Monday, December 29, 2008

Rancho Cucamonga Library - Conquering Illiteracy: One Man's Fight

Conquering Illiteracy: One Man's Fight
A Grandfather Reads His First Christmas Story
Good Morning America (ABC): Dec 27, 2008 by Lisa Fletcher, Nicole Young & Michael Milberger


Two years ago, reading a holiday book to his 3-year-old grandson Chip would have been impossible for Charles Goolsby. But this year, after countless hours of hard work, Goolsby is finally able to read a holiday story -- something he was never able to do for his own son and daughter.

One California man conquers a decades-long battle with reading."I was totally humiliated, a grown man with reading and writing skills that are not up to par," said Goolsby, 56, of Fontana, Calif. "I had nothing to lose, because I was at my bottom, my lowest point."

Recently divorced and recovering from heart surgery, Goolsby was entering a new phase of his life. Fixing car transmissions was his specialty. He even owned his own business with the help of his son, but facing retirement, his safety net was disappearing.

"If I needed something, I'd always say, 'Well, give me the paper, I'll go home and fill it out,' or I'd take my wife with me," said Goolsby. "People with the same disability that I have, you know how to get around stuff, you learn the shortcut for someone to help you."

It's not uncommon to find adults headed for retirement who do not have sufficient reading skills. Goolsby began as one of 30 million American adults who cannot read beyond a simple sentence and the 7 million who can't read at all, according to the National Institute for Literacy.

Rosie Manela, adult literacy program director at the Rancho Cucamonga Library, where Goolsby takes literacy lessons, said fear of embarrassment often prevents adults from seeking help.

"It is sad, because in this fast-paced technology, this competitive global economy, our country is going to suffer if we don't do anything about that," she said. READ MORE



Sunday, December 28, 2008

San Bernardino Co Library - Give the gift of literacy at Yucaipa Branch Library

Give the gift of literacy at Yucaipa Branch Library
SB Sun: December 19, 2008 by Bob Otto


There are the tangible gifts that people give during the holiday season. They may last a day, a week, maybe a year - or be forgotten as soon as the wrapping paper is ripped off.

But the gift that keeps on giving, now that's the gift that really matters. And the Yucaipa Branch Library has such a gift: The gift a tutor gives a student when they help them learn how to read.

Debbie Seawright, Literacy Specialist at the library says that tutors are special and very giving people. "Our literacy tutors have the desire and willingness to give of their time," she said.

For the tutor, the reward comes in helping a student grow in confidence and reading ability. And Seawright has seen friendships and bonds form that last for years.

"We have some tutors and students who have built a strong rapport and have been together for years," Seawright said. "Tutors help students better themselves; some go on to college, and for grandparents who have never learned to read, they can now read to their grandchildren." READ MORE !


Thursday, December 25, 2008

At 70, the joy of writing holiday letters for first time

At 70, the joy of writing holiday letters for first time
RecordNet: Dec 20, 2008 by Tony Sauro

Joe Valles already has received a joyful Christmas gift. The 70-year-old Stockton resident finally was able to write a letter to his 9-year-old granddaughter in Crawley, Texas.

"It feels great," said Valles, a retired longshoreman who was able to achieve his goal after being tutored weekly since June in the Stockton-San Joaquin County Library's adult literacy program. "I'm confident in my writing."

Valles proudly is sending Christmas cards to all nine of his grandchildren. "Our goal was for him to write his first letter by Christmas," said Christina Cordova, 42, a Stockton mother of four who was Valles' tutor at Cesar Chavez Central Library. "It's the first letter he's ever written. It's so awesome. My kids think it's awesome, too. We wanted him to be able to read his own prescription labels, checks and mail."

"She gave me lots of homework," said Valles, whose wife of 42 years, Angelina, an Edison High School graduate, also encouraged him.

"It's funny," he said. "I kidded around, saying I was gonna write a book as soon as I learn to write."

Valles met Cordova when he took his 8-year-old granddaughter, Isabella, to a swimming lesson.

Valles, a father of three who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, moved to Stockton with his migrant farm worker family when he was four. He only finished the third grade.

"I could read, more or less a little bit, but I couldn't write," Valles said. "Now I can read the newspaper, but I've still got a lot to learn. I thought I could never do this."

He's an inspiring example of what such literacy programs can achieve.

"The program is going good," said Anne Turner, a library assistant in the literacy and outreach department at Cesar Chavez. "It's evolving. We're seeing progress. It's been great. We're getting more students and tutors, but we would like more volunteers." READ MORE

Monday, December 22, 2008

Orange Co Library - A Warm Goodbye from Marcia Tungate

A Warm Goodbye from Marcia Tungate
Read Writes Newsletter: Dec 08/Jan 09


Wasn’t I the lucky one?

For the past 26 years I have had the privilege to work with some of the most courageous, dedicated, committed, and fun people that ever gathered for a purpose. I am talking about all of you.

You, the learners, who faced your difficulties and stepped forward to improve your lives, and the lives of your families, by improving your literacy skills. You have allowed the rest of us an opportunity to share in your successes by your bravery, your hard work, and your (sometimes) stubborn commitment. You teach all of us how to face our fears and step into a new way of living. I thank you so much.

You, the tutors, who sat through the long days of intense training so you could make the tutoring experience a joyful and successful one for the learners. You have been willing to work in the branches, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and jails to serve your community. I know you each feel such a bond with your learners, and would face down dragons if necessary.


What Works Clearinghouse - WWC

What Works Clearinghouse - WWC

Established in 2002, the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) is a central and trusted source of scientific evidence for what works in education. An initiative of the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences:

~ Produces user-friendly practice guides for educators that address instructional challenges with research-based recommendations for schools and classrooms

~ Assesses the rigor of research evidence on the effectiveness of interventions (programs, products, practices, and policies), giving educators the tools to make informed decisions

~ Develops and implements standards for reviewing and synthesizing education research

~ Provides a public and easily accessible registry of education evaluation researchers to assist schools, school districts, and program developers with designing and carrying out rigorous evaluations.

What’s New

Houghton Mifflin: Invitations to Literacy Intervention Report Released (Dec 16)
This new Beginning Reading report looks at "Houghton Mifflin: Invitations to Literacy", an integrated K–8 reading and language arts program that is structured around themes and aims to stimulate, teach, and extend communication and thinking skills.

Lindamood Phonemic Sequencing (LiPS) Report Released (Dec 16)
The "Lindamood Phonemic Sequencing (LiPS)", formerly called the "Auditory Discrimination in Depth [ADD]" program, has been updated to include reviews of 12 studies that have been released since 2005.


Friday, December 19, 2008

National City Library - The WOWmobile (Words on Wheels)

The WOWmobile (Words on Wheels)

The WOWmobile Literacy Program delivers family literacy services to hard to reach families & care providers with children ages 0-5 years old. Books and materials for children and parents are available as well as crafts; games; puppet shows; stories; health referral services; and family literacy workshops.


Project Partners

National City Collaborative
National School District
Children's Hospital
San Diego County Children and Families Commission
San Diego County Health and Human Services


Project Highlights

Workshops have been presented on parenting skills, lead poisoning, immunization requirements, school readiness preparation, health care enrollment and asthma.

Workshop presenters have included Parents As Teachers educators, Children's Hospital Nurse Practitioners, County Health Nurse Practitioners and Community Outreach Workers, American Lung Association Health Educators, and National School District staff.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Newport Beach Library - Literacy Services Celebrates with Holiday Potluck and Annual Meeting

Literacy Services Celebrates
with Holiday Potluck and Annual Meeting
Literally Speaking-NBPL Literacy Services: Winter 2008


Saturday, December 6th, was a day of celebration for many tutors, learners, and volunteers along with their friends and families. It was a full morning that began with a “Getting to Know You” mixer and an efficiently conducted annual meeting where bylaws were amended and five new board members were voted in. (Welcome to Kristi Chezum-Dougherty, Nancy Englebrecht, Tara Netherton, Amy Tan, and Nancy Thompson.)

Cherall Weiss, Literacy Coordinator for the program, spoke inspirationally about the many accomplishments of our learners, such as voting for the first time, improving their current employment, and reading aloud to their children or grandchildren. All this would not be possible without the generosity of all the tutors and volunteers who give so freely of their energy and time, more than 7000 hours in the 2007/8 fiscal year.

Jim Tracy, an Advisory Board member for 6 years, was named 2008 Volunteer of the Year. Among other things, Jim has used his time and talents to ensure regulato
ry compliance for the program as well as fiscal responsibility. He and the other outgoing board members will be missed. As usual, the food at the potluck was tremendous - many thanks to all who contributed.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Hemet Library - DOING LITERATURE

DOING LITERATURE
Press-Enterprise: December 3, 2008 by Diane A Rhodes


For more than five years, the monthly Doing Literature program at the Hemet Public Library has attracted a steady stream of readers to its informal discussion series.

A few years ago, Raymond Rodgers was offered the group's hosting duties by the exiting Dr. Paul Obler.

"I accepted because it is so very important that we do what we can to preserve and promote literature in a world of waning interest in reading," said Rodgers, 78. "I have been reading since I was 4, and it is a major aspect of whatever it is that is me."

On Dec. 13, Rodgers, a part-time English and literature instructor at Mt. San Jacinto College, will offer "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens as the topic of discussion.

Although reading the book is not a requirement of participation, Rodgers said most attendees are avid readers who enjoy the selections.


There is no charge to attend the meetings, which are held on the second Saturday of each month from September through June. Meetings are from 10:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the downstairs conference room of the library at 300 E. Latham Ave., Hemet.

"The library provides the space and administrative support and the program is conducted by unpaid volunteers under the library's literacy program," Rodgers said.

The library tries to provide extra copies of the books for participants to check out. Information: 951-765-2440. READ MORE


Friday, December 12, 2008

Economic Stimulus Package Must Provide Funds for Adult Literacy and Basic Education !

Economic Stimulus Package Must Provide Funds for Adult Literacy and Basic Education !
ProLiteracy - Action Alert: Dec 2008

Adult learners, especially those at the lowest literacy level, often struggle to make ends meet when the economy is strong. They are especially hard hit during times of economic recession.

Adult learners must have the necessary reading, writing, math, computer, and English-language skills to get jobs and keep them. Any economic stimulus bill that Congress considers must include money for programs that help adults gain these skills.

Tell your representatives and your Senators that there must be economic stimulus money for adult literacy and basic education programs !

Send an E-mail - Write a Letter - Call Your Representative Today !- sample letter from ProLiteracy - Check Out the 100 Day Plan @

I encourage you to target a minimum of $50 million to adult literacy and basic education programs as part of any economic stimulus package brought to Congress for action.

An estimated 30 million adults in the U.S. can barely read and write. There is a higher rate of unemployment in this group than in the general population. Many work in low-skill and low-paying jobs. Of the one million jobs lost this year, many were these low-skill jobs. For many of the unemployed, training for higher-skill jobs will require learning the fundamentals of reading, of writing, and of speaking English.

Local adult literacy and basic education programs are committed to preparing these adults for work. Many community-based programs offer workplace literacy services and partner with community groups to get people working. But thousands of adults are already on waiting lists for tutors and teachers, and demand is likely to grow as jobs become scarcer.

$50 million in funding for these programs is just a modest increase. It would support just 62,500 new learners at an estimated $800 per student for a year of literacy instruction. Failure to provide even this minimum level of extra funding will cost local, state, and federal governments more in unemployment and public assistance benefits, health care costs, and increased crime rates.

I applaud any action that helps individuals get back to work, but action that does not include funding to help adults gain the skills they need to access new jobs is woefully incomplete.

Sincerely,


Find Your Representatives @ American Library Association

~ members of Congress, governors, state legislators, and more ~


Friday, December 5, 2008

Writer To Writer 2008 - Awards

7th Annual Writer To Writer Challenge

an inspiring celebration of letters written by adult learners in California Library Literacy programs to authors of books that have changed their lives.

SCLLN - Winners & Runners Up


Beginning Level Winner:
Laurie H, Hemet Public Library
wrote to Laura Ingalls Wilder - On the Banks of Plum Creek


Runner Up:
~ Jorge S, Escondido Public Library, wrote to John Steinbeck - The Pearl

Intermediate Level Winner:
Sandra G, Oceanside Public Library
wrote to Ernest Hemingway - The Old Man and the Sea

Runner Up:Runner Up:
~ Blanca M, Riverside County Library wrote to Cecil Murphy - 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life

Advanced Level Winner:
Juan S, San Diego Public Library
wrote to Nicholas Sparks - The Notebook

Runner Up:
~ Dorothy C, Los Angeles Public Library wrote to Toni Morrison - The Bluest Eye

SCLLN 2008 Writer to Writer Challenge Finalists:
(in alphabetical order by last name)

Beginning Level:
Sarah B, San Diego Public Library
Jiyoung K, Newport Beach Public Library
Christine K, Alhambra Public Library
Tina L, San Diego Public Library
Jorge S, Escondido Public Library
Genoveva T, Escondido Public Library

Intermediate Level
Araceli C, Escondido Public Library
Anonymous, National City Public Library
Blanca M, Riverside Public Library
Kay H, Hemet Public Library
Mikaba S, Newport Beach Public Library
Anonymous, Altadena Library District

Advanced Level
Dorothy C, Los Angeles Public Library


2008 Statewide Writer to Writer Challenge
Winners & Runners Up

Emerging Level Winner:
Ferial H, Santa Clara County Free Library, wrote to Chase Ferris-Remember the Ladies: A Story about Abigail Adams
Runners Up:
~ Angelita O, Solano County Library, wrote to Lois Markham-Helen Keller
~ Michael S
, Oakland Public Library, wrote to Edith Bajema-Trapped by Memory


Beginning Level Winner:
Laurie H, Hemet Public Library, wrote to Laura Ingalls Wilder-On the Banks of Plum Creek
Runners Up:
~ Jorge S, Escondido Public Library, wrote to John Steinbeck-The Pearl
~ Walter W, Stanislaus County Free Library, wrote to Daniel G. Amen, M.D.-Change your Brain, Change your Life.


Intermediate Level Winner:
Sandra G, Oceanside Public Library, wrote to Ernest Hemingway-The Old Man and the Sea

Runners Up:
~ Blanca M, Riverside County Library, wrote to Cecil Murphy-90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life
~ Sharon Z, Contra Costa County Library, wrote to Gail Tsukiyama-The Samurai’s Garden


Advanced Level Winner:
Juan S, San Diego Public Library, wrote to Nicholas Sparks-The Notebook
Runners Up:

~ Dorothy C, Los Angeles Public Library, wrote to Toni Morrison-The Bluest Eye
~ Anonymous, Santa Clara Public Library, wrote to Charlotte Bronte-Jane Eyre

Adult literacy program recognized

Reporter: Dec 8, 2008

The Solano County Library Adult Literacy Program obtained special recognition recently for its participation in a statewide writing challenge sponsored by the California State Library. The award was presented in San Jose on November 15 during the California Library Association's annual conference.

The Mary Miller Inspirational Award was presented to Solano County Library literacy staff for encouraging the greatest number of adult learners from any one library system to participate in the Writer to Writer Challenge.

For the challenge, learners read a book, then wrote a letter to the author explaining why the book was significant to the learner's life.

Letters are judged by committees of fellow adult learners. Twenty-three Solano County Library learners submitted entries this year.

Mary Miller, literacy program coordinator of the Glendale Public Library, was the 2007 Writer to Writer chair and a member of the 2008 committee until her untimely death on September 1.  READ MORE

Monday, December 1, 2008

California Library Association Member of the Year - Carey Gross, Literacy Specialist Butte County Library

California Library Association
Member of the Year

Carey Gross, Butte County Library

CLA Weblog: Nov 25, 2008

Carey Gross, Literacy Specialist at the Butte County Library, is the recipient of the CLA Member of the Year Award for her tireless work promoting literacy services both in her own library and on behalf of all California libraries.

Long known to her colleagues as a passionate advocate for literacy services, Carey recently leaped to statewide attention in her valiant efforts to fight a legislative proposal that would have totally eliminated library literacy funding in California.

In her role as member of the CLA Legislative Committee, Carey sounded the alarm in a series of e-mails that delivered cogent, focused talking points mixed with impassioned pleas for the importance of literacy as a core library service. Inspired by her leadership, library advocates across the state took time out to contact their state legislators. These letters, e-mails and phone calls ultimately helped to defeat the proposal and save literacy funding. READ MORE

Friday, November 28, 2008

SCLLN Tutor Training: December 2008


SCLLN Tutor Workshops - December 2008

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- visit SCLLN for more information -

Dec 2 – 9 am
Tutor Training
Newport Beach Public Library
1000 Avocado Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Dec 2 – 6 pm
Tutor Training

READ/San Diego
Malcolm X Branch
5148 Market
San Diego CA 92114

Dec 6
Tutor Training

San Luis Obispo City-County Library
1264 Higuera Street, Suite #102
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Dec 13 – 10 am
Tutor Training

Los Angeles Public Library
Pio Pico-Koreatown Branch
694 S. Oxford Ave.
Los Angeles 90005

Dec 23-24

Holiday Gift Wrap
READ/Orange County
Barnes & Noble


Local Southern California Events

Dec 1 – 12 Noon
Webinar - Infopeople
Finding Easy-to-Read and Multilingual
Health Information for your Patrons

Dec 17 – 5 pm
Winter Reading Land

WORD, AV
Antelope Valley Mall



Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Seattle Library names new CEO - Susan Hildreth, State Librarian of California

Seattle Library names new CEO:
California woman the 'clear choice'
Seattle PI: Nov 24, 2008 by Jon Naito

The candidate selected for the top position at The Seattle Public Library is an experienced executive who currently leads the nation's largest state library.

Susan Hildreth, the state librarian of California, was the unanimous choice of the library's board of trustees to become its new city librarian and chief executive officer, according to a news release Monday.

Hildreth was chosen after a nationwide search. The other finalists were Jane Light, director of the San Jose Public Library in California and Rivkah Sass, director of the Omaha Public Library in Nebraska.

Each of the finalists spent a day last week meeting with the library's board, its administration and staff, and members of the Library Foundation and Friends.

Hildreth, who will assume her post early next year, succeeds Deborah Jacobs, who left the library in July to accept a position with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. READ MORE


Monday, November 24, 2008

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award 2008 - Jean Hofacket, Alameda County library director


Outstanding Librarian
in Support of Literacy Award - 2008
California Library Association Literacy Section
& California Library Literacy Services

The California Library Association recently recognized an Alameda County library director with an exceptional librarian award.

Jean Hofacket was honored with the Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award at the association's annual awards dinner on Nov. 14.

The association honored Hofacket because she has shown commitment to underserved populations throughout her career. She directed a five-year strategic plan and funding for literacy efforts throughout the library system and in places such as Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center in San Leandro.

The president of the Board of Supervisors Scott Haggerty said in a prepared statement, "Jean has made literacy a priority since becoming County librarian and she deserves the recognition.''

Nevada County Library coordinator to head California literacy efforts
Union: Nov 15, 2008

Alan Archer, Nevada County Library’s coordinator of adult literacy services, has been named president of the Literacy Section of the California Library Association.

Archer, of Grass Valley, will lead the group that represents literacy programs in more than 100 library jurisdictions across California. The group’s objective is to help improve the skills of an estimated three million adults in the state who read, write or figure numbers below functional levels.

Archer has directed Nevada County Library’s Literacy Program since 2005. The program, now called Read Up!, targets a projected 10,000 county residents who are deficient in one or more of the three Rs, county Librarian Mary Ann Trygg said.

“Alan’s appointment at the state level is a well deserved recognition for spearheading our local program, which now serves nearly three times as many students as it did when he joined us four years ago,” Trygg said.

Archer directs the county library’s Read Up! Program with the help of volunteer tutors, who offer one-on-one tutoring.

The program teaches mathematics and the reading and writing of English throughout Nevada County. English as a second language (ESL) is provided to foreign-born residents of Truckee, as well.


Friday, November 21, 2008

Health Literacy

Health Literacy Session
SCLLN General Meeting - Nov 20, 2008
Presenter: Kelli Sandman-Hurley, READ/San Diego

Highlights from afternoon session . . .

Definition: The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriated health decisions. Healthy People 2010

~ can recognize a health information need
~ identify sources
~ search for relevant information
~ evaluate quality of the information
~ use information to make good decisions

Low Health Literacy Impacts
~ average 6% more hospital visits
~ stay in hospital 2 days longer
~ had fewer doctor visits but more hospital resources
~ annual health care costs 4 times higher

Demographics of lower health literacy
~ gender: men
~ age group: over 65
~ racial/ethnic: hispanic
~ living in poverty
~ literacy rate improve with each higher level of education

Clear Communication - Plain Language
~ harmless instead of benign
~ heart instead of cardiac
~ swelling instead of edema
~ tired instead of fatigue
~ side effects instead of adverse events

some additional sources @ literacyspace

Health Literacy Month: October 2008
National Network of Libraries of Medicine
Health Literacy Out Loud 3-CD Set
Ask Me 3

Health Literacy Month: October 2007
video cataloguing the hidden epidemic of low health literacy in America
Health & Literacy Special CollectionRhode Island Health Literacy Project
Health Care Blog

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

SCLLN Newsletters

SCLLN Newsletters
Check Out "Member Newsletters" !

from Escondido . . .
We began our Youth Academic Mentoring Program on October 6, 2008, and every day we get a new influx of students. The Mentor Center, housed over at the East Valley Community Complex, provides a learning environment where 1st – 8th graders can come in and work with one of fourteen CSU San Marcos interns.

Besides tutoring services, the interns act as mentors to our young learners, providing them with companionship, conversation and guidance in career exploration.

from Palmdale . . .
Learning about Wine by Ben Novelli
The Palmdale Literacy Program gave me the tools I needed to read and write. That has allowed me to do research so I am able to write an article on wine. Thank you Palmdale for having a Literacy Program.

I love wine, and I try to learn as much as I can about the stuff. There have been a lot of changes in the wine world. For instance, French wines were the wines to drink for years, but in 1976 California came onto the scene.

from San Diego County . . .

“Read for the Record” was an exciting event that took place on October 2nd at two library branches: El Cajon and Encinitas.

It was a wonderful way for L.E.A.R.N. to help Jumpstart, a national nonprofit organization, promote early childhood literacy. Jumpstart’s campaign has spread the importance of reading and family literacy across the country since 1993! This year they projected that 400,000 children would participate in helping to break the record of reading the same book, Don Freeman’s “Corduroy,” on the same day.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Orange Co Library - Orange residents named literacy tutors

Orange residents named literacy tutors
OC Register: Nov 13, 2008 by Bob West

Two Orange residents, Melvina Westfall and Carolyn Aguilar, were certified Saturday, Nov. 8 as volunteer literacy tutors for READ/Orange County after completing the required 23-hour training course.

This training has prepared them to teach reading and writing to the one out of four adults that have low or no literacy skills. They join a dedicated corps of volunteer tutors who change the lives of adults through literacy.

Westfall will tutor in the Core program component teaching reading and writing to eager adults.

Aguilar will tutor in the EL Civics program to help provide opportunities for adult non-native speakers to become better parents, workers, and community members by gaining language and literacy skills.

Marcia Tungate, READ/OC Literacy Programs administrator, said, "It is the commitment of our wonderful tutors that makes our literacy program great. When we teach someone to read, we start a ripple that affects the lives of the individual, the family, and the community. Everything we do is impacted by the ability to read."

READ/Orange County offers a comprehensive training program for adults who want to become a tutor. No prior teaching experience is necessary.

Information: READ/Orange County or 714-566-3070.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Literacy Tribune - November 2008

The Literacy Tribune has information for readers on topics such as health, finance, education and technology. It also has stories and poems by adult learners.
It is published by United Literacy, as a resource and support for adult learners.

Highlights from the November 2008 issue:

Getting to the Heart of It
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year . . . . .

A Learner's Poem: A Star Came DownBy Rodolfo Diaz, Adult Learner

A star came down from the sky bringing with it . . . . .

Technology Watch: Updating Windows XP with Service Pack 3


We have talked about the importance of anti-virus software to protect your computer. But, that is not the only way to keep your computer and your personal information safe . . . . .

A History Lesson: James Madison

James Madison was the fourth president of the United States. Born in Port Conway, Virginia on March 16, 1751, he is one of 7 presidents from Virginia . . . 


Call for Writers !

Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.

You can write about:

Literacy resources you liked
Your literacy organization
Your road to literacy
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology
You can write just about anything


Friday, November 7, 2008

Ventura Co Library - Harvest Ride 2008

Ventura County Library System and Harvest Ride
2008
Ventura County Star: Nov 7, 2008 by M Murphy

This months activity began with the annual fundraising event, Harvest Ride for Literacy, Saturday, October 4th, 2008. Details of the event included some wonderful charity bike rides (a 100 mile, 66 mile, 55 mile and 30 mile) and a family ride of 8.5 miles. This years event raised over seven thousand dollars and that is enough to support one reading support center for a year!

The Harvest Ride event is typical of the deep devotion the Ventura Community feels toward the improvement of adult literacy in the Ventura county area. There are innumerable success stories emanating from this organization. At the end of the month, the Ventura County Library Reading Instruction for Adults (RIFA) graduated the October 2008 class of twenty adult literacy tutors.

This story is not unique to Ventura County. Over 140,000 high school graduates that are able to speak English lack basic reading skills because of severe learning disabilities that make it difficult to learn in a normal classroom environment. This is about one out of every four adults in California. Tragically, even if they are able to gain employment, they may be unable to read even the most basic childrens book to their families and the childrens academic progress can suffer also.



For more information about becoming an adult literacy volunteer please go to vencolibrary.org READ MORE

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Commerce Library - Local Hero of the Year Beatriz Sarmiento

Local Hero of the Year

Beatriz Sarmiento, Literacy Manager at the Commerce Public Library has been honored by being named a Local Hero by KCET public television.

KCET presents the 11th consecutive Hispanic Heritage Month "Local Hero of the Year" awards at beautiful gala event at KCET's Hollywood studios. The event celebrates one honoree in each of five categories: arts, business, community activism, education and social services.
[Photo courtesy Susana Rosales]

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Infopeople Workshop - Service to Homeschooling Families

Infopeople Workshop

Service to Homeschooling Families
Instructor: Adrienne Furness
8:30 am - 4:30 pm


According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were well over one million children being homeschooled in the United States in 2003, a number that has continued to rise. Studies show that a majority of homeschoolers use libraries as their primary source of learning materials, and homeschoolers are among libraries' heaviest borrowers. Still, few libraries offer specialized services to this high-need population; many libraries don't know where to start.


Statistics, Philosophies & Trends, Laws & Organizations in California
Creating Programs - Removing barriers - Creating a Collection and Evaluating Resources

2008
Dec 4: San Francisco Public Library
2009
Jan 12: Solano County Library, Fairfield
Jan 14: Buena Park Library District
Jan 15: San Diego County Library Headquarters
Mar 9: Los Angeles Public Library
Mar 11: Santa Maria Public Library
Apr 6: San Jose, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Apr 8: Fresno Woodward Park Library

For information about training, or using materials found on the Infopeople website
, please contact the Infopeople Project Assistant by email or at 650-578-9685.

All Infopeople workshops are open to all members of the California library community. This includes those who are working in any California library (academic, public, school, or special), in any California cooperative library system, or in any California library organization. It also includes California library school students, trustees, and volunteers, as well as library consultants, self-employed or unemployed librarians, and information professionals working in California.



Wednesday, October 29, 2008

In Memoriam :: Steve Armstrong

Corona library employee, literacy booster dies
Press-Enterprise: 10.23.08 by Alicia Robinson



Corona lost a library worker, community volunteer and literacy booster Saturday when Steve Armstrong died of kidney cancer.


Mr. Armstrong, the library's support services division manager, was 50.


Originally from Pomona, Mr. Armstrong worked in Los Angeles County and Glendora libraries before moving to Corona in 2002.

He oversaw literacy and circulation services, worked to raise funds for the library foundation, and volunteered for the Relay for Life, library Director Julie Frederickse
n said.

"He was just one of those people that everyone loved talking to," Fredericksen said. "He had a real curiosity about people."


Literacy as a tool: Library director finds niche in helping folks
Press Enterprise: July 1, 2005 by Jerry Soifer

Steve Armstrong, a former businessman-turned-librarian, knows about transformations. Armstrong has been a record-store assistant manager, a paint company accountant and a hospital accountant.

Then Armstrong took an interest in literacy, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of La Verne in 1990 and a master's degree two years later. Now, at 47, he's the director of special services for Corona Public Library. He oversees the literacy program, community liaison, outreach office, the heritage room and the library foundation.

He lives in Rancho Cucamonga with his two golden retrievers. "He's really found his niche," said John Zickefoose, Corona's community liaison at the library. "People think of libraries as books. We're far more than that. We're taking care of people. He's really good at that."

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

SCLLN Tutor Workshops: November 2008

SCLLN Tutor Workshops: November 2008

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshops & Events: October 2008
- visit SCLLN for more events -


Nov 1 – 10 am
ESL Training

San Diego County Library
Ray & Joan Kroc Salvation Army
Community Center
6605 University


Nov 2 – 11 am
Celebrating Literacy & Multicultural Event
Santa Maria City Library
421 S. McClelland Street

Nov 6 – 5 pm
Trivia Bee

Pomona Public Library Literacy
Hinds Pavilion Pomona Fairplex
White Ave (Gate 12)


Nov 6 – 6 pm
Tutor Training
Burbank Public Library
Library Auditorium
110 N Glenoaks


Nov 8 – 10 am
Tutor Training
Beverly Hills Public Library
Library Meeting Room - 2nd Floor
444 N Rexford

Nov 8 –10 am
Tutor Training
Los Angeles Public Library
Junipero Serra Branch
4607 S. Main St.

Nov 8 – 10 am
Tutor Workshop

Palmdale City Library
Larry Chimbole Cultural Center
38350 Sierra Hwy


Nov 15 – 10 am
Tutor Training

San Diego County Library
Vista Branch


Nov 15 – 12 Noon
Writer To Writer Awards Ceremony

Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
San Jose State University


Nov 18 – 9 am
Tutor Training

Newport Beach Public Library
1000 Avacado

Upcoming November Events

Bakersfield Festival of Books
Nov 1, 2008

San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival
Nov 7, 2008, 7pm

San Luis Obispo CA

CATESOL Regional - Los Angeles

Nov 8, 2008
Biola University

L A Storytelling Festival
Nov 15, 2008, 8:30am

Expo Center - Exposition Park

Tellabration 2008

Nov 22, 2008