Southern California Library Literacy Network

SCLLN Literacy Conference Workshops: Feb 25

2012-01-24T18:21:00.001-08:00

SCLLN Literacy Conference 2012
February 25
Buena Park Holiday Inn
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Lunch: Writer To Writer Awards Ceremony

Early Bird Registration: Feb 3, 2012
- click here for Form –
$ 40.00: SCLLN Tutors and Staff
$ 15.00: Adult Learners

After Feb 3:
$ 60.00: SCLLN Tutors and Staff
$ 25.00: Adult Learners
Non-Members - $ 75.00

Strand 1 9:00 – 10:15
Stay In Control
It is easy for the daily responsibilities to overwhelm us to the point that at the end of the day we feel like we have fallen behind. Worse yet, this feeling occurs day after day until we feel we have lost control of our lives.
Picture Books – Not Just For Kids!
Explore a variety of uses of picture books with adult learners and their families to reinforce adult and intergenerational literacy skills, writing skills, reading comprehension, vocabulary, English language skills and the opportunity to relax and enjoy a book with someone special.
Presentation Skills – Tricks of the Trade
Looking to refresh your training skills, gain confidence in making presentations, or learn how to keep your audience involved? This workshop is for you.
Adult Literacy Services: Where the Boundaries Begin and End
A panel of field professionals will discuss the numerous grey areas we all navigate in serving low-literate adults. Legal, ethical and practical advice will be provided along with a Q&A session with the audience.
Teaching non-literate Spanish-speakers to read and write
Do you work with non-literate, Spanish-speaking youth or adults? Learn about a simple computer-based tool to teach them to read and write. Based on 20 years of classroom experience, ¡LEAMOS! por Computadora (Let’s Read! by Computer)
Twitter 101
Getting Started – Tweeting – Tips. Bring a Laptop with WiFi.
Tweet, Tweet, Tweet
Learner Focused: Getting Comfortable with Writing & Journaling
Get rid of your fear of writing! Learn techniques to get started and be comfortable with writing and journaling.

Strand 2 10:30 – 11:45
Financial Literacy
Join us in this interactive workshop and learn about:
Preparing and working with a personal (family) budget
The basics of managing and balancing a checkbook
Managing your personal credit
Improving Silent Reading Fluency
Learn about the physical and cognitive reading process and how it affects the abilities of a learner to attain fluency. Reading Plus is a tool that can address these issues, allow readers to overcome obstacles and make amazing improvement in their reading skills.
Teach Back, Teach Forward: Walking out of doctor’s office with Info you need
About 80% of what is heard in the Doctor’s Office is forgotten upon leaving. There are some methods that can be used to increase assimilation, and thus compliance, that we will practice, both tutor and learner.
Job Readiness for Learners
Tutors wishing to assist learners in practical, up to date methods for preparing to enter the job market will gain information about the paper presentation, the verbal presentation and the online presentation needed by candidates in today’s tight market.
Reading Comprehension Made Simple
Have you ever finished reading a page and realized that you can’t remember what you read? Does your learner struggle with reading comprehension? Come and join us to learn a few simple strategies that will help you understand and remember more of what you read.
Supporting Parents as their Child’s 1st Teacher
Parents are their child’s first teacher and literacy is the cornerstone of academic success. This workshop will provide an overview of how to involve parents in their child’s education at school.
Learner Focused: ProLiteracy’s Education Network and YOU!
offers a world of resources for adult learners, tutors and literacy programs. Come find out how you can use the Education Network to practice reading, writing, math, everyday literacy activities and more!

Strand 3 1:45 – 3:00
Moving Into Literacy with the Feldenkrais Method®
Coordinated movement is essential for greater ease in learning. In this workshop, participants will be guided through a series of slow and gentle movement sequences designed to help them reconnect with their natural abilities to express themselves more clearly.
Poor Readers’ Ghosts and Goblins!
It’s a scary world out there for poor readers! Always, that devastating fear that others will find out they can’t read very well. In spite of all the ingenious ways they’ve devised of keeping it a secret, it’s lurking out there in the shadows – ready to come out of nowhere and shatter their lives – like some scary monster!
What’s the 2-1-1?
Understanding Orange County’s Comprehensive Information and Referral System
American Accent Training
Accent is a combination of three main components: intonation (speech music), liaisons (word connections), and pronunciation (the spoken sounds of vowels, consonants, and combinations).
Literacy Material Grab Bag
Books, Manipulatives, Magazines, etc. that Burbank tutors find helpful. If you have a favorite, bring 1 to share.
Grammar Games and Speaking Activities for ESL Groups
Need some easy activities to help your ESL students practice tricky aspects of basic English grammar like irregular past tense verbs or when to put the “s” on present tense verbs? Would you like to learn some games to play during class to get your students smiling and talking?
Learner Focused: Naturalization 101
Officers with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will provide an overview of the naturalization process and the requirements for naturalization—such as good moral character, physical presence and knowledge of English and civics.

Literacy Jobs - California

2012-01-10T17:55:00.001-08:00

Literacy Coordinator (Senior Library Technician)
National City Library
Application Deadline: Open

Under direction, to perform technical and paraprofessional duties in the library, including supervision of lower-level staff; oversee activities of assigned function; and perform related duties as required.

Literacy duties may include preparing grant application; grants recordkeeping; organizing literacy services; assessing literacy skills for program placement; selecting material and teaching aides; and assisting in the preparation of the budget.

Literacy Research Contractor: KOREH L.A.
Application Deadline: Feb 1, 2012
Start date: Feb 15, 2012

The Literacy Research Contractor is a time-limited, grant-funded independent contractor for The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Working in coordination with the Director of Programs for the Community Engagement Department and KOREH L.A. staff members, the Research Contractor will conduct and analyze research on the current state of literacy work in Los Angeles County.

Education Manager: Children's Creativity Museum
Start Date: Feb 1, 2012

3Cs of 21st-century literacy - Creativity, Collaboration and Communication - inspire new ideas and innovative solutions.

The Education Manager leads a team of Educators, Education Interns, and Volunteers to implement and evaluate all of CCM’s education and public programs. These programs include school field trips, early childhood programming, and weekend workshops. In addition, the Education Manger works closely with the Youth Program Manager, the Exhibits Manager, and the Visitor Services Manager to ensure that all of CCM’s education and programs support and/or enhance the general admission experience. The Education Manger ensures that CCM’s educational approach consistently fosters creativity, collaboration, and communication throughout its entire exhibit and program experiences.

SCLLN Literacy Conference 2012: Feb 25

2012-01-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

SCLLN Literacy Conference 2012
February 25
Buena Park Holiday Inn
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Lunch: Writer To Writer Awards Ceremony

Early Bird Registration: Feb 3, 2012
- click here for Form –
$ 40.00: SCLLN Tutors and Staff
$ 15.00: Adult Learners

After Feb 3:
$ 60.00: SCLLN Tutors and Staff
$ 25.00: Adult Learners

Non-Members - $ 75.00

Win A Free Admission – see *Q below

Some of the Workshops
Self Confidence
Job Readiness
Financial Literacy
Health Literacy
Reading Plus
Stay in Control
Spanish Literacy
Families in Schools
Boundaries
Using Picture Books
Training Techniques
Social Media
Reading Comprehension

*What was the topic of the SCLLN Blog posting on Nov 15, 2011 ?

Winner = The Correct Answer with the earliest email or postmark.

From the beginning of the establishment of library literacy programs by the California State Library in 1984, library programs in Southern California have been meeting to share resources and ideas, and address literacy issues. The Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN) was formalized in 1985.

Costly Cuts: Adult Literacy Programs

2012-01-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

STATE: $7 million cut from adult literacy programs
Press Enterprise: 12.16.2011 by Kevin Pearson

Library directors across the region are worried about the future of adult literacy programs in the wake of sweeping budget cuts the state announced this week.

If the programs don’t survive, people like Beaumont’s Larry Washington may never learn to read.

Washington, 57, is one of hundreds of adults in Riverside County who are enrolled in those state-funded programs that teach adults how to read and write.

Among almost $1 billion in total budget cuts, roughly $16 million will be slashed from libraries, including about $7 million designated to fund literacy programs.

Eight libraries in the Inland area have literacy programs, which are for native English speakers. The amount of state money they had been receiving was based on population.

“This is devastating to California libraries,” said Hemet Library Director Wayne Disher, who serves as president of the California Library Association. “It’s really sad. You try and be as positive as you can, but how do you do that when someone has taken everything you have?

“I think we will see a good portion of them, at least half of the literacy programs, will be forced to close.”

COSTLY CUTS

But how much longer those services will remain is in doubt. In Hemet, Disher is hoping the library’s financial backers can help secure the $15,000 needed to keep the 90-person adult literacy program afloat through the end of the fiscal year June 30, but he is worried what might happen if the money runs out.

A number of Inland libraries had already begun to brace for budget cuts, which extend beyond the adult literacy programs, but others were hopeful that the governor would keep some of the funding intact. But with all the funds cut, libraries are now pondering their next move. READ MORE !

California Literacy Calendar: January 2012

2011-12-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

California Literacy Calendar: January 2012

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences

- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Southern California Literacy Events: January 2012
Jan. 7 Sensory Friendly Film - Adventures of Tin Tin = 10am Check Local AMC Theaters
Jan. 7+ Riverside Dickens Festival
Jan. 9+ Orton Gillingham Training = OnLine Cyberspace
Jan. 12 CATS Fundraiser – San Diego Council on Literacy = 7pm
Jan. 21 Legal Rights & Advocacy Workshop – Rancho Santa Margarita = 9am

California Literacy Events: January 2012
Jan. 13+ Asilomar Reading Conference Asilomar – Pacific Grove CA
Jan. 13+ California Kindergarten Conference – Santa Clara CA

National & International Literacy Events: January 2012
Jan. 5+ Hawaii International Conference on Education – Honolulu
Jan. 7 Sensory Friendly Film - Adventures of Tin Tin = 10am Check Your Local AMC Theater
Jan. 27 Family Literacy Day – Canada

10 Things Tutors Can Do That Books (And Computers) Cannot . . .

2011-12-27T13:43:00.001-08:00

10 Things Tutors Can Do That Books (And Computers) Cannot . . .
farrelink.com: 12.07.2011

1. SMILE ! and 10. LISTEN !

2. Read aloud together.
Fluency (reading smoothly and with correct inflection) is very important to reading comprehension, but only speaking with other human beings can fully build this skill.

3. Model curiosity and inquiry.
Being a good tutor isn’t about what you know; it’s about showing how you know and showing others how to learn. Demonstrate the use of reference materials, and ask open ended questions that make you both think a little deeper about a topic.

4. Figure out how the skill is relevant to the learner’s life.
Every person has different goals and life experiences. Ask your learner “What should I know about you?” Write down what you hear, and then connect that information to what you are learning together. READ MORE !

Photo: John Zickefoose, Literacy Coordinator - Corona Public Library

Is Writing A Challenge ?

2011-12-20T11:28:00.001-08:00

Is Writing A Challenge? Problems To Solutions
BenPreneur: 12.15.2011

Is writing a challenge? Yes, it is. You have to give the first step as any challenge you deal. Feel the fear but just do it anyway!. Do not play it safe. Do not color inside the lines. Just do it!

In the recent past, I participated in the 2011 Writer to Writer Challenge, invited by the Southern California Library Literacy Network.

Indeed, this challenge is an excellent chance for you to:
 share your thoughts with others in writing
 become a writer yourself
 relate what you read in a book/story or poem to your own life
 practice writing a letter, so you can write others letters on your own in the future.

I wrote my personal experience relating how a book that I read has influenced into my life. My story letter says this way,

Dear Michael McMillan
Recently, I have read your inspiring and priceless book titled “Pink Bat Turning Problems Into Solutions.” I have rejuvenated one of my life style living rituals, that is, to translate my world of problems into a world of solutions. Without doubt, your book is truly powerful life-changing. Allow me to tell you my experience and how your pink bat story impacted my life.

For my own personal decisions, I came to reside in the U.S.A. I came suffering a terrible depression mainly because of my life’s best friend passed away, who? My father. =I was ordered to take a prescription of emotional regulator, and I had been doing it for many years. In my early days, here in the city where Uncle Sam welcomed me, I was thinking how I could work out my depression, and suddenly I remembered one of my mother’s statement that has stayed with me, “my son, with health you can achieve what you set. Remember your Father.”

Great! I did some research and I found a valuable statement, “Thoughts become things”. In your words Mike it would be, “What you believe and focus on…becomes your reality.” Yes, I started to think by myself, “Ben you are healthy”. It was and is part of my daily ritual as a sort of an incantation. Also, I began to eat healthy food, tried natural supplements, and always to think in a positive way. Undoubtedly good emotional state and good humor, without perceptual blindness or inattentional blindness creates a natural chemical addiction that regulates the biochemistry of our brains. Nowadays, I overcame my emotional illness.

Indeed Mike, you are amazingly correct there is no difference between imagination and reality. Just we have to apply Pink Bat Thinking and learn to listen to our body, soul and mind. Thank you for the inspiration.
Sincerely, Benjamin J. Miranda

Thanks to Los Angeles Public Library‘s Singleton Library Adult Literacy Center. To my tutors Mr. Andres Ramos, Ms. Libby McCarthy, Mr. Manuel Barrios, and Mrs. Lisa Broderick. Thanks Teacher A.J. Hoge.

New Cuts to Adult Literacy Programs in California Appear Likely

2011-12-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

New Cuts to Adult Literacy Programs in California Appear Likely
Policy Notes: 12.12.2011 by Jeff Carter [ Reposted ]

The Sacramento Bee reports this morning that it is likely that California’s revenue expectations will fall far short of what was hoped for when the budget was passed back in in June. The Legislative Analyst’s Office is expecting $3.7 billion less than expected, and according to the budget scheme Governor Brown and the California legislature came up with last spring, this would result in automatic cuts to to libraries, universities and schools. (The governor and the California legislature inserted $2.5 billion in new cuts that automatically trigger if the Governor’s Department of Finance determines California will fall short of their revenue projections.)

These cuts will include $15 million in library funding, which would hit California’s large network of volunteer-driven adult literacy programs pretty hard. The Bee quotes Michael Dillon, a lobbyist for the California Library Foundation, who says the cuts “would significantly impact readers and people trying to get sufficient reading skills.”

In addition, it appears to me that the potential for further cuts to adult education operated by school districts is also a strong possibility. That is because further K-12 reductions are also possible, although the Bee reports that it is unclear how deep into school budgets the state will cut, if at all.

If it does, I would expect further cuts to adult education will result, as school districts respond by continuing to shift dollars away from adult education to shore up K-12 budgets. The California Budget Act (CBA) allows school districts to this, and it has been happening all over California for the last few years. I wrote about one such example here.

The new revenue forecast will be out this week.

Holiday Gifts: Support SCLLN & Literacy

2011-12-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

Give a Gift that Keeps on Giving

Support SCLLN Literacy & Libraries
Up to 30% of your Holiday Gift purchases can be donated to the Southern California Library Literacy Network this Holiday Season ! ! !
It's easy !
1. Click on Good Shop.
2. Enter SCLLN - Southern California Library Literacy Network.
3. Click Store Icon to Shop @ that store.

Books – iPads – Kindles – Travel – Clothes – Toys – TVs

~ 1 800 Flowers ~ Avon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Bed Bath and Beyond ~

Crate and Barrel ~ Expedia ~ Home Depot ~ Hotels.com

~ iTunes, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store ~

Lowe's ~ Macy's ~ Neiman Marcus ~ Nordstrom ~ Oriental Trading

~ PetSmart ~ QVC ~ Sears ~ Staples ~ Target ~

Toys R Us ~ Travelocity ~ Walgreens ~ Walmart ~ Williams Sonoma ~ Zazzle

Dining Out ?

Use GoodDining and SCLLN can earn up to 6%

This holiday season, why not make a

Gift Donation

on Behalf of Family & Friends
to SCLLN in support of Literacy !

$ 12.25

$ 122.50

$ 1,225.00

SCLLNs Fun-Raising Target: $12,025

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy: 2011

2011-12-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

OUTSTANDING LIBRARIAN
IN SUPPORT OF LITERACY AWARD
2011 Award Winner: Patricia Lorenzo
Santa Clara County Library District

Santa Clara County Library District Literacy Manager Honored with California Library Association Award
SCCGov.org: 11.30.2011

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. - Earlier this month, at the California Library Association (CLA) Annual Conference in Pasadena, Santa Clara County Library District Literacy Manager Patricia Lorenzo was presented with the CLA 2011 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award.

“This honor reflects Patricia and The Reading Program’s commitment to our patrons,” said Melinda Cervantes, Santa Clara County Library District Executive Director and County Librarian. “We are grateful the good work of our Library is recognized statewide.”

For the past year and a half, Lorenzo has managed The Reading Program, the Santa Clara County Library District’s literacy program that has helped adults learn to improve their reading and writing skills since 1985.

“Reading is such a rewarding activity because books can be faithful companions and teachers,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Liz Kniss, Delegate of the Santa Clara County Library District Joint Powers Authority. “We celebrate this recognition and the effort it represents - developing basic skills that overcome barriers and open new doors.”

The CLA 2011 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award credited Lorenzo’s leadership, positive can-do attitude, and unwavering sense of purpose to ensure the success of the literacy program.

“We could not be more proud of Patricia’s contributions to The Reading Program and its services for members of our community,” added Derek Wolfgram, Deputy County Librarian for Santa Clara County Library District and President-Elect of the California Library Association. “Patricia has guided the program through a transition that included hiring all new staff, relocating program offices, creating new promotional materials, and developing partnerships with other community agencies.”

“Thanks to the Library’s literacy program each year hundreds of tutor-learner pairs averaging 250 instructional hours per month successfully helps residents learn to read,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Mike Wassermann, Delegate of the Santa Clara County Library District Joint Powers Authority. “We commend Patricia and The Reading Program staff and volunteers for making a significant difference in the lives of many of our residents.”

“I thank all the members of our adult literacy staff for their diligence and commitment, and our dedicated volunteer tutors for their many hours of service,” said Patricia Lorenzo in response to the award. “It has been a pleasure and a true professional privilege to work with all of these talented and enthusiastic individuals! It is incredibly satisfying to be involved in a program with such amazing transformative power to create significant positive changes in the lives of those who participate and persevere.”

The Reading Program pairs adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills with volunteer tutors who commit to at least two hours of tutoring per week. To learn more about becoming either a learner or a tutor for The Reading Program, call (408) 262-1349. READ MORE !

This award, established in 2003 (Literacy Interest Group), recognizes and honors a librarian who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support literacy.

Past Winners
2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library
2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library
2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library
2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library
2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library
2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library
2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library
2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

California Literacy Calendar: December 2011

2011-11-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

California Literacy Calendar: December 2011

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Southern California Literacy Events: Decmeber 2011
Dec 1 Winter Reading Land – WORD AV Barnes Noble, Antelope Valley
Dec 5 International Volunteer Day

National & International Literacy Events: December 2011
Dec 5 International Volunteer Day
Dec 7+ Publishing App Expo – NY
Dec 9+ Natl Head Start Assc Parent Training – New Orleans
Dec 9+ Zero to Three Institute – Washington DC

Pasadena Public Library

2011-11-28T18:25:00.001-08:00

Guest View: Can computers replace a tutor?
SGV Tribune: 11.23.2011 by Robert Lang

As a longstanding Pasadena Library volunteer, I have a bone to pick. I have chosen to do so publicly because I believe the issues involved go to the core of the "what, me worry?" attitude that is turning many of our public service employees into work-to-rule adversaries instead of the helpful civil servants we pay them to be.

A few months ago, the Pasadena Library system disbanded its group of 30-odd adult literacy tutors and replaced them with computer terminals. Disbelieving, I contacted the Pasadena Reads program coordinator and learned, not surprisingly, that the decision was budget-driven. Fair enough, I thought, we all have to deal with limited resources these days, but what if I were to volunteer my services on a 20-hour-a-week basis as the new administrator for the program? I put the offer in writing and asked that it be forwarded to the library's decision maker.

Having worked with several adult literacy students over the years, my wife and I have learned many lessons. First is the fact that men and women brave enough to do something about their illiteracy need and deserve a living, breathing teacher to provide the skills, feedback, praise and encouragement they must have to succeed. For all the good a completely computer-based literacy program will do them, they might just as well be tossed into a pit of vipers. You think you have a fear of computers? Try using one without being able to read the words in front of you.

Over the years, Pasadena Reads has had a dramatic impact on the lives of many our educational system has left behind. A shocking number of learners have completed junior high; some have high school diplomas. In less than 30 months, one student progressed from stumbling over a first-grade workbook to actively participating in a group discussions sponsored by Pasadena's One City, One Story program. Another student swelled with pride when two years of hard work paid off with a 50 per centage point improvement in his civil service test score. READ MORE !

Libraries Are Essential Public Goods

2011-11-16T16:25:00.001-08:00

Why It's Time To Speak Up For Our Libraries
Huffington Post: 11.15.2011 by Andrew Losowsky

Libraries are essential public goods.

Like our public parks and museums, public libraries are free, non-commercial gathering places for everyone, regardless of income. If information is power, then libraries are the essence of democracy and freedom. In these times of economic difficulty, more people are using them than ever, to do more than merely check out books.

Yet our nation's public libraries appear to be under threat by a litany of cuts, forced upon them by state and local committees, cuts that often began before the recent economic downturn. In a survey conducted by the Library Journal, 93% of large libraries reported having laid off staff, cut their opening hours, or both. In several states, including Indiana and Michigan, library branches have permanently closed their doors.

In a new Huffington Post series called Libraries In Crisis, we'll be looking at how today's libraries are about more than books. We'll show how they can be a community resource where reliable information and guidance is provided, free of bias and commercial influence.

This occasional series will look at the economic reasons for the current situation, and its consequences throughout the country. It will showcase models for library evolution, and hear from prominent voices about what makes a viable and vital library system. READ MORE !

Read the first piece in this series, "The Death Of The Public Library?"

California Library Funding in Jeopardy

2011-11-15T15:29:00.001-08:00

LIBRARY FUNDING IN JEOPARDY
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED !
“Spare Public Libraries From the Trigger!”

The Director of the Department of Finance asserted that the legislation, AB 121, gives the Department very little flexibility and “wiggle room.”

Libraries would have to be part of a larger, alternative compromise proposal.

If the trigger is pulled, there may be other options, including asking the legislature or the Governor to replace the $15.2 million during next year’s Budget deliberations.

For any of these efforts to work, pressure must be brought to bear by our strong grass roots library supporters.
CALL – FAX - WRITE

Governor
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento CA 95814
916 . 445 . 2841

Find your Assembly Member or State Senator

St Sen Darrell Steinberg
St Sen Bob Dutton
Assemblyman John A. Perez
Assemblywoman Connie Conway

Altogether, the new budget makes California a far meaner place than before. That's not exactly what Brown promised while campaigning at this time last year, but it's what we've got now.

Huntington Beach Public Library

2011-11-10T16:16:00.001-08:00

Literacy Celebrates 27th Anniversary
Open Doors: September.2011

Literacy Volunteers-HBPL celebrated 27 years of teaching, learning and multi-cultural goodwill by honoring volunteers and adult learners at Central Library.

One 20-year tutor, five 15-year volunteers, four 10-year volunteers and seven five-year volunteers received pins and certificates. Outgoing board members Jerry Aspland and Mary Tamulaitis were thanked for their years of service. Principal Librarian Mary Wilson, Senior Librarian Kevin Moran, and Library Board member Dionne Cox attended the event.

The awards for Tutor and Learner of the year went to Mimi Juarez and Scott Sherman. Five Adult Learner Awards were presented:

Outstanding Achievement: June L, tutored by Corey Robb
Reading Award: Huong L, tutored by Rosemarie LeFort
Outstanding Writer: Margarita C, tutored by Linda Kimes
Persistence Award: Akiko K, tutored by Jennifer Shim
Outstanding Progress: Chase P, tutored by Jan Murphy

This fiscal year Literacy Volunteers at Central and Oak View Libraries served 600 volunteers and adult students, donating more than 15,000 hours of service to the community, the work of more than seven full-time people. Total literacy attendance including tutoring and family literacy story times exceeded 32,000. Since 1984, 5,799 literacy volunteers have helped 6,692 adult literacy students improve their skills. READ MORE !

New Jobs in Literacy: November

2011-11-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

New Jobs in Literacy: November

Learner Web-California Project Manager (Part-Time)
LEAP, Richmond, 440 Civic Center Plaza
Application Deadline: ASAP
Project Duration (November 2011- August 31, 2012)
Working under the supervision of the LEAP Program Manger, the Project Manager can demonstrate experience in the following:
•Launching a short-term project that involved multiple partners and sites
•Understanding, implementing appropriate technology to facilitate communications
•Quickly learning technology to be able to assist others with its application
•Comfortable with the administration side of a Learning Management System
•Evaluation of the project
•Providing logistical and administrative support in the planning of meetings/trainings
•Familiarity with adult literacy preferred
•Bi-lingual, bi-cultural preferred

AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator
Reach Out & Read - LA and Orange Counties
Application Deadling: Dec 9
Assist with Program Quality, and recruit Reach Out and Read volunteer readers for use in community clinics at NEVHC, train them in the ROR model and assist in their supervision. In addition, the Coordinator will, in conjunction with the Reach Out and Read Program Director and NEVHC Grant Writers, assist in raising funds to purchase books and securing in-kind donations of books and resources.

AmeriCorps VISTA Early Literacy Community Outreach Coordinator
THINK Together - Santa Ana, CA
Application Deadline: Nov 10
support the project focusing on the coordination of collaborative partner activities, managing communications and outreach, and management of volunteer solutions. The member will support developing mutually beneficial partnerships with local universities, businesses, and groups and creating a more structured system of outreach which includes volunteer recruitment, training and placement as well as supporting community events.

AmeriCorps Literacy Tutor
MAAC – San Diego area
Application Deadline: Until Filled
literacy tutoring, creating youth leadership opportunities, and leading youth and adults in service learning activities. Members will also assist families/individuals with asset building and income supports services

AmeriCorps Early Literacy
First 5 – California
Application Deadline: Until Filled
AmeriCorps Members serve in 11 diverse counties, providing crucial skill-building activities to 2-5 year olds who are at risk for low performance upon kindergarten entry. Members engage children in direct developmental activities to help children gain access to the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

California Literacy Calendar: November 2011

2011-10-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

California Literacy Calendar: November 2011

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences

- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Southern California Literacy Events: November 2011
Nov. 1 National Family Literacy Day
Nov. 2 Ladies, Lunch, and Literacy Manhattan Beach 10:30am
Nov. 4+ California Reading Assc. PDI Vacaville CA
Nov. 5 Fall Literacy Conference - South Bay Literacy Council
Nov. 5 Fall Gala: Children’s Literature Council of Southern California 12:30pm
Nov. 5 Autism Sensory Friendly Films: PUSS IN BOOTS 10am
Nov. 8 COME FLY AWAY - San Diego Council on Literacy 7pm
Nov. 9 San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival 7pm
Nov. 12 National Gaming Day @ Your Library
Nov. 19 Tellabration - Saturday before Thanksgiving
Nov. 28+ Reading Comprehension Strategies = On Line Cyberspace

California Literacy Events: November 2011
Nov. 1 National Family Literacy Day
Nov. 5 Catesol Regional - Northern California UC Davis
Nov. 10 SCLLN Professional Development Day @ CLA Pasadena CA
Nov. 11+ California Library Association Conference Pasadena
Nov. 12 CLA Keynote Presentation Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D. 8:30am
Nov. 11+ California School Library Association Conference Pasadena CA
Nov. 12 National Gaming Day @ Your Library

National & International Literacy Events: November 2011
Nov. 1 National Family Literacy Day
Nov. 2+ Library 2.011 Worldwide Virtual Conference CyberSpace
Nov. 2+ ProLiteracy Conference USCAL Houston TX
Nov. 3+ Assistive Technology Industry Assn Conference Chicago
Nov. 3 Learning Disabilities Worldwide Conference Purchase NY
Nov. 5 Autism Sensory Friendly Films: PUSS IN BOOTS 10am
Nov. 9+ CAEL International Conference Chicago
Nov. 9+ International Dyslexia Association Conference Chicago IL
Nov.9+ National Black Storytelling Festival Atlanta
Nov. 10+ Reading Intervention Conference for Grades K-12 Jackson, Mississippi
Nov. 12 National Gaming Day @ Your Library
Nov. 13+ Connecticut Children's Book Fair University of Conneticut
Nov. 15+ Summer Changes Everything Conference San Francisco
Nov. 18+ National Council of Teachers of English Orland FL
Nov. 19+ ACTFL Convention Boston MA
Nov. 19 Tellabration
Nov. 30+ LRA National Reading Conference Jacksonville FL
Nov. 30+ TASH Annual Conference Atlanta GA

Monrovia Public Library

2011-10-27T12:39:00.001-07:00

Monrovia Volunteer Dedicated to Literacy
Joan Sinsheimer has been a longtime volunteer for literacy in Monrovia.
Monrovia.Patch.com: 10.21.2011 by Alison Roeske

Artist, tutor, and fitness buff Joan Sinsheimer has traveled the world, but nowadays, she spends much of her free time at the library teaching people how to read.

She has dedicated many hours over the years to tutoring adults enrolled in Monrovia Public Library’s Literacy Services program and children in the Monrovia school district. Sinsheimer first began volunteering at Monroe Elementary because of a friend she met at her gym, Movement Unlimited.

“One of the reading specialists asked me if I wanted to be a volunteer,” said Sinsheimer. “I just wanted to contribute to the community.”

At first, Sinsheimer volunteered with Monroe Elementary’s Language Arts program, where she helped students focus on reading texts, improving their reading comprehension, and increasing their vocabulary.

Sinsheimer began working with Literacy Services when the old Monrovia Public Library building was still standing. She appreciates the new library, which she said is larger and has more access to technology. She has tutored numerous adults through Literacy Service’s program over the years.

“I like the flexibility of it. I can meet whenever it’s convenient with my student,” she said. “My student reads to me a lot. I pick words that are unfamiliar to her and she writes sentences from the new words.”

Currently, Sinsheimer works with a cosmetology student who emigrated from Mexico.

“I’ve always liked libraries, I’ve always liked schools, and I’ve always liked fitness. Those are things I seek wherever I go,” she said. READ MORE !

Newport Beach Public Library

2011-10-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

Castles made of sand
Commodore Club's annual contest draws artists, spectators to Big Corona on Sunday.
Daily Pilot: 10.03.2011 by Amy Senk

CORONA DEL MAR — There were mermaids reading books, a whale, a pyramid — even a crime scene where a sand kid who smashed a sand castle was being pursued by a sand detective — that were all part of the Corona del Mar Sandcastle Contest at Big Corona beach on Sunday.

"That's funny," said Mark Philipp of Aliso Viejo as he surveyed the "Castle Smashing Investigation" sculpture.

"It's amazing," his wife, Beth Philipp, said. "I just am amazed at all the creativity. There's a lot of hard work."

The teams set up before lunch in their assigned plots, using buckets to tote seawater to create slurries of sand. They worked from drawings and plans, forming their creations and then using brushes and other tools to get the details just right.

"They said, 'Make scales,' and the next thing you know, you're a professional scaler," said Danny Sullivan, who worked on the mermaids that formed the logo for the Newport-Mesa ProLiteracy entry. READ MORE !

Health Literacy Month - October

2011-10-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Health Literacy Month
October

Health Literacy: Choose Your Poison
Play: Pills or Candy Game

California Poison Control System
Medications can easily be mistaken for candy.Out of more than 4 million poisonings reported each year to poison control centers across the country, it is estimated that over 90% of them occur in the home.

The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children under the age of 6.The CPCS provides California residents with the most up-to-date information and 24-hour help in case of poison exposure. Pharmacists, nurses, physician-toxicologists and poison information providers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:

1 . 800 . 222 . 1222

Text Messaging (SMS)
TIPS to 69866
in Spanish - PUNTOS to 69866

Free “Ask An Expert” on Facebook

Follow CPCS on Twitter

Professional Development Day: November 10

2011-10-05T15:03:00.001-07:00

SCLLN Professional Development Day
November 10, 2011
@ California Library Association Conference
7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Hilton Pasadena
168 South Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

Join SCLLN for an info-packed day of workshops on leading your literacy program into the future and maximizing your impact with your stake holders:

Morning Sessions: 9am-11:15am [ choice of 1 ]
Sense & Sensibility
~ sensibly creating boundaries in literacy programs
Panel Discussion

Connecting With Your Community
~ building relationships
Cathay Reta, Literacy Coordinator
Azusa City Library

Afternoon Sessions: 1:45pm-4pm [ choice of 1 ]
Making the Most of Your VolunteerMatch Account
~ using new tools & features
Jennifer Bennett, Senior Manager Education & Training
VolunteerMatch

21st Century Skills & Digital Literacy
~ what do learners & tutors need to know
Marian Thacher, Director
OTAN

Registration: $175.00
Includes: Continental Breakfast and Lunch

Space is limited, please register as early as possible !

California Literacy Calendar: October 2011

2011-09-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

California Literacy Calendar: October 2011
Health Literacy Month
National Book Month

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Southern California Literacy Events: October 2011
Oct 1: Sensory Friendly Film – DOLPHIN TALE @ local AMC Theaters
Oct 2: Children’s Book Festival – Costa Mesa
Oct 6: Read For The Record – LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA
Oct 8+ Latino Book & Family Festival – CSULA
Oct 15: CATESOL Regional – S Diego
Oct 16: Dictionary Day
Oct 16+ Teen Read Week
Oct 21: Help Group Summit, Autism LD ADHA – Skirball LA
Oct 22: CATESOL Regional – Cypress College
Oct 22: Different Learners – Glendora Library @ 10am

California Literacy Events: October 2011
Oct 1: Sensory Friendly Film – DOLPHIN TALE @ local AMC Theaters
Oct 6: Read For The Record – LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA
Oct 7+ LitQuake – S Francisco
Oct 16: Dictionary Day
Oct 16+ Teen Read Week
Oct 17+ Internet Librarian – Monterey

National & International Literacy Events: October 2011
Oct 1: Sensory Friendly Film – DOLPHIN TALE @ local AMC Theaters
Oct 6: Read For The Record – LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA
Oct 7+ Natl Storytelling Festival – Jonesborough TN
Oct 9+ Natl Adult Learner Leadership Inst – Sacramento
Oct 11+ Closing the Gap ConF – Bloomington MN
Oct 12+ Ohio Health Literacy Conf – Cleveland
Oct 13+ Comicon – NY NY
Oct 14+ Conf of the Book – U of Toronto
Oct 16: Dictionary Day
Oct 16+ Teen Read Week
Oct 17+ Alliance for Children & Families Conf – DC
Oct 17+ Health Literacy Research Conf – Northwestern Univ
Oct 22+ Natl Literacy Coalition Conf – Houston TX
Oct 22+ Natl Co Workforce Education – St Louis MO
Oct 27+ Conf on Learning Disabilities – Austin TX
Oct 30+ AAACE Conf – Indianapolis IN

Cyberspace
Oct 24+ Orton Gillingham Overview
Oct 24+ What is Dyslexia – In Depth Look

Literacy Job: Tulare County Library

2011-09-27T12:44:00.001-07:00

Tulare County Library
Full Time Job
Library Program and Literacy Specialist
Closing Date/Time: Tuesday. Oct. 11, 2911 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Coordinate a number of Library Literacy Service Programs with Tulare County:
-identify, implement, and evaluate methods to increase the literacy rate in the community
-recruit, train, monitor and evaluate literacy volunteer tutors
-enhance the public relations campaigns to increase public awareness and attract tutors and participants
-collaborate with other literacy programs throughout the County
-select and purchase books and materials for tutor training, learner use, resource collections, and public awareness
-arrange and coordinate tutor training classes and support meetings
-make presentations at various public meetings and forums to explain literacy programs and services available through the library system
-coordinate fund raising efforts for literacy programs
-monitor program goals, objectives, services and budget

Coordinate and train facilitators for the English Speakers of Other Languages Conversation Circle services throughout Tulare County; coordinate all Family Literacy programs offered through the Literacy Center, and track and report all successes, challenges, and other relevant data to management.

Oceanside Public Library

2011-09-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Literacy program rewarding for tutors, learners
North County Times: 9.20.2011 by Lola Sherman

About 1,200 people have been helped by Oceanside Reads literacy center since it opened 14 years ago.

On a recent day at the center, tutor Mary Lou Elliott and learner Mei Tran discussed the grammatical differences between "who" and "whom," while tutor Robin Ferencz-Kotfica helped Arturo Lopez put information into an email file and send it.

English isn't the first language for Tran, who is from Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Arturo, who hails from Oaxaca, Mexico, but the program is not necessarily geared to non-native speakers.

Learners have to be able to communicate in English. About half of them over the years have been native English speakers, according to Corrie Miles, the program's director. They simply never learned to read and write in their own language.

Elliott recalled a learner who had been in prison for a long time and came out wanting to learn to read.

She also remembers the thrill that a learner expressed when he called to say how excited he was when he went into a public bathroom and realized he could read the words "wet floor" on a sign and knew what they meant.

Miles said many students have high-school diplomas, having been "socially promoted" through the school system perhaps 20 to 30 years earlier.

Elliott has been a tutor for nine years and Ferencz-Kotfica for three, including two years in New York where she learned how much she liked it.

Generally, Miles said, tutoring sessions run for 90 minutes twice a week when the center is open: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays.

As with all other library programs, hours have been cut due to budget constraints. READ MORE !

Mincing Words Exhibit - September

2011-09-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

'Mincing Words': Exhibit in San Luis Obispo
The works on display at Linnaea’s Cafe in SLO this month incorporate and honor the written word
Tribune: 8.11.2011 by Lee Sutter

The exhibit at Linnaea’s that combines art with text is nothing new, as Picasso and cohorts explored such methods during their Synthetic Cubism period 100 years ago.

It’s an intriguing concept, however, and a refreshing change. It also ties in with National Literacy Month and the Art of the Book exhibits at local libraries.

Ursula Black’s disturbing painting includes a poem she wrote “All the rest of us took text from someone else,” said Lena Rushing, show organizer.

Although the Dadaist European artistic and literary movement of the early 20th Century used text, its intent was to mock conventional art. That is not this exhibit’s thrust. Rather this exhibit intends to honor the written word, whether it’s literature, lyrics, poetry, or famous quotes.

“Even if you’re not somebody who reads a lot, you’re probably moved by lyrics, or recall a book from childhood,” said Rushing.

Among her many entries are two paintings based on Lewis Carroll’s nonsense poem “Jabberwocky.” Rushing’s mother had once painted the imaginary figure from “Through the Looking Glass” on an apartment wall, and later a photo of that work appeared in Rushing’s various childhood homes. Her brother even got a tattoo of the monster. READ MORE !

Redlands = A K Smiley Public Library

2011-09-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Redlands event celebrates international literature
Redlands Daily Facts: 9.06.2022 by Molly Davis

Reading is usually a solitary endeavor. But on Tuesday, International Literacy Day, readers from all over the world showed how books can bring people together.

The Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library held an open house Tuesday evening to highlight the importance of literacy, reading and writing. The open house also shared information about the adult literacy program.

"It's a wide spectrum of things," said Trudy Waldron, the volunteer coordinator for the adult literature program.

Several local speakers shared their knowledge of other countries' literature and talked about their experiences with reading and interpreting foreign literature.

The event was "one more way to get our message out," said Waldron.

One in five adults in the United States lack the ability to read and function at the appropriate level, she said.

"Our community has its fair share of people who need extra help," she added. READ MORE !

Newport Beach Public Library

2011-09-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Literacy Program Celebrates Learners at Library Event
Corona Del Mar Today: 9.08.2011

Effy Sanchez knew she needed to learn English — really learn to read and write and speak it — when her son was 5 years old and they were shopping at Kmart.

“He stopped me and he said, very loud, ‘You need to learn English,’” Sanchez said. “That made me so embarrassed. I knew in my head the first time I needed to learn English.”

Sanchez was born in Mexico and moved to the United States 26 years ago, but learning a second language always proved too difficult until a supervisor told her about the Newport Beach Public Library Literacy Services program. Her tutor, Vicky Smith, worked with her, helping her learn new words, grammar and how to read.

Today, Sanchez received the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award, given each year to a standout “learner” in the Literacy Services program. The award is named for a Corona del Mar woman who volunteered as a tutor before her death in 2004. Her daughters, Renee Hoffman Heath and Risa Hoffman, attended the event.

Sanchez lives in Costa Mesa and is a beacon for her community, Smith said during the ceremony today in the Friends Room of the Central Library. About 70 people attended the event, which was part of a celebration of International Literacy Day.

The library’s literacy program was established in 1986 and currently has 151 learners and 110 volunteer tutors. About 50 tutors are trained each year, but the program has about 30 people on a waiting list, said Cherall Weiss, literary services coordinator. READ MORE !

International Literacy Day: September 8

2011-09-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

Speak Out for Literacy

Southern California Library Literacy Network member libraries change lives by providing FREE Adult Literacy, Family Literacy, ESL and Youth Literacy programs in communities from Santa Barbara to San Diego. SCLLN also provides Professional Development and an outstanding Tutor Conference each year. Contact any of our member libraries listed on the SCLLN Members Page for more information.

California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) is a program of the California State Library. The mission of CLLS is to enable Californians of all ages to reach their literacy goals and use library services effectively. California has approximately 3.4 million adults with below basic literacy skills. Over 100 CLLS libraries serve nearly 20,000 adults annually in over 800 library branches and other outlets statewide. As a result, these adults are voting for the first time, reading newspapers, reading aloud to their children, and securing jobs.

Redlands A.K. Smiley Public Library

2011-09-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

Celebrate International Literacy Day
Redlands Daily Facts: 9.02.2011

The Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library will hold an open house celebrating International Literacy Day from 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Assembly Room of the A.K. Smiley Public Library, 125 W. Vine St., Redlands.

The Friends of the Library are sponsoring the event to highlight the importance of reading and writing in the United States and throughout the world as a pathway to promote employment, ensure good health and reduce crime.

The theme of the event is "Books are our passport to the world." International desserts and coffee will be served.

Carey Curtis Smith, who is a new volunteer with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, will be a featured speaker. Smith was selected in 2005 as one of Inland Empire Magazine's top 12 artists.

Smith plans to speak about "the connectivity of books, language and the degrees of separation that can thread them, often unawares, into one's life."

The literacy open house will begin with speakers who will focus on the literature and customs of other countries. READ MORE !

California Literacy Calendar: September 2011

2011-08-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

California Literacy Calendar: September 2011
September - Library Card Sign-Up Month

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Local & California Literacy Events: September 2011
September – Festival of Children @ South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa

Sep 8: International Literacy Day
Sep 17: Word AV Festival – Lancaster
Sep 17: High Desert Ride for Literacy – Lancaster
Sep 18: Central Coast Book Festival – San Luis Obispo
Sep 23+: Southern California Writer’s Conf - LA

National & International Literacy Events: September 2011
Sep 8: International Literacy Day
Sep 12+: Natl Adult Education & Family Literacy Week
Sep 14: Literacy Leadership Awards – Washington DC
Sep 16+: KidLitCon - Seattle
Sep 20: National Day of Writing
Sep 22+: Center for Health Literacy Conf – Arlington VA
Sep 23+: WCD Expo – Atlantic City NJ
Sep 24+: Banned Book Week
Sep 24: National Punctuation Day
Sep 24+: National Book Festival – Washington DC
Sep 30: Boston Globe – Horn Book Awards – Simmons College MA

Oceanside Library

2011-08-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

Progress Is Their Password
Oceanside Reads: Fall 2011

When lives intersect at READS the probability of positive results is pretty good. That seems to be the case with tutor Gay Hartman and student Elena Rodriguez, whose lives were guided onto a common path more than five years ago by READS Coordinator Corrie Miles. Since then Gay and Elena have spent many hours traveling that trail—a trail lined with the rewards of a richer understanding of the language.

Elena, who was born at Camp Pendleton and lived in Encinitas as a child, has already reaped some of those rewards and continues to gather more. Her learning journey with Gay has improved her word recognition and reading comprehension significantly, she says, along with strengthening her self esteem.

Gay, one of five children, was born in southwest Louisiana but has been a Californian for more than 50 years. She arrived at READS with a background as an elementary school teacher in the Orange Unified School District. She has lived in Oceanside for about eight years, and her work with Elena fits her lifestyle to perfection because she finds joy in volunteer work on several fronts.

In addition to her service at READS, Gay tutors math at Lincoln Middle School in Oceanside and helps with fund-raising for the City of Hope. She also presides over the local chapter of the Organization for Rehabilitation and Training “which supports education and training for stu-dents at risk all over the world.” And she counts herself among the volunteers at the library in Ocean Hills, the community where she lives.

Elena is the second of seven children. Her mother hails from Texas and her father from Mexico. So when she was young, “I spoke both English and Spanish at home,” she says. Her Grandfather Joseph served in the Marines, which led to her mother giving birth at Camp Pendleton.

Improving her English reading and writing skills has long been a struggle for Elena, but her work with Gay has boosted her confidence, and she remains committed to continuing her progress. READ MORE !

READ Orange County

2011-08-23T11:55:00.001-07:00

Celebrating Success and Literacy at the READ/OC: Annual Family Picnic and Appreciation Celebration
READ WRITES: July 2011

The true measure of this program’s success is our learners’ progress toward their individual goals. Working tirelessly in their local libraries, community locations, and on their own time, our tutors and learners take innumerable small steps toward those goals. Together, those small individual steps add up to a huge impact in our community. We would like to share some numbers with you to show how much you are achieving collectively.

This year, READ/OC worked with 436 tutors to help 640 individual learners improve their basic reading, writing, and English skills. This year alone, we trained 108 new tutors and assessed 299 new learners. Our tutors and learners recorded 29,885 hours of tutoring tailored to each learner’s individual goals and needs. There are more small groups than ever working together this year to address specific areas of concern, including job skills, financial literacy, computer skills, parent-to-school relationships, citizenship, and English language. Eighty learners worked with 13 tutors in small group settings this past year.

In family literacy efforts, we reached 1,528 families through 93 Family Reading Times, 25 Parent Workshops, and 10 Special Family Literacy Events, to help encourage adults and children to read together and become partners in lifelong learning. We have given away over 1,425 books to children and adults to help our learners build their personal libraries.

Our READ Jr. program continues to grow, with 16 tutors and 18 learner families helping to foster a new generation of academic success and volunteer spirit.

Many people contributed to these accomplishments, including members of Friends of READ/Orange County (FROC), volunteer tutors, our adult learners and their families, OC Public Libraries and OC Community Resources staff, and community partners. We thank the many dedicated individuals who supported these efforts. Congratulations to all of you for those thousands of small steps toward a more literate Orange County! Together, we have made significant accomplishments this past year.

Outstanding Tutor Award: Richard Scott; Bil and Anne Aulenbach
Outstanding Learner Award: Ivan Velev; Hun Lien Lau
Ambassadors of Family Literacy Award: Sang Do Xuan; Ellen Ly
Spirit of Volunteerism Award: Tutor Richard Scott

READ MORE !

Literacy Jobs - California

2011-08-12T11:32:00.001-07:00

California Literacy Jobs

Oxnard Public Library
Adult Literacy Coordinator
Responsible for continuing the successful Oxnard Public Library Literacy Outreach Program. Under direction, performs routine and complex technical and professional work in coordinating the literacy program for the library. This is a key position in the library, and the person selected will assume a leadership role in developing an adult literacy program.
Close Date: Sep 8

Jewish Coalition for Literacy – SF
Bay Area Director
The Jewish Coalition for Literacy recruits, trains, places, and supports volunteer reading tutors in the most under-served, under-resourced public elementary schools throughout the Bay Area. JCL seeks an accomplished, strategic, goal-oriented individual to advance the JCL through fundraising, communications, program management, and evaluation.

Mission YMCA – SF
Program Director – Literacy
Mission YMCA collaborates with San Francisco public schools to provide After School Enrichment programs supported by the San Francisco Unified School District’s School Health Programs Department. The purpose of the program is to provide a safe after-school environment where students who struggle during the school day feel at ease, are accepted and belong. The programs include three primary components: Academics, Academic Enrichment and Recreation. The goals of the program are to improve literacy skill levels and academic performance, and to strengthen social skills in youth. The programs are open Monday - Friday from the time school ends to 6:00 pm.

Beaumont Library: Happy 100th Birthday

2011-08-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

BEAUMONT: Library district to celebrate 100th anniversary
Press Enterprise: 8.6.2011 by Erin Waldner

The Beaumont Library District will celebrate its 100th anniversary Aug. 13 with a slew of public festivities.

The district was formed by popular vote Aug. 12, 1911.

"I always tell people, 'The library will be one hundred (years) and one day (old) when we have the celebration,'" said employee Lucy Sims, who is organizing the affair.

For the celebration, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library, 125 E. Eighth St., the district is presenting a memory festival.

"It is a gathering of people in a community to share memories of themselves and organizations," Sims said.

People will be invited to make squares for a quilt that will be hung in the library's community room. In addition, adults can make memory cards, a type of greeting card that will read "remember when" on the cover. People are asked to sign up for the memory card program in advance.

The Beaumont Library District will commemorate its 100th anniversary on Saturday with a memory festival theme. The community event will be held at the library, 125 E. Eighth St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day will be filled with journaling, quilting, games, crafts, music, food and taped oral histories. READ MORE !

Los Angeles Public Library

2011-08-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

Tutor Stories
LAPL Newsletter: Summer 2011

Zachary Walter
I recently completed my service with the U.S. Marine Corps and have been preparing for graduate school. During this transition period, I wanted to serve the local community. I love any kind of instruction, whether it is teaching or coaching, so I was excited when I discovered the Adult Literacy Services.

Working with Manoon brings me joy and fulfillment, and I look forward to our meetings every week. He approaches his learning with eagerness, diligence, and humility, and has progressed very well.

Our sessions go beyond me teaching him, and are an exchange of lessons. I admire his devotion to his family and the sacrifice he makes to ensure the success of his children. His values are clear because he lives them. I feel blessed to work with such a humble, genuine, and caring person. He has taught me as much as I have taught him, and I am grateful to have touched Manoon’s life, even if just a little.

John Goldfarb
After retiring last year from my job with the Department of Corrections, I was looking for something fulfilling to do with part of my week when I discovered a link to the Adult Literacy web site.

This soon led me to Coordinator Kathy Hall, then a day of training, and finally to my learner, Maria. Since our first meeting last January, Maria has provided me with a consistent example of cheerful industry in her approach to learning and living. Over the years that she has lived in this country, she has periodically sought out opportunities to improve her English, most recently through Adult Literacy Services.

She spends a significant amount of time preparing for each of our meetings and accepts my feedback on her homework graciously. In working with her, I get the chance to explore fundamental aspects of English that I might have forgotten or taken for granted, and am constantly reminded of the beautiful complexity of the language.

When Maria tells me that her co-workers have commented lately on the greater fluency of her speech, I feel gratified to be a participant in her learning process and a tutor on Kathy Hall’s team. READ MORE !

California Literacy Calendar: August 2011

2011-07-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

California Literacy Calendar: August 2011
Summer Reading Program: “One World, Many Stories”

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences

- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Local and California Literacy Events: August 2011
Aug 4+: Steinbeck Festival – Salinas
Aug 6: Sensory Friendly Film SMURFS @ 10am AMCs Woodland Hills to SD
Aug 20: Black Book Expo – LA Convention Center
Aug 27: Sensory Friendly Film SPY KIDS 4 @ 10am AMCs Woodland Hills to SD

National & International Literacy Events: August 2011
Aug 3+: Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning – WI
Aug 8+: Texas Literacy Conference - Austin
Aug 6: Sensory Friendly Film SMURFS @ 10am AMC Theaters nationwide
Aug 22+: Family Literacy Training Institute 2011 – Calgary CA
Aug 27: Sensory Friendly Film SPY KIDS 4 @ 10am AMC Theaters nationwide

86,800 Most Common Words

2011-07-27T13:28:00.001-07:00

WordCount

an interactive presentation of the

86,800 most frequently used English words

SCLLN Literacy LINCS Page

2011-07-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

SCLLN has a new Literacy LINCS Page

Visit literacy programs and organizations in Southern California and California.

There are also LINCS to national and international literacy associations; for family, early and youth literacy.

Adult Learners can find United Literacy, VALUE; websites by and for learners; activities and exercises, including grammar, spelling and pronunciation; and citizenship and voting.

Adult Learner LINCS

Southern California and California

National - International - Statistics

- Coming Soon -
Early Literacy - Family Literacy - Youth Literacy
Learning Disabilities

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy

2011-07-20T11:06:00.001-07:00

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

The California Library Association Literacy Interest Group and California Library Literacy Services Invite Your Nominations.

Nominations must be received on or before International Literacy Day September 8, 2011.
E-mail completed nomination form to:
Amy Crepeau, HBPL Literacy Services

Here’s your chance to recognize an exceptional librarian who demonstrates passion, excellence and dedication in support of literacy!

Purpose:This award is to recognize and honor a librarian who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support literacy.

Eligibility:The nominee cannot be a literacy services staff person who already provides direct literacy services. The nominee can be someone who has performed one or more of the following services in support of literacy:

􀀳 Outreach
􀀳 Public Awareness
􀀳 Programming
􀀳 Collection Development
􀀳 Advocacy
􀀳 Fund Raising
􀀳 Recruitment
􀀳 Other – You name it ! ! !

Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is allowed.This is an individual award – nomination cannot be for a group.The winner will be honored at the CLA 2011 Conference in Pasadena.

The winner receives a 1-year CLA Membership, a plaque, recognition on the CLA website and a gift certificate. Each nominee will receive a certificate of special recognition.

Past Winners
2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library
2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library
2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library
2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library
2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library
2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library
2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library
2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

READ Orange County

2011-07-11T09:04:00.001-07:00

SCLLN Library Literacy News . . .
Learner’s Persistence Pays Off
Read Writes: June 2011

Learners often seek help for improving their reading and writing skills because they are motivated by an immediate challenge before them, such as helping a child with school work or getting a better job. Others are focused on a strong desire to achieve a long term, often lifelong, desire. Current needs or a journey to reach a lifelong desire, immediate successes toward a goal helps learners make connections to other learning opportunities.

Samia came to READ/OC nearly 12 years ago with the immediate need to help her children with school work, return to school herself to get a better job, and eventually operate her own business. Samia dreamed of receiving her certification in the nursing field and did not let changes of tutors and challenges at work deter her from her plans.

A few tutors came and went throughout Samia’s journey. Still Samia persisted in her efforts toward her goal. In January 2007, she began working with a new tutor on the Wilson Reading System to help her better understand English language skills and improve her grammar, writing, and speaking skills. At first, she wasn’t too sure about working through this in-depth reading system, but her tutor encouraged her to try it for a bit longer.

In December 2009, Samia accomplished what few learners do, successfully completing all levels of the Wilson program. Samia then persisted on her own toward her dream. She began studying at Cypress College while still working, helping her daughters with homework and participating at their school. Last month, Samia called READ/OC with good news to share. She had, at last, passed her exams to earn her certification in nursing! Samia has worked long and hard to achieve her goals and her persistence has paid off.

With her CNA certification come more opportunities to pursue her dreams. Success is contagious. Samia continues with her nursing studies while encouraging others toward lifelong learning. Regardless of our own learning and skill challenges, we can all be encouraged by Samia’s efforts and persistence for continued growth, lifelonglearning and then be driven by the opportunities that will follow each success.

Literacy Tribune Newsletter: July 2011

2011-07-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Literacy Tribune: July 2011
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Labels, Learning Disabilities, and Reading
- Do people say you have a “Music Disability” because you can’t sing very well . . .

A History Lesson: Songs of Patriotism
- It’s July, and the start of some of our nation’s most beloved customs – picnics, barbeques, parades, fireworks, and outdoor concerts.

Member Spotlight: Gloria Murray, Guest Writer & Learner
- My speech is called “Ideas on ALLI.”

Organization Spotlight: Literacy Volunteers of Tucson (LVT)
- The year was 1961. Betty Frey, an educator in Tucson, Arizona, went to talk with her assistant pastor about what she could do to help the community.

Technology Watch: What to Do After Buying a Brand New PC LaptopBy Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner
- Just bought a new laptop? Wondering what you have to do before you can use it?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?

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

Hemet Public Library

2011-07-07T10:23:00.001-07:00

Longtime literacy director retires

Valley Chronicle: 7.03.2011 by Charles Hand

Lori Eastman’s career as the adult literacy coordinator for the Hemet Public Library has ended after 17 years.

Maybe.

Though the newly retired Eastman says she plans to take some time off and do some traveling with her equally newly retired husband, she doubts that she can stay away for good.

“It’s not a job; it’s a passion,” Eastman said.

But her career was more or less an accident.

She was looking for a job when a friend, her predecessor in the coordinator’s chair, suggested she become a tutor. “I found what I needed to do in my life,” she said.

When the former coordinator retired, Eastman stepped into the job and stayed there until her husband decided to retire.

Thus it was that another veteran adult literacy employee moved into the job in much the same way Eastman had all those years before.

Lea Ashforth describes what she does in much the same terms that Eastman uses, as a passion that goes well beyond a job. She started as a volunteer more than eight years ago and has been an employee in the program more than five years.

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Though demand for the program’s services remains strong, hours of operation have been cut from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday to accommodate funding reductions.

The program is grant supported, but even grants have been reduced.

Ashforth said she hopes the remaining grant withstands the budget cutting at the state level so the doors do not have to close, but there is no way to know what the future will bring. READ MORE !

California Library Literacy Calendar: July 2011

2011-06-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

California Literacy Calendar: July 2011
Summer Reading @ Your Local Library:
“One World, Many Stories”

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences

- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Local Literacy Events: July 2011
Jul 2 National Literacy Day Proclamation 5507
Jul 2 10am Sensory Friendly Films - Cars 2 AMC Woodland Hills to San Diego
Jul 18+ Orton Gillingham Method - IDA, Inland Empire
Jul 23 10am Sensory Friendly Film - Harry Potter Deathly Hallows 2 AMC Theaters

California Literacy Events: July 2011
Jul 2 National Literacy Day Proclamation 5507
Jul 11+ Mental Health - Learning Disabilities in Children San Diego
Jul 18+ Orton Gillingham Method - IDA, Inland Empire
Jul 21+ Comic-Con International San Diego Convention Center
Jul 22+ Sierra Storytelling Festival Nevada City CA

National & International Literacy Events: July 2011
Jul 2 National Literacy Day Proclamation 5507
Jul 2 10am Sensory Friendly Films - Cars 2 AMC theaters around the country
Jul 6+ Autism Society National Conference Orlando FL
Jul 11+ NIOST Summer Seminars Boston MA
Jul 17+ Correctional Education Assn. Conference Charleston WV
Jul 21+ Conference of the Americas San Antonio TX
Jul 23 10am Autism Sensory Friendly Films: Harry Potter Deathly Hallows 2

Literacy Jobs - AmeriCorps - California

2011-06-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

AmeriCorps - Literacy Jobs
California

Reading Partners
Student Coordinator: Apply
Operate innovative literacy intervention programs at elementary schools in California (San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles).

CalServes
Leaders: Apply by Jul 15
Serve as a facilitator for a team of AmeriCorps members at one of eight school sites. Focusing on either after school or one-on-one literacy tutoring, you will develop and apply your leadership, teaching and youth work skills in the coordination of the program.

Girls Inc – Alameda
Elementary School Group Leader: Apply by Jul 15
Lead daily literacy/self-esteem/enrichment programming for 15-20 students. San Francisco / Oakland / San Jose

First 5 Mendocino
Literacy Coordinator: Apply by Jul 20
Pursue fundraising opportunities for the program, provide outreach to the community, increase enrollment in the program and maintain the database for the Imagination Library Program in Mendocino County.

Notre Dame Mission Volunteers
Tutors: Apply by Jul 31
Assist in classroom teaching - tutoring in schools - Manage, organize, and teach after school enrichment programs for students - Mentor children with incarcerated parents. San Francisco / Oakland / San Jose

Monterey County United for Literacy
Literacy Tutor: Apply by Aug 20
30 members will provide one-to-one tutoring to a minimum of 515 students in kindergarten through fourth grade in Salinas and South Monterey County to help them improve their English language development, vocabulary acquisition, fluency and comprehension and develop the habit of independent reading.

MAAC Project
Literacy Tutors: Apply by Aug 31
Focus on literacy tutoring, creating youth leadership opportunities, and leading youth and adults in service learning activities. Members will also assist families/individuals with asset building and income supports services.

Support READ ACROSS CALIFORNIA MARCH 2012

2011-06-24T13:20:00.001-07:00

Read Across California Month
Will be presented for
an Assembly Floor Vote
Monday, June 27, 2011

Resolution ACR 62 by Assembly Member Julia Brownley would proclaim March of 2012, and each following year, "Read Across California" month, encouraging Californians to read at least 30 minutes a day for 30 days.

Children who independently spend time reading score higher on tests than children who do not read. Unfortunately, 23 percent of Californians lack basic literacy skills. This measure would help foster a love for reading and knowledge, and raise awareness of the importance of reading.

Support

READ ACROSS CALIFORNIA

Assembly Education Subcommittee

Your Assembly Member or State Senator

Author
Julia Brownley
Co-Authors
Mike Feuer
Ted Lieu
Carol Liu
Fran Pavley
Betsy Butler

March 2 is Read Across America Day, NEA’s national reading celebration of the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books.

Lompoc Public Library Literacy

2011-06-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Literacy program in jeopardy
Santa Maria Times: 6.18.2011 by Christina Chill

Consider your own life and how you would function without the ability to read and write. Simple everyday tasks like reading your emails, deciphering driving instructions, or writing a check would be daunting.

More challenging tasks like reading the want ads, balancing a checkbook, or filling out a job application could be virtually impossible without help from a confidant.

Nearly every thing we do on the job, at home, and in the community requires a certain level of reading, writing, and reasoning skills, yet nearly one-fifth of English speaking residents in Lompoc are illiterate.

Many are immigrants, who have learned to speak English well enough to get by, but lack the literacy skills to compete for 21st century jobs. Others were born in the United States, but for a variety of reasons failed in our traditional school system. A few have learning disabilities. Others are dropouts. Some have graduated from high school without having acquired the necessary skills to function in today’s information driven society.

For 21 years, the Lompoc Public Library has been giving these adults a second chance and an opportunity to succeed in life through free individualized tutoring by professionally-trained volunteers. Our “Each one Teach one” method is not only cost effective, but has helped 2,000 residents improve their skills and achieve their goals, from getting a job to enrolling in college. As a result, many have moved off welfare or other governmental services, and are productive citizens in our community.

The economic crisis in Lompoc has put our Literacy Program in jeopardy. Without community support, we could face elimination of these vital services in the upcoming months. You can help to keep our program afloat by supporting the Friends of the Library food booth at Flower Festival. All proceeds benefit literacy. We will be serving barbecue chicken dinners, jalapeno chicken poppers, drinks, and almond brittle. We will also have a slide show presentation at our booth, so you can see some of the faces of those we serve and the volunteers who make the program possible. Hope to see you there.

Christina Chill
Literacy Coordinator
Lompoc

Lompoc Valley Flower Festival
June 22 - 26
Ryon Park

The Times in Plain English

2011-06-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Times in Plain English

A new newspaper for adult learners that has important news from America’s best sources of information. The writing is in clear, readable English.

The stories with links to the full articles come from these newspapers:
Arizona Republic
Los Angeles Times
Miami Herald
New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Washington Post

Topics Include:
Education
Health
Immigration
In Brief
Law
Money & Work
New York
News
Of Interest

The editor of The Times in Plain English is Arthur Schiff, the publisher of City Family magazine published in New York in the 1990′s.

Newport Beach Public Library

2011-06-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Snapshot: Damari Guerra, Adult Learner
Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy Newsletter: June/July 2011

In 2008, Damari Guerra -originally from El Salvador- first came to the Newport Beach Public Library’s literacy program (Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy). Damari’s goal was to obtain her GED in order to attend college and find a better job.

She was quickly matched with her tutor, Lynn Pearlman. While working as a child care provider, Damari and Lynn worked to meet her goal and at the end of May 2011, she succeeded. She graduated and received her high school diploma. And, for all of her hard work, Damari earned a $500 Academic Scholarship for Santa Ana College for outstanding grades. She is an inspiration to all of our learners.

Literally Speaking:
What motivated you to come to the Newport Beach Public Library Literacy Program?
Damari: I wanted to improve my English and get help to earn my high school diploma.
Literally Speaking:
Why did you choose obtaining your high school diploma as your goal?
Damari: I would like to go to college and become a nurse.
Literally Speaking:
How did your relationship with your tutor develop over the years and help you to learn?
Damari: My tutor encouraged me to pursue my goals. She helped me with homework and things I didn’t understand.
Literally Speaking:
Now that you are graduating, what are your future plans?
Damari: Now that I am graduating, I plan to go to college and become a nurse.
Literally Speaking:
What are your hobbies?
Damari: I love to read the bible, attend church and hang out with my friends and family.

READ/San Diego

2011-06-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

READ/San Diego Tutor Conference
June 11, 2011
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
University of San Diego

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Robert Brooks, a clinical psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, who is an internationally recognized speaker on motivation, resilience, family relationships, and balancing personal and professional lives. He will speak on The Power of Mindsets: Strategies for Nurturing Hope and Resilience.

Workshop Highlights:
21st Century Skills & Digital Literacy
Marian Thacher, OTAN
Picture is Worth 1000 Words
Tracy Block-Zaretsky, Dyslexia Training Institute
Techniques Teaching Speech, Pronunciation, Listening
Marsha Chan, Mission College
Learner Centered-Process Oriented Writing
Graham, Halstead, & Slater, Cuyamaca College

Covina Public Library

2011-06-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Second Start Literacy Program

The Literacy Program now offers a free English as a Second Language Program (ESL) Funding Sources: WIA Title II Grant (Workforce Investment Act)

Join the Covina Public Library’s Free English as a Second Language Program. The program helps learners achieve proficiency in English and related skills needed for daily life and employment situations. All students are tutored in one-on-one settings and get individualized reading instruction twice per week. The program starts at the beginning level for those who neither read nor write English and progress to the final level before learners can be mainstreamed into all English instruction. For more information, call the Literacy Division at (626) 384-5280.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Volunteer Literacy Tutor?
- All volunteers are carefully screened and receive the proper training in order to become excellent tutors.
- Volunteers work one-on-one with either an adult or a child.
- Commitment: two hours per week (tutors can arrange to meet with their students one hour twice per week, or schedule two sessions consecutively)

Journey Into Dyslexia: Alan and Susan Raymond

2011-06-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

Journey Into Dyslexia: Alan and Susan Raymond

JOURNEY INTO DYSLEXIA
Alan and Susan Raymond
HBO Documentary (see schedule)

Academy-Award winning filmmakers Alan and Susan Raymond examine the complexities of this differently structured brain and debunk the myths and misperceptions about dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a specific leaning disability that is neurobiological in origin and typically manifests through difficulty in reading, writing, spelling and math. It has nothing to do with intelligence, birth defects, or a mental illness of any kind, the home environment, level of education or economic status.

Dyslexia persists throughout one's lifetime and is prevalent in every culture in the world. In the U.S. it affects as much as 10% of the population.

Surprisingly, however, Journey into Dyslexia reveals that many adult professionals who once struggled to learn in school consider their dyslexia a unique gift and the defining reason behind their success.

Because of its hidden characteristics, dyslexia is often misunderstood and misidentified. To qualify for accommodations in school or the workplace, a person must be identified through psychological testing.

Alan and Susan Raymond visited schools throughout the U.S. that have programs specifically designed for different ways of learning. These schools focus on programs where students are effectively taught to read and learn compensatory skills to manage their deficits. They talk with students from elementary age to college, teachers, researchers and successful adults about the way dyslexia informs who they are, how they learn and the ways in which they develop a different set of skills with which to navigate a world where standardization is the norm. READ MORE @ Video Verite - featuring (with links):

Adult Dyslexics
Erin Brockovich
Benjamin Foss: Inventor of the Intel Reader
Tracy Johnson
Jonathan Mooney
Willard Wigan

Entrepreneurs
Carl Schramm
Steven J. Walker

Science
Dr. Guinevere Eden, Director Center for the Study of Learning,
Georgetown University Medical Center
Dr. Maryann Wolf – Proust & The Squid

Educational Resources
Dr. David J. Connor
The Kildonan School
Delaware Valley Friends School
Bridges Academy
Parents Education Network
SAFE Voices
Evergreen State College

Literacy Library Fundraisers: June 4

2011-06-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Supporting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program
June 4 · 10:00am - 5:00pm

SAVE THE DATE !

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program, sponsored by The Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library is holding a book fair June 4, 2011 at Barnes & Noble (Citrus Plaza location) from 10 am – 5 pm

● Chance to Win a Nook!
● Enjoy Literary Confections at the Café!
● Kids: Make a Dad’s Day Card & Play for a Chance to Win a ThinkFun Game!
● Listen to SPECIAL Guest Readers!
● Free Demonstrations in Calligraphy
● Shop for Weddings, Grads, Dads and Vacations - Free Gift Wrapping!

A FUNd-raising Spelling Bee for Grownups
Saturday, June 4 @ 7:00pm

Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo County
at The Monday Club, San Luis Obispo, CA

Join us for a friendly fundraising competition at our Grown-Up Spelling Bee. Share lots of laughs, taste wines poured by Tablas Creek, Talley & other local wineries while enjoy savory/sweet treats provided by several fine food establishments.

Escondido Public Library

2011-05-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

Crafty C.A.T.S. Delivering Baby Hats

The Crafty C.A.T.S. have been hard at work for the last few months knitting almost 100 hats for newborn babies and their moms at Palomar Medical Center. We will be delivering these gifts as part of the Escondido Public Library Literacy Department's Born to Read program tomorrow, May 18, 2011.

WHO: It's for tweens and teens ages 11+.
WHAT: Crafty C.A.T.S. (Community Action Teen Service) is the best and most entertaining way to earn community service credit. Here are just a few of our ongoing projects and community partners:
- Beanies for newborn babies at Palomar Hospital with Born to Read
- Chemo caps for cancer patients at Sharp Cancer Center
- Bookmarks to sell at the library
- Snuggle blankets for homeless animals at the Escondido Humane Society
- Gloves, hats, and scarves for troops overseas through the Ships Project
- Squares of Hope to make blankets for African AIDS orphans

California Literacy Calendar: June 2011

2011-05-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

California Literacy Calendar: June 2011

Summer Reading Program: “One World, Many Stories”

Audiobook Month

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences

- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is alway scrolling in the Right Frame.

Local Literacy Events: June 2011

Jun 4: KUNG FU PANDA 2 Sensory Friendly Film @ AMC Theaters

Jun 4: Literacy READ ALOUD – Barnes & Noble Westside Pav @ 2pm

Jun 7: Literacy READ ALOUD – Barnes & Noble Westside Pav @ 5pm

Jun 11+: Mixed Roots Film Literary Festival – LA

Jun 11: Literacy Tutor Conference – READ/San Diego @ USD

California Literacy Events: June 2011

Jun 4: Literacy Spelling Bee – SLO Library @ 7pm

Jun 9+: US Conf Adult Literacy West Regional – USD

National & International Literacy Events: June 2011

Jun 4: KUNG FU PANDA 2 Sensory Friendly Film @ AMC Theaters

Jun 5+: Health Literacy Summit Inst – Maine

Jun 10+: Adult Education Research Conf – Toronto

Jun 10+: National Black Book Festival – Houston

Jun 23+: Children’s Literature Assn Conf – Virginia

Jun 24+: Urban Libraries Council Conf – New Orleans

Jun 28+: Volunteering & Service Conf - NY

June 24: ALA Conference – New Orleans

Top 25 Web Sites for Teaching and Learning @ 8:30am - 4:30pm

Committee on Literacy and Literacy Assembly Meeting @ 1:00pm - 4:00pm

June 25: ALA Conference – New Orleans

Criss Cross Applesauce ( Early Literacy) @ 8:00am - 10:00am

The Educators: Posters on Distance Learning, Continuing Education, Library Education, Literacy, and Research Methodology @ 1:00pm - 2:30pm

ABC's of Sustainable Partnerships @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Committee on Literacy, Subcommittee Planning Meeting @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Graphic Novels: Bridging Generations, Bridging Cultures @1:30pm - 3:30pm

Literacy Programs in Libraries around the Globe @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Reclaiming Literacy in the Digital Age @1:30pm - 3:30pm

Why Transliteracy @1:30pm - 3:30pm

Diversity and Outreach Fair @ 3:00pm - 5:00pm

The Power of Play @ 4:00pm - 5:30pm

June 26: ALA Conference – New Orleans

Beyond ESL: Working with Diverse Immigrant Populations @ 8:00am - 10:00am

Library Services to Incarcerated People @ 8:00am - 10:00am

Early Literacy Model Magic @ 10:30am - 12:00pm

Learning from Elmo, Blue and Dora @ 10:30am - 12:00pm

Promoting Ethical Literacy in Youth @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Raisin’ Readers: Improving Literacy for Rural Children and Youth @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Rainbow Reading @ 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Reach Out and Read: How Libraries Can Work with Doctors @ 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Teen Parents & Babies: The ABCs of Early Literacy Outreach @ 4:00pm - 5:30pm

June 27: ALA Conference – New Orleans

Coleman Lecture - Future of Literacy in Libraries: Our Challenges, Our Opportunities @ 8am

A Lifetime of Literacy in Libraries @ 10:30am - 12:00pm

Now Showing @ ALA: Comic Book Literacy (Film) @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Every Child Ready to Read Evaluation Task Force Meeting @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Transliteracy Interest Group @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

READ Orange County

2011-05-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Tutor Spotlight: Cherlyn Moyer
Read Writes: May 2011

In early 2006 at the end of a parent workshop presented by READ/OC at a local Head Start Center, the center’s director, Cherlyn Moyer, approached the workshop presenter and said, “When I retire I want to do what you are doing!” Later that same year, Cherlyn attended READ/OC’s tutor training workshop and became a tutor.

By Spring of 2007, Cherlyn was also helping with Family Reading Times and parent workshops as part of the Families For Literacy component of READ/OC. Cherlyn’s expertise in early childhood education and parenting is a great resource for READ/OC’s Family Literacy component. As new parent workshop topics and resources were developed for the “Early Learning with Families” program, Cherlyn’s background was very helpful. Soon Cherlyn was presenting most of the parent workshops for READ/OC, while continuing to meet with her learner.

After the Early Learning with Families grant concluded, Cherlyn continued as part of READ/OC’s family literacy team, advising and presenting parent workshops to parents at several Head Start Centers and OC Public Libraries. To date, Cherlyn has presented timely and practical information and fun activities for adults and children to become “learning partners” at more than 75 parent workshops on behalf of READ/OC. All the while, still meeting regularly with her adult learner and assisting with other special projects and events with READ/OC.

Cherlyn found an opportunity through READ/OC to share knowledge about early childhood education and her passion of learning and reading. She has helped countless parents and children learn and grow together. At the same time, she continues sharing the joy of lifelong learning and reading with her adult learner and everyone she meets. She is a great ambassador for literacy and READ/OC.

If you share a similar passion for lifelong learning and reading, contact READ/OC about similar opportunities. If you are already a part of the extended READ/OC family and know someone else who shares a similar passion for literacy, tell them about READ/OC. Give them this newsletter, our phone number or the READ/OC website address, and encourage them to get involved.

Learn the Gillingham Method

2011-05-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Orton Gillingham Training
IDA – Inland Empire Branch
July 18 - 29, 2011
Riverside CA

A series of Multi-Sensory Phonic Classes
Instructor: Dr Joan Stoner,
President Nebraska Branch IDA

8:30 am – 3:30 pm
May register for Levels 1, 2 or 3
Certification; university units are a possibility
Includes:
-Practicum
-One-on-One with student
$1650.00 - discount for IDA members
$400.00 - materials

2 Major Orton Gillingham Organizations
Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators - NY
Orton-Gillingham: Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) - MI

Carlsbad City Library

2011-05-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Proclamation at City Hall
Carlsbad Literacy Newsletter: May/June 2011

The City Council issued two proclamations on Tuesday, April 5: one recogniz-ing National Volunteer Week April 10-16, and the other in honor of National Library Week and Carlsbad Reads Together.

Councilwoman Farrah Douglas read the proclamation that honored Carlsbad Literacy Services volunteers. Last year, 106 volunteers spent 12,869 hours helping 110 adults learn how to read. That equates to around $300,000 worth of services.

Carrie Scott, the community outreach supervisor for the literacy program, said, “We not only change the lives of the people we serve, but we change the lives of our volunteers.” She explained that the program has helped learners get better jobs, read to their children, and use computers.

Meli Barrett, volunteer tutor in Literacy Services, said she thought learners would want to be able to read books and newspapers, but found out they had difficulties doing everyday things such as reading contracts, street signs, and directions for medications. “I have been matched with an adult learner for about eight months, and in that time, I’ve seen him earn a license, get certification pertaining to his job ... get two job promotions and a separate job offer.”

The Times in Plain English

2011-05-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Times in Plain English

A new newspaper for adult learners that has important news from America’s best sources of information. The writing is in clear, readable English.

The stories with links to the full articles come from these newspapers:

Arizona Republic
Los Angeles Times
Miami Herald
New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Washington Post

Topics Include:

Education
Health
Immigration
In Brief
Law
Money & Work
New York
News
Of Interest

The editor of The Times in Plain English is Arthur Schiff, the publisher of City Family magazine published in New York in the 1990′s.

Los Angeles Public Library

2011-05-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

We Are Here
by Susie Pae, Los Angeles Public Library Literacy
Women’s Perspectives: Issue 6, 2011 – page 41

When I worked at the post office in New York, I had a very hard time, because some of the workers were racists and prejudiced towards me. I didn’t resist them. I didn’t report it to the union either. At that time, my English was not fluent, so I was not interested in different cultures. Now I’ve learned to enjoy all kinds of different food and cultures, which makes me energetic and strong in my daily life. We can be a rainbow. Even though a rainbow has seven colors, they make a wonderful unified image. My open mind makes me want to learn new things.

After all, we are part of the world. Another quality I discovered in myself became apparent recently. When the copper-gold mine collapsed in Chile, I was reminded of the 6.7 earthquake in Northridge, California. I was stuck in my apartment. First of all, I couldn’t get out of the room. All the furniture had fallen down and blocked the door. That happened at 4am, so I couldn’t see anything in the darkness. As soon as the rescue team came to the apartment, my son shouted to them, “We are here!!” But I closed my son’s mouth right away, because I was afraid of people whom I didn’t know. I thought they would kill us. After they disappeared, my son prayed, “Oh, God. Help us get out of here.” I said, “If I die now, I want to go to heaven with my son.” Finally the sun rose, my neighbors came to my window. I came out of the room through the broken window. All the trees celebrated that I was born again. It was the most difficult event in my life. It made me strong and determined to go on in my life. READ MORE !

Women's Perspectives showcases writings and artwork by adult literacy/basic education students across all levels. These collections provide a forum for ABE learners to consider and further their knowledge about a variety of issues relative to women's experiences that continue to impact their lives. We hope these collections will not only encourage students to reflect and write but to also learn from the each other through their stories and opinions.

Literacy Tribune Newsletter: May 2011

2011-05-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Literacy Tribune: May 2011
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Rising Gas Prices – Where Will They Stop?

History Lesson: Memorial Day: was first celebrated on May 30, 1868

Financial Literacy: Got a Budget?
Been thinking about money?

Member Spotlight: Jefferson Vidal
Age 43, just got his driver’s license. He found the Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County in Long Branch NJ

Technology Watch: Mozilla Firefox 4: a web browser.
By Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.

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

You can write about:
Your road to literacy
Your literacy organization
Literacy resources you like

You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology
You can write just about anything !

Imperial County Library

2011-05-02T10:48:00.001-07:00

Reading is a family affair
Imperial Valley Press: 4.03.11 by Roman Flores

IMPERIAL — Two-year-old Safera Ayala of Imperial was all smiles as she scanned the table to pick out the free book she was going to take home.

“Dora!” she exclaimed as her mother, Julissa Ayala, showed her a colorful Dora the Explorer book.

This was one of the many sights Saturday during the LEARN Family Literacy Picnic at Eager Park here.

The Literacy Picnic was an event set to raise literacy awareness while acknowledging the many volunteer tutors, book learners and their families of the LEARN adult literacy program, said event coordinator Monica Reyes.

“We’re trying to send out the message that the library is the lifelong place to learn year-round,” said Imperial County Librarian Connie Barrington. “I think people automatically think ‘books,’ but libraries are so much more nowadays.”

For more information on the LEARN program visit your local library or call 760-355-1332. READ MORE !

California Literacy Calendar: May 2011

2011-04-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

California Literacy Calendar: May 2011

SCLLN Literacy & Library Events & Conferences: local, California and National.
Visit the Southern California Library Literacy Network for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame

Local Literacy Events: May 2011
May 5+ Village of Tales Storytelling Festival Ojai CA
May 7 Spring Workshop: Children's Literature Council Los Angeles Public Library
May.14 Women's Literary Festival - Santa Barbara
May 17 7:30pm Special Education:Challenges-Triumphs Providence Tarzana Med Ctr
May 18 5:30pm Eat Drink Read = San Diego Council Literacy

California Literacy Events: May 2011
May. 5+ Health Literacy Conference Irvine CA
May 13 9am Tulare County Learner-Tutor Conference Three Rivers CA
May 18 Library Legislative Day - California Library Assn. Sacramento CA

National & International Literacy Events: May 2011
May 2+ Children's Book Week
May. 4+ Plain Talk About Reading Institute New Orleans
May. 4+ Solutions for Assistive Technology Conference Baton Rouge LA
May. 5+ Health Literacy Conference Irvine CA
May 7 Toy Library Association Conference Paramus NJ
May 8+ IRA Annual Conference Orlando FL
May 9+ National Library Legislative Day Upper Senate Park
May 17+ Computer Assisted Lang Instruction Cons - Univ of Victoria, BC
May 23+ BookExpo America NY NY
May 25+ Canadian Library Association Conference Halifax, Nova Scotia
May 27+ Storytellers of Canada Conference Yellowknife Northwest Territories

Oceanside Public Library

2011-04-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

A Pair of Honorees
Oceanside Reads: Spring 2011

Two women who have joined the READS tutoring team within the last two years were honored at this year’s library volunteers luncheon in late February. They are Alma Sisco-Smith and Andrea Spolidoro.

Both of these high-energy women have been busy in recent months laying the groundwork for a larger and stronger READS program—in addition to keeping up with their regular tutoring assignments. They have mapped the program’s strengths and weaknesses, based on tutor and learner input, and have begun the search for additional financial support.

In addition, along with Coordinator Corrie Miles, they have been in close touch with Library Director Deborah Polich about strategies to keep the library’s literacy arm as strong as possible amid difficult financial times.

Andrea comes to READS from a background of working with low-income and minority populations as an administrator, trainer, and community organizer. Her last position was that of associate director of the Asian and Pacific Islander Older Adults Task Force in Los Angeles County. At READS, Andrea is currently working with learner Xinzhi.

Alma has had a long career at UC San Francisco, where she held a number of key positions, including that of director for the Worklife Resource Center. The center is responsible for overseeing campus initiatives to improve diversity, equity, conflict resolution, and mediation. She has also been a successful grant writer and brings that skill to the table at READS. Her current learner at READS is Toan, formerly of Vietnam.

SCLLN Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Support SCLLNs Writer To Writer Challenge ~ $ 25.00
Support SCLLNs Professional Development Day ~ $ 50.00
Support SCLLNs Annual Literacy Conference ~ $ 100.00

SCLLN Member Page

2011-04-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

SCLLN Member Page

We have a page of our SCLLN member libraries.

The page has links and phone numbers for each library.

Look for it across the top of the blog.

More Pages - Coming Soon !

Corona Public Library

2011-04-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

John Zickefoose Learned To Read At 35, Now Shares His Literacy Struggle With Kids
Huffington Post: April 15, 2011

When John Zickefoose was in school, he had a secret: he didn't know how to read. Years later, when his young son busted him for not knowing words in the children's books they would read together, Zickefoose decided it was time to learn. He enrolled in a public library literacy program and, at age 35, learned how to read. Now, "Mr. Z" shares his story, and the importance of reading, with local kids.

"I know in my heart of hearts that when I do that, share my story, there's a child out there who's going through the exact same thing that I went through that says, you know, 'wow, if Mr. Z can do it maybe I shouldn't give up on myself,'" Zickefoose told CNN Education Contributor Steve Perry.

Google Blogger - Broken Unusable

2011-04-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Google’s “Simple-to-use interface” on Blogger hasn’t worked since about March 28, 2011. Every New Post is automatically formatted as a paragraph –and there’s usually a space of 2-3 lines between more than 1 paragraph. The result: Blogger looks ugly Blogger is quite useless Blogger is currently a disservice to readers, followers and those of us who blog. I haven’t posted a single post about literacy or libraries since March 28. Google has not explained or addressed this problem When is Google Blogger going to FIX THIS ? IS Google Blogger going to FIX THIS ? Suggestions that using Chrome, Firefox, etc. is a solution -NOT ! Suggestions that the ‘ Updated Editor ‘ is a solution – NOT ! -the Updated Editor has been and continues to be AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL . Explorer worked fine as of March 28th. The “ Old Editor “ worked fine as of March 28th. It is April 13 and still nothing works.

Santa Barbara Public Library

2011-03-25T09:17:00.001-07:00

Program Wins Community Service Award !
Santa Barbara Literacy Newsletter: March 2011

We are delighted to share the news that the Dyslexia Awareness and Resource Center (DARC) and its Board of Directors have chosen the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program to receive their annual “Vision and Task” Service Award, honoring the organization’s consistent endeavors and commitment to the adults of our community with learning disabilities.

“Words cannot express how appreciative we are of your organization’s dedication and commitment over the years to the adults of our community whom it is the Center’s mission to help. We cannot think of a more worthy recipient of this year’s award,” states DARC Founder and Program Director Joan Esposito and Executive Director Leslie Esposito.

The Santa Barbara Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program will be honored during an award luncheon at the 15th Annual “Vision and Task” Conference, Saturday, March 19, at the Marjorie Luke Theater. The conference’s main speaker is Rick Lavoie, a nationally known expert on working with children with learning disabilities. Many of you will recognize Lavoie as the teacher in the “How Difficult Can This Be” videos about learning disabilities that we have often shown in training programs.

The Santa Barbara Public Library System has been matching adult learners with trained volunteers since 1987 for free, confidential tutoring in reading, writing and basic math skills. The program has enabled over 2700 adult learners to improve basic skills necessary for employment, daily living, and reading for enjoyment. Over a thousand local adults have volunteered as one-to-one tutors to help other adults read to children, prepare to enroll in college, become citizens, and earn a GED, among other goals. READ MORE !

SCLLN Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Support SCLLNs Writer To Writer Challenge ~ $ 25.00
Support SCLLNs Professional Development Day ~ $ 50.00
Support SCLLNs Annual Literacy Conference ~ $ 100.00

California Budget Update: March 16

2011-03-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

California Budget Update
Mar 16 - Sacramento

~ approved 20 pieces of legislation that enacts some of the cuts called for in the Governor's budget.
~ approved billions of dollars in cuts to welfare, medical programs for the poor and in-home care for the elderly and frail, among other services

Didn't approve the budget, that vote may come as early as today.

The cuts and money transfers approved Wednesday are (Neon Tommy):
SB 72 - Human Services - $1.7 Billion
CalWORKS grants; Care time through in-home supportive services; Supplemental social security payments would be reduced.
SB 74 -Developmental Services - $750 Million
SB 80 - Misc. - $230 Million
About $101 million in Indian casino revenues would be sent to the general fund in each of the next five years.
SB 82 (AB 106)
Allows the state to borrow money and defer payments to entities such as colleges.
AB 97 - Health Care Cuts - $1.8 Billion (SB 73)
AB 99 - Cigarette Tax Fund Shift - $1 Billion (SB 75)
AB 100 - Mental Health Care - $860 Million (SB 76)
AB 105 - Transportation Fund Shift- $1 Billion (SB 81)

scheduled to reconvene Thursday to tackle Redevelopment Agencies as well as Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to ask voters to approve a temporary extension of sales, income and vehicle taxes set to expire this year.

READ MORE @ Neon Tommy
the online publication of the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism

2010 Writer To Writer Awards - SCLLN

2011-03-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

2010 Writer To Writer Awards
Southern California Library Literacy Network
Literacy Conference

Level 1: Emerging Writers
Winner - Ramon Gomez, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center
1st Runner Up - Dominique Calhoun, READ/San Diego
2nd Runner Up - Ashley Park, Newport Beach Public Library

Level 2: Beginning Writers
Winner - Maria Arvizo, READ/San Diego
1st Runner Up - Leticia Buenrostro, Los Angeles Public Library
2nd Runner Up - Carmen Cordero, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

Level 3: Intermediate Writers
Winner - Kim Anaya, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center
1st Runner Up - Margarita Castro, Huntington Beach Library
2nd Runner Up - Alma Giron, City of Imperial Public Library

Level 4: Advanced Writers
Winner - Dee Tiwari, Glendale Public Library
1st Runner Up - Therese Liu, Los Angeles Public Library
2nd Runner Up - Hun Lien Lau, READ/Orange County

Learners write a letter to an author of a book telling them how the book influenced their lives. Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony that will take place during the lunchtime program at the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN) Literacy Conference March 5.

The winners received $100, a plaque, a journal and a pen.
The runners-up received $25, a certificate, a journal and a pen.
Their letters were published in a book and will be posted on the SCLLN website and blog. Watch for them.

Congratulations all !

SCLLN Celebrating 25 Years of Service

Support SCLLNs Writer To Writer Challenge ~ $ 25.00

Support SCLLNs Professional Development Day ~ $ 50.00

Support SCLLNs Annual Literacy Conference ~ $ 100.00

SCLLN Writer To Writer Challenge 2010

2011-03-07T08:38:00.001-08:00

Carlsbad Winners in Writer to Writer Contest !

Congratulations to 4 winners from Carlsbad City Library Learning Center Literacy Services.

Level 1 Emerging Writers - Winner: Ramon G.

1st Runner-Up: Dominique C. (formerly of READ San Diego)

Level 2 Beginning Writers - 2nd Runner-Up: Carmen C.

Level 3 Intermediate Writers -Winner: Kim A. (moved from area)

The Writer to Writer Challenge began an annual statewide writing competition for adult learners in public library literacy programs throughout California. This year the State Library decided not to sponsor the Challenge and it was left to regional library literacy networks to sponsor Writer to Writer in 2010.

Learners write a letter to an author of a book telling them how the book influenced their lives. The winners received $100 and a plaque from the Southern California Library Literacy Network and had their letters published in a book and on the SCLLN website.

Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony that will take place during the lunchtime program at the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN) Literacy Conference March 5.

Congratulations all !

BUDGET COMMITTEE SAVES LIBRARY FROM ELIMINATION

2011-03-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE SAVES LIBRARY PROGRAMS FROM ELIMINATION
Budget Bills Head To The Floors Next Week
CLA: 3.03.11 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

This afternoon the powerful 10 member Budget Conference Committee put their final mark on a massive reduction and revenues package, addressing the Governor’s plan to close a whopping $26 billion Budget deficit. One of their final actions was approving a “Conference Compromise” to spare the three library programs – the Public Library Foundation, the California Library Services Act, and the State literacy program, from elimination. You will recall that the Governor’s January Budget recommended complete elimination of $30.4 million for these three programs, which would also jeopardize millions in federal dollars associated with the CLSA. The Assembly Version of the Budget sought to spare the three programs from deep cuts, while the Senate initially agreed to accept the Governor’s proposal to eliminate the programs. And so, when the Conference Committee met this afternoon, they formally approved an action to keep the following dollar amounts in these three programs:

“Conference Compromise”
~ $8.5 million in the California Library Services Act
(at this funding level, also allows the State Library to maintain its federal MOE/match)
~ $3.7 million in the California Library Literacy Services program
~ $3 million in the Public Library Foundation

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. . . many of the items being voted on in the Conference Committee have received votes that are split along party-lines. We believe that the strong bipartisan vote on our three items will certainly help to encourage the Governor to leave the $15.2 million in the Budget for these programs.

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The intention is for the Assembly and Senate to vote on the Budget bills next week. We will give you information on Monday regarding contacting the Governor to encourage him to leave the $15.2 million in the Budget for library funding.

READ/Orange County

2011-03-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Profile: READ Jr. Tutor Vyvy Pham
Read Writes: Feb/Mar 2011

You have often heard us talking in recent years about READ Jr, the new program designed to help our learners with grade school aged children. In this program, teen tutors work with adult learners and their children aged 6-12 years old to help them learn together as a family. The children get direct help with their reading and writing skills, while the parents learn how to better support their children in school. The program has generated a lot of excitement, and we are always looking for new tutors and learner families to help it take off! Here are the words of Vyvy Pham, one of our original READ Jr. tutors:

I first heard of this program through Carol Tsai during the summer going into my junior year. Right before the summer started, I was told by my guidance counselor that I needed community service to make my transcript look better, so I applied as a volunteer for the Friends of the Library Bookstore. Carol Tsai, the volunteer coordinator at the time, gave me my weekly shift at the bookstore for the summer. When I met her for the first time, I asked her if she knew of another way to earn even more community service hours on top of the library shifts. She then told me about how she was trying to get a program to start and that I should attend the first meeting. READ MORE !

Monrovia Public Library

2011-03-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

Local Volunteers Promote Literacy at the Library
Monrovia Patch: 2.28.11 by Christine Langteau

American-born Christine Langteau and Korean-born Grace Kim are two longtime California residents from different cultures who meet every week as tutor and student in the Monrovia Public Library’s Literacy Program.

"The best way to learn is to meet with a person who speaks English as much as I can," said Kim.

Langteau, who also works in the Los Angeles Law Library in the Pomona courthouse, said part of her interest in the literacy program came from seeing her daughter’s challenges with learning how to read. That made her appreciate how difficult English can be for any learner, from native speakers to ESL students.

"Having seen that, I come at it from a different perspective," said Langteau.

Langteau and Kim have been working together for almost a year. When they began, they focused on working out of a Voyager series library workbook for three months.

"Actually, I noticed I picked up a lot of words I didn’t know before," said Kim. Langteau said that while the Voyager series was helpful, some terms in the stories were not commonly used today. Kim said she felt she needed more that applied to her real life, so Langteau brought newspaper articles for them to go over together.

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In the senior adult day care where she works, Kim usually speaks Korean with her coworkers, but at times, she has helped them with English. For example, at election time, Kim read the propositions on the ballots and translated them for her coworkers. Reading the more formal writing was less challenging for Kim than reading the slang and idiom-soaked articles in the L.A. Times.

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One very meaningful experience that Langteau and Kim shared was when Langteau helped Kim write a letter in English to her son for his birthday.

Kim said her children have often been very helpful in explaining new English words to her. But now, she doesn’t want to ask them to help with her English anymore. She feels motivated to learn more English on her own, so she can impress them with her language skills.

"The reality is that we are living in America. Wherever we go, we are required to speak English. Whether we go to the market or DMV, that’s the reality," said Kim. She says the tutoring sessions with Langteau have helped improve her English on many levels.

"I feel confidence," Kim said. "Whenever I don’t know, I ask her. Sometimes I send text messages." READ MORE !

California Literacy Calendar: March 2011

2011-02-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

California Literacy Calendar: March 2011

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- local, California and National -

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Local and California Literacy Events: March 2011
Mar 1: Dyslexia: What Can Teachers Do = Webinar @ 6PM
Mar 2: Read Across America Day
Mar 3: Strategies Students Stuggling Reading & Writing = Arcadia
Mar 4+: TASH Annual Conference = Irvine
Mar 4+: Charlotte S Huck Children's Literature Festival = Univ of Redlands
Mar 5: SCLLN Literacy Conference = Buena Park
Mar 7: Overview of Orton Gillingham – Online
Mar 7: Strategies, Activities, Tools for Teaching Gifted Students = San Diego
Mar 8: YES on Measure L = Save Los Angeles Libraries
Mar 8: Strategies, Activities, Tools for Teaching Gifted Students = Monrovia
Mar 10: Intro to Dyslexia = Webinar @ 6PM
Mar 12: Literary Women - Long Beach Festival of Authors
Mar 12: Sensory Friendly Films MARS NEEDS MOMS = AMC theaters @ 10 AM
Mar 14+: Intl Technology & Disabilities Conference = San Diego
Mar 17+: California Language Teachers Assn Conference = Santa Clara
Mar 17+: CUE Conference = Palm Springs
Mar 18: Future for Public Education in California = Irvine
Mar 19: Dyslexia Awareness Resource Center Conf = Santa Barbara
Mar 23+: CABE Conference = Long Beach Convention Center
Mar 29: Learning Disability Advocacy: FAQs IEPs - Webinar
Mar 29: What's NEW in Children's Literature = Arcadia
Mar 30: Strategies Before They Fall Too Far Behind in Reading = Arcadia
Mar 30: What's New in Young Adult Literature = Anaheim
Mar 31: What's NEW in Children's Literature = Sunnyvale

National Literacy Events: March 2011
Mar 2: Read Across America Day
Mar 2+: Early Education Technology for Children = Salt Lake City
Mar 10+: Lindamood-Bell Conference = Anaheim
Mar 12: Sensory Friendly Films MARS NEEDS MOMS = AMC theaters @ 10 AM
Mar 16+: TESOL Annual Convention = New Orleans
Mar 26+: Latino Book & Family Festival = Cicero IL

SCLLN Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Support SCLLNs Writer To Writer Challenge ~ $ 25.00
Support SCLLNs Professional Development Day ~ $ 50.00

Support SCLLNs Annual Literacy Conference ~ $ 100.00

Corona Public Library - Funding Threatened

2011-02-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

Demand for adult literacy rises as funding threatened
Press Enterprise: 2.23.11 by Dayna Straehley

John Zickefoose's interest in education and literacy is personal.

After struggling with dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder from elementary through high school, he finally turned for help to the library where he now works.

He was 35 years old and could no longer work in his home-repair business because he needed back surgery and a new career. His 7-year-old son read better than he could.

So 17 years ago he walked in the Corona Library and embarked on a journey of literacy.

Today, Zickefoose is on the board of an international literacy organization and the Corona-Norco Unified School District. He is outreach coordinator at the Corona Public Library.

"I owe my life to this library," he said. "It totally transformed me as a human being."

Such transformations could become more elusive as governments struggle to balance the budgets. Demand for adult literacy services in the Inland area is higher than ever, but funding cuts threaten the programs run from public libraries.

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Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget would eliminate the $4.5 million the state provides to adult literacy programs such as the one at Corona's library.

Inland coordinators don't know how they will keep their programs going without state money.

"For every $1 of state funds, $4 of private donations are leveraged," said David Harvey, president and CEO of ProLiteracy. The international organization supports programs at the local level. It offers advocacy assistance as well as reading materials for adult learners.

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SMALL BUDGET, BIG RESULTS

Lori Eastman, literacy coordinator for Hemet Public Library Adult Literacy Services, said Zickefoose's beginning on the road to literacy is typical, although he has gone further than most. Adults are most often in their 30s or 40s, forced to make a career change and embarrassed because they can't help their children, she said.

Four adult learners in Hemet echoed many of the same frustrations that brought them to seek help learning to read and write better, although they wouldn't give their full names because they too are embarrassed about their disabilities. They said they wanted to help their children with their schoolwork and set a better example. They told of lifelong learning difficulties.

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Eastman said the city of Hemet supplements the $30,000 that comes from the state. Supplies come from donations and fundraisers, she said.

Corona Library Director Julie Frederickson said she is hopeful that community donors and the city will keep the literacy program afloat if state funding is cut.

Harvey was less optimistic.

He said the state funds are seed money for all of the libraries' and literacy programs' fundraising efforts.

"The private sector is never going to be able to replace the publicly funded core," Harvey said. READ MORE !

Save California Library Literacy Funding: Feb 23 Update

2011-02-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

SAVE PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING !
Letters, Phone Calls, Faxes, Emails

February 22 - March 1
Budget Conference Committees to meet for the next 6 days before going to a potential vote on the Floor by the end of next week.

Gov Brown hopes to have a final spending proposal before the full Legislature by March 10.

Senate Budget Comm: Leno/Huff
Assembly Budget Comm: Blumenfield/Nielsen
Senate Appropriations Comm: Kehoe/Walters
Assembly Appropriations Comm: Fuentes/Harkey

This morning (CLA Blog), Budget Conference Committee Chairman, Bob Blumenfield noted that the BCC would attempt to meet for 6 days only, with a potential vote on the Floors by the end of next week. In your letters or phone calls, please request the following action of the Conferees:

"I respectfully urge your support of the Assembly Version of the Budget, pertaining to the three issues in the State Library Budget: the California Library Services Act, the Public Library Foundation, and the California Library Literacy Services program."

In your calls and letters please indicate why elimination of these programs (per the Senate version) would:

1) destroy the cooperative lending and loaning system of books and materials in California,

2) could lead to a system where non-residents are denied access to library materials or asked to pay for a library card costing upwards of $100,

3) would put in jeopardy almost $17 million in corresponding federal funds,

4) deny literacy services to more than 20,000 adult learners annually who potentially would have no other alternative for seeking these services locally, and

5) denies local assistance dollars for libraries who have already suffered mightily with the state and local funding cuts over the past few years.

[Please refer to any of these issues that are most important for your particular area of interest]

Faxes, Phone Calls, Letters and e-mails are Most Important !

on February 18, 2011
Assembly: Recommended Minimal Cuts
Senate: Recomemended Elimination of all Funding

Save California Public Library and Literacy Funding

CA Budget UPDATE: Assembly Minimal Cuts - Senate Eliminate All Funds

2011-02-18T15:32:00.001-08:00

ASSEMBLY PROPOSES ONLY MINIMAL CUTS; THE SENATE RECOMMENDS ELIMINATION OF ALL FUNDS
CLA Blog: 2.18.11 by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

ASSEMBLY PROPOSES MINIMAL CUTS TO LIBRARY PROGRAMS:

Today, the Assembly Budget Committee made a strong statement in favor of the protection of the California Library Services Act and the Public Library Foundation by reducing these two programs that were proposed for complete elimination ($12.9 million and $12.9 million respectively) by only $1.5 million each. The Committee recommendation leaves intact the $4.6 million in funding for the California Library Literacy Program [English Acquisition and Literacy Program].

The official action the Assembly Budget Committee took today relative to the library funding is as follows:

"California State Library. Reductions. Reduces the magnitude of reductions to preserve the English Acquisition and Literacy Program, and reduces the Public Library Foundation and the California Library Services Act by $1.5 million each."

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The vote on the proposed action today was on a strict party-line vote, with all Democrats voting "aye" and Republicans voting "no."

SENATE PROPOSES ELIMINATION OF ALL $30.4 MILLION IN LIBRARY FUNDING

In stark contrast to the action by the Assembly today, yesterday the Senate Budget Committee voted to approve most of the Governor's Budget proposals "as is," including the proposed action relative to the CLSA, PLF, and literacy funding. The Senate's action adopts the Governor's proposal to totally eliminate the three library programs, for a scoring of $30.4 million.

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The Senate Budget Chair, Mark Leno stated, "This is not an easy decision for us and one that we need to take seriously." A member of the Committee then quickly made the motion to "support the Governor's proposal." Senators Lois Wolk, Joe Simitian, and Education Budget Subcommittee Chair Senator Carol Liu, all abstained from the vote. We were intrigued that there was no debate on the issue, which signaled to us that the vote was a larger statement about the Senate's intention to work with the Governor, make hard choices, and to continue the discussions regarding painful cuts to programs such as the libraries.

NEXT STEPS - ITEMS HEAD TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Due to the different actions between the two houses relative to the library programs and their funding levels, this will force these three issues into "Conference Committee."

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Due to the truncated process this year, however, the Budget Conference Committee will begin meeting next week, likely on Wednesday. We will be waiting for official word from the Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tem regarding who the conferees will be and then we will give you instructions on how to contact these key legislators from each house. READ MORE !

SAVE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING !

2011-02-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

Let-Them-Eat-Cake-Attitude Threatens to Destroy a Network of Public Assets
Huffington Post: 2.15.11 by Scott Turow (President, Authors Guild)

While our economy seems to be slowly staggering back to its feet, state and municipal governments remain hard-hit as the result of lost tax revenues, lost stimulus money and pension fund payments that have grown to monstrous size to make up for the market losses of 2007 and 2008. Those governments are cutting everywhere they can and public libraries nationwide have been one of the biggest and least deserved losers in the process.

Widespread public access to knowledge, like public education, is one of the pillars of our democracy, a guarantee that we can maintain a well-informed citizenry.

But libraries seem to be losing out in the funding battles, due, in part, to the mistaken belief that they are somehow anachronistic in an age when so many Americans have instant computer access to information through the Internet. This is, frankly, a let-them-eat-cake-attitude that threatens to destroy a network of public assets that remains critical in our country.

Millions of Americans simply cannot afford to replace what libraries have traditionally offered for free -- access to books, computers and research assistance. Ironically, the importance of these services is even greater in a time of economic uncertainty.

For Americans facing job losses, working to gain new skills and seeking assistance in an increasingly digital world, U.S. public libraries are first responders. Two-thirds of libraries report they provide the only free access to computers and the Internet in their communities. Libraries function as crucial technology hubs, not merely for free Web access, but those who need computer training and assistance.

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For example, in California, Governor Brown's new proposed budget decreases General Fund assistance for public libraries by $30.4 million, eliminating the California Library Services Act, Public Library Foundation and the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services -- that is, access, resource sharing and adult literacy. In Texas, the cuts are even more stark, with the new budget proposing complete elimination of several programs that have either provided direct aid to libraries or irreplaceable programs, like those that created shared databases. Even in my own community, a small city on the northern edge of Chicago where a major university sits, my neighbors and I have been struggling to save a small branch library that was pivotal to the education of many neighborhood kids.

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I count myself as one of millions of Americans whose life simply would not be the same without the libraries that supported my learning. We cannot take that opportunity away from so many Americans who need that help urgently now. READ MORE !

A. K. Smiley Public Library - Redlands

2011-02-14T13:26:00.001-08:00

Literacy tutors help adults to improve their reading and writing
Redlands Daily Facts: 2.10.11
by Katherine Gifford (Volunteer Literacy)

REDLANDS - Imagine receiving a Valentine from your child and not being able to read its sentiments.

"There is no age limit to learning to read and write," said Trudy Waldron, volunteer literacy coordinator for the Redlands Adult Literacy Program.

Recently, the Friends of the Library reactivated an adult literacy program as a core service at the library. The mission of the Redlands Adult Literacy Program is to provide professional one-on-one tutoring in reading and writing to adults, 18 years and older, seeking help in the community. The service to adult learners is confidential and free.

Diana Sommer, one of the literacy tutors, recently retired from teaching and working with International Students at the University of Redlands.

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The community should know how much adult literacy is needed. "Learners are not alone and help is available," Sommer said.

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The next tutor orientation meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. March 14, at the A.K. Smiley Library Assembly Room. If you are interested in volunteering or would like assistance in reading or writing, please contact a volunteer literacy coordinator at 909-798-7565 ext. 4138. READ MORE !

Ventura County Library

2011-02-12T08:38:00.001-08:00

County literacy program could lose state funding
VC Star: 2.11.11 by Kevin Clerici

A Ventura County literacy program that teaches some 250 adults to read each year would lose funding under the governor's proposed budget, and backers have launched a letter-writing campaign to legislators to try to minimize the cut.

Because the free tutoring program is staffed almost entirely by volunteers, it costs only about $35,000 a year to operate, making it cost-effective, proponents say.

Lack of literacy is the No. 1 cause of the high school dropout problem, experts say. People with low literacy skills typically are underemployed, pay less in taxes and need more public services. And families in which a parent reads poorly are more likely to have children with low literacy skills.

"These adult learners typically have no place else to turn for help," said Carol Chapman, literacy program manager.

Private instruction can be costly, she added. One learner sought private help and after completing an assessment was told it would cost him $8,000 in instruction to become proficient, Chapman said. In contrast, the county tutoring is all free and takes place in libraries, schools and community and jail facilities throughout the county.

Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget calls for the elimination of funding for public libraries ($30.4 million) and statewide literacy services ($4.6 million), except for the state library itself. It represents a tiny fraction of his plan to close a $26.5 billion shortfall.

Ventura County's library system received $150,000 in state funds last year to share among its 14 branches, as well as the $35,000 for literacy tutoring.

That's a far cry from the amount received during rosier fiscal years. In 2000, local libraries received $1.2 million from the state, records show.

Jackie Griffin, the county's chief librarian, believes if the state money is eliminated, the chances of getting it back in better economic times will be greatly reduced.

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The county library system has been offering the tutoring service since 1984, among the first to join the California Literacy Campaign. Additional funding over the years has come from collaborative agreements with the Ventura and Oxnard adult schools, various cities and the Sheriff's Department. State grants and donations from businesses and service organizations also have helped, but contributions have slowed due to the economy.

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Supporters hold annual fundraising events — the Gold Coast Ride for Literacy in April as well as the Trivia Challenge, which collectively raise about $3,000 to $6,000 each year. There is talk of doing more.

"We are open to all possibilities," Chapman said. READ MORE !

Santa Maria Public Library

2011-02-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Governor’s budget plan putting literacy on the line
Santa Maria Times: February 10, 2011 by Brian Bullock

When Eduardo Leyva moved to Santa Maria from Guadalajara a year and a half ago, he had never heard of Gov. Jerry Brown. But now he has a message for the newly elected governor: “Leave library programs alone.”

The governor’s 2011-12 budget proposal could completely eliminate state spending on public libraries, which could eliminate adult literacy programs.

Leyva, 25, is just one example of how such programs improve the lives of its residents.

When he arrived in town, the ambitious Leyva found a job washing dishes at a local restaurant, but he wanted more. He wanted to become a server at the restaurant, but his English wasn’t good enough to get him the job.

So Leyva went to the Central Coast Literacy Council, which provides tutoring services at the Santa Maria Public Library and several other study centers around the valley. Since then, he has worked two days a week with tutor Debbi Barclay to smooth out his rough, choppy English.

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According to the California Library Association, Leyva is one of more than 20,000 adults who participate in similar programs throughout the state. They are new immigrants or people who never finished their education.

The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), last conducted in 2003, claims there are 11 million adults in the country who aren’t literate.

In that assessment, 22 percent of adults in Santa Barbara County were classified as below basic, meaning they could not perform such simple tasks as signing a form or adding numbers on a bank deposit slip.

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Leyva’s success is the perfect example of that. Emboldened by his success in the program, Leyva joined thousands of students across the state in writing letters to the governor supporting adult literacy programs, something he would have never considered before working with Barclay.

Now that Leyva has achieved his first goal of becoming a server, his next is to help others.

“We feel very happy having this kind of program here,” he said. “Next I want to become a tutor, like Debbi, helping people who need a little hand. I remember that once I was one of those people who needed help.” READ MORE !