Friday, October 30, 2015

Redlands Library - A.K. Smiley Public Library to get full-time adult literacy coordinator

A.K. Smiley Public Library to get full-time adult literacy coordinator
Redlands Daily Facts: 10.23.2015 by Sandra Emerson

The A.K. Smiley Public Library is getting a full-time adult literacy coordinator to supervise the growing adult literacy program.

The library has been awarded an annual $52,000 grant from the California State Library to expand the part-time coordinator position to full-time through June 2018.

The City Council approved the part-time position in fiscal year 2014-15, which helped make the library eligible for the grant.

Dottie Podolak was hired as the part-time coordinator in 2014.

Katherine Gifford and Trudy Waldron have served as volunteer coordinators for the program.

The program has 170 volunteers who have been trained to help as tutors, technical assistants and outreach ambassadors, Waldron said on Tuesday.

“Because of the generous support of these volunteers, over 300 local adults have been helped with their reading and writing skills over the years,” she said.

“As a former teacher in this district, I am aware of how strengthening these skills will impact the economic security and the self-worth of these folks.”  READ MORE !

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Southern California & Statewide Literacy & Library Events :: November 2015

Southern California & Statewide Literacy & Library Events
November 2015

SCLLN
Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- Local, California and National –
Southern California Library Literacy Network
for more information
Southern California & California

Exploring GED vs HiSET + other Options
Successful Environments 4 Adult Learners

Jewish Book Month Nov 6 – Dec 6

Nov. 2  Global Read Aloud - THE OK BOOK   #gra15
Nov. 5+ California Library Association Conference, Pasadena CA   #CLAReimagine
Nov. 5+ ALER 2015 Conference, Costa Mesa CA
Nov. 5    EveryLibrary California Pre-Party FUNraiser: Barney's Beanery Pasadena 7p
Nov. 7    Latino Book & Family Festival - Los Angeles, Mt. San Antonio College
Nov. 9    Global Read Aloud - any Amy Krouse Rosenthal Book   #gra15
Nov. 12+ CATESOL State Conference, Anaheim CA #CATESOL
Nov. 14    Sensory Friendly Film = PEANUTS 10a
Nov. 14    Literacy & Arts Festival - Santa Clarita Old Town Newhall Library
Nov. 21    International Gaming Day @ Your Library   #igd15
Nov. 21    Tellabration - Saturday before Thanksgiving Nationwide
Nov. 26+ Great Thanksgiving Listen - storycorps.org   #TheGreatListen

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

SCLLN Literacy Library Tutor Training Calendar: November 2015

SCLLN Literacy Library Tutor Training Calendar
November 2015

For Local, California and National
Literacy or Library Conferences and Events
Southern California Library Literacy Network
Calendar

Exploring GED vs HiSET + other Options
Successful Environments 4 Adult Learners

Nov. 2 Literacy Tutor Training READ/San Diego Library 10a
Nov. 3 Literacy Tutor Orientation Carlsbad Library 12N
Nov. 4 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Fontana 5p
Nov. 5 SCLLN Literacy Pre-Conference @ CLA Pasadena
Nov. 7 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Yucca Valley 9a
Nov. 7 Literacy Tutor Training LEARN San Diego Co Library 10a
Nov. 7 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Grand Terrace 10a
Nov. 7 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Adelanto 11a
Nov. 8 Community Feud Literacy FUNraiser Monrovia Library 1p
Nov. 11 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Barstow 11a
Nov. 12 Literacy Tutor Orientation Carlsbad Library 6p
Nov. 13 Literacy Tutor Orientation Upland Library 3p
Nov. 14 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Chino Hills 9:30a
Nov. 14 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Lake Arrowhead 10a
Nov. 14 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Chino 10a
Nov. 14 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Library Rialto 10:30a
Nov. 14 Literacy Tutor Training Upland Library 9a
Nov. 14 Literacy Tutor Orientation Placentia Library 1p
Nov. 16 Literacy Volunteer Orientation Corona Library 7p
Nov. 17 Literacy Tutor Training SB Co Hesperia Library 3p
Nov. 18 Literacy Learner Orientation READ/San Diego Library 5:45p
Nov. 18 Literacy Trivia FUNraiser Ventura Co Library 6p
Nov. 19 Literacy Tutor Training San Bernardino Co Crestline Library 12N
Nov. 22 Literacy Volunteer Orientation Upland Library 9a

LAPL Adult Literacy volunteers receive 7 hours of Online Instruction
Local Tutor Workshops :: Always Scrolling in the Right Frame.
Statewide Workshops @ California Library Literacy Services

Monday, October 26, 2015

Redlands Library :: Technology Enhances Redlands Adult Literacy Program

Technology enhances Redlands Adult Literacy Program
Redlands Daily Facts: 10.17.2015 by Dottie Pokolak, adult literacy coordinator A.K. Smiley Public Library

Technology has become an essential part of our daily lives. We rely on computers, tablets and smart phones to communicate with family and friends, keep up on the latest news, apply for jobs and even do our banking.

The ability to use the various electronic devices that are available to us is integral to every area of our lives. Perhaps we have even grown to take for granted the ability to send an email or do our shopping online.

However, for some in our community, technology and access to the Internet are just as much of an obstacle in life as learning to read and write.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is committed to helping those in the community who desire to improve their reading and writing in English. In tandem with that, the program seeks to bridge the technology divide by including computer literacy as a key component of the program.

By offering technology services to those with limited computer access, the program can help participants begin to realize the benefit that learning these skills provides.

This technology initiative is supported with the enthusiasm of a group of volunteers called tech coaches. These tutors are trained to assist learners in accessing the various technology resources the program provides. They meet with learners to provide support as they use their new technology skills.  READ MORE !

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Literacy Library Jobs – California :: Merced Co

Literacy Jobs – California

Friday, October 23, 2015

San Diego Co Library :: County Volunteer Coordinator Motivates Volunteers, Residents to LEARN

County Volunteer Coordinator Motivates Volunteers, Residents to LEARN

Over 440,000 adults (20%) in San Diego County cannot read at the third-grade level, lacking the literacy skills needed to sign a form, fill out a bank deposit slip, or enjoy a novel. Many have learning disabilities; others received insufficient individual instruction in school or at home; and still others are immigrants seeking to learn English as a second language.  To help adults improve their literacy skills and empower them to achieve their goals, the County created the LEARN Adult Literacy program in 2005. Volunteer Coordinator Kevin Vigil has been inspired by the program’s success since the beginning.

“I moved here from Denver just as the program was getting started,” said Vigil.  “I was a school teacher and needed to update my credential to work here in California, so this job was only meant to be temporary, but I ended up loving what I was doing!  I get to see the impact this program has on people’s lives and coming to work is something I look forward to every day.”

LEARN (Libraries Empower All to Read Now) is a volunteer-based tutoring program that helps adults improve their literacy skills through one-on-one and small group tutoring and computer-aided instruction.  Services are free and confidential.  There are literacy centers at the El Cajon and Vista branch libraries, but services are available at all San Diego County Library branches.

“We have such an international county,” said Vigil.  “About 60% of our learners are non-native speakers – from Spanish and Arabic to Korean and Chinese.  We have 33 branch libraries and all of their demographics are different.”  READ MORE !

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Huntington Beach Library :: Tutoring Tips - Writing Skills

October 23 FUN - Raiser
Tutoring Tip: Writing Skills
OPEN DOORS NEWSLETTER: October 2015

If you and your learner are working on writing skills, you might like Purdue University, a great resource for people at all levels, including ESL modules. The Purdue University Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) assist clients free of charge in their development as writers-no matter their skill level-with online participation, community engagement and on-campus consultations. 

The Purdue OWL offers global support through online reference materials and services.

You will find a link to the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University under "Web Resources" on Literacy Services web page. OWL has writing resources and instructional material for students, members of the community and users worldwide. Check it out, and if you have any questions, ask us in the office.

Check Out SCLLNs Grammar & Writing Links

BBC Skillwise: Writing, Spelling, Grammar, Sentences
englishforeveryone.org: parts of speech, spelling, matching, vocabulary, synonyms ...
Daily Grammar: fun way to learn grammar
Grammar Gorillas: beginners and advanced
Guide to Grammar and Writing - Capital Community College Foundation
Purdue University OWL Online Writing Lab: Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
WritingDEN's: Tips-O-Matic – Sentences, Paragraphs, Essays

GAMES - EXERCISES - LINKS


Organizations - Blogs - Exercises - Pronunciation & More

Monday, October 19, 2015

Teen Read Week :: SCLLN Member Libraries



SCLLN Member Libraries

WRITING CONTEST through November 12!
This Contest is for Teens in grades 6-12.
Write a RETOLD FAIRY TALE four to six pages long (typed, double-spaced, 12 point!). Winners announced on NOVEMBER 19 at BOOK CAFÉ FEATURING CORNELIA FUNKE !


Escape the ordinary and Get Away @ your library with the help of some amazing books, and while you are at it, win some treats!
Read for Chocolate (Dove) Write a book review and receive a big chocolate bar at the reference desk.  For Grades 6-12.



Oct 24: Central Library
Author Discussion with special guests, free books, activities, and snacks in Teen’Scape
Oct 23: Durant Branch Library
Young Adult Fiction Bingo (with prizes)! Put your pins in the States of YA map and discover how many states of YA Fiction you’ve read. Open to teens and pre-teens ages
Oct 29: Vermont Square
Get Away with Isabel Quintero speaking about her book GABI A GIRL IN PIECES which was a Morris Award Finalist.

Teen ReaderThon @ 3:30pm (ages 13-18) 
Join other Teens for a special ReaderThon

Kickoff
Battle of the Bands Oct 17 5pm
Lemon Grove Library
Cheer on some talented teen musical groups and soloists as they compete for prizes, and vote for your favorite. Refreshments will be served.
Oct 19: Share Your Book (All Day) Spring Valley
Oct 20: Spa Night 5p El Cajon
Oct 22: Drawing Class 3p Solana Beach
Oct 23: After-Hours Lock-In 6:30p Vista

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Huntington Beach Library :: Wine & Words October 23 :: Literacy Fun-raiser

Wine & Words
October 23, 2015
Annual Wine Tasting in Support of the Literacy Program


Waterfront Beach Resort
7-10 pm
Registration is $55 per person

Special Guest Speakers!
Chris Epting, local historian, popular author of over twenty books, and Pipeline columnist for the HB Independant. Chris will be giving away a few signed copies of his books.
Hear from adult learners about how Literacy Services has positively impacted their lives.

Light hors d'oeuvres
Prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants, events and more.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Newport Beach Library :: International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day :: Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy
Literally Speaking: September/October 2015

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy proudly held their annual event to celebrate adult literacy and the program participants.  The International Literacy Day event invites the NMPL family of tutors, learners and volunteers to come together with members of the community to celebrate adult literacy. On September 10, 2015, a gathering of nearly 150 guests listened to heartwarming stories, inspiring speeches and enjoyed a delicious selection of food from many different countries from all over the world provided by the adult learners.

                                            Renee Hoffman Heath and Risa Hoffman for keeping their
                                            mother's legacy going by allowing us to continue the Hoffman
                                            Award for our learners. This year's winners are Maja Kuta and
                                            Carmen Caicedo who, with their tutors Tanya Gulati and Allan
                                            Segal, accomplished some amazing goals.

Advisory Board member Roman Darmer welcomed guests and spoke of the importance of literacy.  Roman introduced Newport Beach Public Library Director Tim Hetherton, who emphasized the importance of literacy and libraries.

Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich took to the podium to present a special proclamation designating September as Literacy Awareness month.

Adult learner, Crystal Huang, shared her experience of traveling with her family from Taipei, Taiwan in search of a better education environment for her son. Her son has since attained a postgraduate degree. Crystal joined the Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy program in early 2015 and aspires to one day work at an orphanage and help others.

Literacy Coordinator Cherall Weiss then introduced Risa Hoffman and Renee Hoffman-Heath, daughters of the late Rochelle Hoffman for whom the Memorial Award was named. They spoke of their mother’s dedication and love of tutoring.  They introduced the two winners of this year’s Hoffman Award.
-Ms. Hoffman introduced volunteer tutor, Ms. Tanya Gulati, who spoke to the audience about her learner, Maja Kuta’s tremendous accomplishments. Maja graciously thanked Tanya and expressed her difficulties with dyslexia and how NMPL has helped her reach her goals. She spoke about her artistic passion and how the program has assisted her in pursuing her dreams. Maja signed a deal as an artist for a comic book, and is grateful to be given such an extraordinary opportunity.

Next, the guests were introduced to tutor Alan Segal and his learner Carmen Caicedo, who is originally from Venezuela. She entered the program at a 2nd grade reading level and through her hard work is now at a 5th grade level. NMPL has enabled her to be confident in her abilities to speak and write in English.  Carmen shared her new goal with the group: to become a nurse.

Following the speakers, Cherall Weiss closed with a reminder that illiteracy is all around us and it is thanks to the many volunteers that, day by day, people’s lives are being changed for the better.

Each attendee was presented with a copy of In Our Own Words, a collection of stories and essays written by learners in the Literacy Program. They were also given a key to remind them to help ‘unlock the potential.’
Guests enjoyed a delicious fruit and cheese arrangement donated by Bristol Farms and exciting new beverages donated by drinkNeuro.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

2015 Writer To Writer Challenge

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2015 Writer To Writer Challenge
Southern California Library Literacy Network
Awards Ceremony :: March 5, 2016

Time to kick off the Writer to Writer Challenge !

The Writer to Writer Challenge is a writing contest open to all adult learners of SCLLN member programs. Adult learners read or listen to a book, then write a 500-word (or less) letter to the author, whether living or dead, to describe how the book has influenced their life. 

Encourage your learners to listen to an audio-book, or read a book, any book, with their tutor. When they find one that changed the way they think about life, encourage them to write a letter to the author of the book. The letter is just a friendly note to an author, living or dead, describing the impact the book had on their life. The letter can be short or long, but it must be under 500 words. The learners can write about a book they have read or an audio-book they have listened to.

The book read and the letter written must be in English.

Letters must be received in Carlsbad on or before Thursday December 3, 2015.

Winners are selected in 4 groups:
Emerging group :: dictate a letter to tutor or staff
Beginning group :: write a basic, simple letter independently
Intermediate group :: write a more complex letter with larger vocabulary
Advanced group :: write independently with little support from tutor or staff

Winners Announced in February 2016
Awards Ceremony on March 5, 2016

Cash Prizes for Winners
Cash Prizes & Goody Bag for Runners-Up
Certificates for all participants

Writer to Writer Challenge

Writer to Writer Chair
TEL: 760-931-4515   FAX: 760-729-8335



Monterey Park Library :: Monterey Park Walk for Literacy :: October 17

Walk for Literacy
Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Barnes Park (south of Monterey Park City Hall)
7:30 am to 11:00 am | $20 per person

Come and show your support for the LAMP Literacy & Citizenship Program!  The Program has been providing vital services for the City of Monterey Park and surrounding cities for the past 31 years while adult education funding continues to dwindle.  Our goal this year is to raise enough funds to cover the costs for supplies and materials for two more classes.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Dyslexia Awareness Month – October

Dyslexia Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month – October

Visit SCLLN’s Games – Exercises – Links

Check SCLLN’s Dyslexia List on Twitter






Organizations
   California

   National

Learning Disabilities: Assistive Technology
Abilility Hub: info on adaptive equipment and alternative methods
ABLEDATA: products classified by function or special features
AccessSTEM: Alliance for Students w/ Disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Closing the Gap: changing lives with assistive technology
Dyslexia HELP at the University of Michigan: Software & Assistive Technology
Tools for Life: GA Assistive Technology Act Program
UW: Assistive Technology used by DO-IT Scholars

Apps
There’s A Special App For That: for students with special needs