Literacy in Libraries Around California - International Literacy Day 2010

September 8, 2010
International Literacy Day

California Celebrations

Newport Beach Public Library
Event:International Literacy Day
Join us for this annual celebration and awards ceremony that recognizes the accomplishments of the dedicated learners and volunteer tutors in our Literacy Program.
September 16, 2010 10am – 1pm

Mendocino County Public Library
Bammer: Thoughts about International Literacy Day
The Reporter: September 8, 2010
Today is International Literacy Day, and it has always been somewhat shocking to know that 1 in 7 adults in the United States is functionally illiterate. That is, they have reading and writing skills that are inadequate to cope with the demands of everyday life.

One of my first stories as a professional journalist was writing a feature story about the literacy program at the Mendocino County Public Library. The program's coordinator introduced me to four of her clients and it opened my eyes to the problem, made so clear in books by writers and social activists such as Jonathan Kozol, author of "Death at an Early Age" (1967).

Monterey County Free Library
Monterey County set to celebrate fourth annual Literacy Week
Although it officially starts on Wednesday, Literacy Week will begin a day early with a Literacy Open House today at the Monterey County Free Libraries' Seaside branch, 550 Harcourt Ave.
The event will give tutors and interested learners to find out more about the free "READ with MCFL" service. It includes a free book giveaway.

Napa City-County Library
September is International Literacy Month
In an effort to celebrate and raise awareness for International Literacy Month, the Napa City-County Library‘s Literacy Center will host a number of events throughout September.
The festivities begin on Wed., Sept. 8, International Literacy Day, with exhibits, food and reading selections from around the world, featuring voices from Iranian authors moderated by published writer Soudabeh Ashrafi. The readings begin at 6 p.m., with short selections read in a variety of languages, followed by the evening’s highlight, "Of Writing and Seeking: Iranian Women Share Their Work." There will be international refreshments for all to enjoy during this multicultural event.

San Bernardino County Library
Sam J Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center
Highland literacy coalition brings children’s author to library. International Literacy Day is September 8, 2010 and to celebrate the Highland Literacy Coalition is hosting Mary Skillings Prigger, a local children’s author who is also a professor at California State University San Bernardino. She has written two beloved books by children titled “Aunt Minnie McGranahan” and “Aunt Minnie and the Twister”.

San Mateo County Library
Visit your local San Mateo County Library branch, pick up a free International Literacy Day bookmark, and attend a Haiku Writing Workshop. The Haiku workshop will be hands on and interactive, providing a basic introduction to "haiku," an ancient poetic form originating in Japan and now practice all over the world. Participants will be introduced to many different examples, discuss the basic characteristics of the form, learn to write their own and come away with references for their future pursuits. No previous experience with "haiku" or poetry is required to enjoy this session.

Stanislaus County Free Library
Strapped finances make literacy volunteers vital
Community Voices
Modesto Bee: September 7, 2010 by Karen Williams
The Stanislaus Literacy Center, for instance, served 1,400 adults in 2009-10. But because many programs elsewhere have been eliminated, the waiting list for our programs continues to grow.

With ever-increasing needs and shrinking finances, I encourage people to think about volunteering to help with classes and tutoring to help our adults gain the skills they need.

Today's Bee contains a supplement, "Literacy More Essential Now," that is being published in conjunction with International Literacy Day. It is filled with success stories of students who have attended adult education programs. It also has contacts for adult education programs offered by nonprofits and school districts.

I hope you will read it and be inspired to support literacy by volunteering or donating so others will be able to read what you are reading now.

Woodland Public Library
International Literacy Day
The Woodland Public Library Literacy Service will join the world on September 8th for International Literacy Day as we recognize literacy as a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development.

Sacramento: Capitol Events this week
Sacramento Press: September 7, 2010 by Chris Fryer

Wednesday, Sept. 8
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Training Toward Self-Reliance will be hosting “Celebration of International Literacy Day” at the new rose garden, where volunteers will distribute information from various educational groups and feature on-site book reading. About 40 people are expected to attend.