Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Redlands Library :: Why is the Redlands Adult Literacy Program Important?

Why is the Redlands Adult Literacy Program Important?
Here’s What Some Donors Say
Redlands Daily Facts: 11.11.2017 by Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator-A.K. Smiley Library

As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, those involved with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program wish to express their gratitude to the Redlands community, which supports the program’s mission to help adults improve their reading and writing.

We contacted donors, some of whom also volunteer as tutors, to hear the reasons they thought adult literacy was a core service of the A.K. Smiley Public Library and how it benefited the community. We would like to share some of their responses, as they reflect the importance of adult literacy.

Redlands Mayor Pro Tem Paul Barich said he supports the adult literacy program because he believes “a city that has people who can read is a city that is prepared to make better decisions.”

Robert Dawes, the city’s treasurer, said, “In an age of greed and selfishness, the A.K Smiley Public Library’s adult literacy program stands as an enduring monument to the values of cooperation and sharing. Volunteers with nothing to gain but the satisfaction of helping people in need demonstrate astonishing selfless service. That’s why I donate to the adult literacy program.

“We are so lucky to live in Redlands and have both a great library and an adult literacy program that helps open the doors of the library to every citizen,” Dawes said. “The library is Albert Smiley’s gift to our town, and the adult literacy program is a way for Redlands citizens to prove ourselves worthy of Albert’s gift.”

Kate Pretorius, A.K. Smiley Public Library trustee, said, “We all need help from others at different times in our lives. The potential learners … are people who are taking the initiative in improving their lives and I want to encourage that in any way that I can.  READ MORE >>

To learn more, join us at the next Tutor Orientation, on January 29, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the A. K. Smiley Public Library Assembly Room. Please call the Redlands Adult Literacy Program office at 909.798.7565, ext. 4138

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