . . .


Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Library

Just how much is your library worth ?

Worth Their Weight: An Assessment of the Evolving Field of Library Valuation

The Americans for Libraries Council newest report offers researchers and advocates an overview of the cutting-edge field of library valuation, or models for expressing a library's multiple contributions to its community in dollars and cents: Libraries for the Future

Library Use Value Calculator:


What is your library worth to you?

How much would you pay out-of-pocket for your library services?

Use Kern County Library's Caculator and find out . . . .

This worksheet was originally provided by the Massachusetts Library Association, then adapted for the web by Chelmsford Public Library. The Maine State Library added extra accessibility coding and reformatting for ease of reading online; feel free to link the calculator where ever your library is. The Maine State Library site shows how the figures were calculated and how to customize and use on any library web site. The spreadsheet requires either Microsoft Excel or an Excel viewer.



Blogathon 2007