Amanda Rocks !Learn Alive: May-Jun 2010 by Kevin Vigil, Library Associate
When I first stepped into the El Cajon Branch Library nearly fiveyears ago, I couldn’t help but notice the sparseness of the literacy center. There were no computers on the desks, a large wall devoid of color, and only one bookshelf with a handful of materials. The literacy office was a clear reflection of the nearly empty center adjoining it, except for one computer, a few file boxes scattered on the floor, and Amanda Schukle.
Amanda was LEARN’s first literacy coordinator and the sole staff member of the month-old program. As an outreach librarian, Amanda was hand- picked to take the reins of the fledgling LEARN program, which previously had been managed by the San Diego Public Library. Although many tutor/learner pairs had participated in the SDPL-run program, only twelve tutor/learner pairs successfully transitioned to LEARN. Amanda was tasked with getting more adult learners and tutors involved while attempting to develop an effective literacy program.
Initially, she faced a number of challenges. Some of these challenges included how best to provide services throughout the San Diego County Library’s large geographic area, developing effective volunteer recruitment strategies, figuring out a comprehensive training model for tutors, and building a literacy program that was fully integrated with the library. Periodically, communicating the significance of LEARN proved to be difficult , but Amanda consistently informed people of the program’s unique value.
Along with these challenges came successes. “The first being the very existence of LEARN,” stated Amanda. “The program was and continues to be a conduit for people to create their own success.” As adult learners improved their literacy skills, they began to accomplish long established goals, such as obtaining a driver’s license, a promotion at work, or reading a story to their children. These successes reaffirmed Amanda’s belief that “literacy programs go hand-in-hand with libraries… the library is for everybody.”
LEARN had grown leaps and bounds by the time Amanda was promoted to the department of Collection Development at library headquarters. More staff members came on board, and a second literacy center was added at the Vista Branch Library. Adult literacy and ESL services expanded as the number of tutor/learner pairs steadily increased throughout the county.
Nearly five years later, LEARN continues to grow, as does Amanda. Recently, Amanda announced that she accepted a position as one of three library services managers in the San Mateo County Library system in Northern California. Although she will be taking many memories of the San Diego County Library with her, LEARN holds a special place in her heart. “I’m so proud of how far [LEARN has] come” stated Amanda. “It’s nice to see the impact the program has made on people.” With over 500 active adults taking advantage of literacy services in the San Diego County Library, it’s nice to see the impact Amanda has made on LEARN.
Congratulations and the best of luck Amanda! You will be missed!
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