Showing posts with label Book Clubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Clubs. Show all posts

Friday, May 7, 2021

Redlands Library ▬ Redlands Caught Up In ‘Charlotte’s Web’ For 2021 Community Read

Redlands Caught Up In ‘Charlotte’s Web’ For 2021 Community Read

Redlands Adult Literacy
Redlands Daily Facts: 4.16.2021 by Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coor-A.K. Smiley Library

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program has named the classic story “Charlotte’s Web,” written by E. B. White, as its 2021 Community Read.

Charlotte’s Web

“Charlotte’s Web” is a story that speaks to all generations with its themes of friendship, life, death and the power of words. The Community Read offers the opportunity for parents and children, readers who have read “Charlotte’s Web” or are new to the story, book club members and others, to experience the book’s message in a new way, particularly as we reflect on all that has occurred in the last year.

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Guillermina Rangel, an adult learner enrolled in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, is reading “Charlotte’s Web” for the first time. She observed, “I just love Wilbur, how innocent he is and his determination to learn. I also like Charlotte, who is very well educated, patient and compassionate towards Wilbur. To me, she is like a very dedicated teacher.”

To enhance the reading experience, a Charlotte’s Web activity guide has been posted on the Adult Literacy website. The guide includes a history of the author and the book’s illustrator, Garth Williams, as well as vocabulary, discussion topics, and activities for people of all ages.  READ MORE ➤➤

 
Based on 7 readability formulas:
Grade Level: 10
Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 14-15 yrs. old (Ninth to Tenth graders)


To learn more, join us at a Zoom Tutor Orientation.

Please call the Redlands Adult Literacy Program office at 909.798.7565 to sign up for the Orientation or if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!


Thursday, April 15, 2021

Camarena Library ▬ Adult Literacy Services at the Library

CAMARENA CORNER: Adult Literacy Services at the Library

Adult Literacy Services
Calexico Chronicle: 4.14.2021 by Lizeth Legaspion

Camarena Memorial Library has been offering various literacy services to help Calexico residents improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills in a virtual environment since the pandemic started.

English as a second language (ESL) classes are offered three times per week via Zoom. In order to be part of this class, an intake interview is performed, and if the person qualifies, the person gets added to a waiting list. The current participants are taking the Level 2 class. Each level is completed in about four months. Once a participant has completed the two levels, it is very likely that they qualify for adult tutoring services.

Adult tutoring services are also offered virtually. A library volunteer tutor helps another adult improve their reading and writing skills in one-on-one sessions. The learner’s learning goals are what drives the curriculum the tutor puts together. Tutor and learner meet for at least two hours per week. The library provides all the materials the tutor and the learner need for their sessions. This program is possible thanks to the California Library Literacy Services Grant.

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In addition to these services, the library also offers a weekly conversation session where participants can practice their English-speaking skills. The “Let’s Talk” conversation group meets via zoom on Thursdays at 5 p.m.

Since February, the library started a new book club named “Library Learners” especially designed for those that are working on improving their English skills.  READ MORE ➤➤

 
Based on 7 readability formulas:
Grade Level: 9
Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old
(Eighth and Ninth graders)


Call the library at (760) 768-2170


Monday, March 22, 2021

Redlands Library ▬ Literacy Program Challenges Redlands To Get Caught Up In ‘Charlotte’s Web’

Literacy Program Challenges Redlands To Get Caught Up In ‘Charlotte’s Web’

Charlotte’s Web
Redlands Community News: 3.11.2021 by Shari Forbes

This year’s Redlands Community Read selection is E.B. White’s classic book “Charlotte’s Web,” first published in 1952 and illustrated by Garth Williams.

Sponsored by the A.K. Smiley Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program, the annual Community Read Challenge is open to all who wish to participate.

The challenge features monthly activities related to the book, culminating in a community celebration in the fall of 2021. Illustration and writing activities can be submitted to the library and may be chosen for display in the library or other city facilities.  READ MORE ➤➤

 
Based on 7 readability formulas:
Grade Level: 10
Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 14-15 yrs. old
(Ninth to Tenth graders)
 

Redlands Adult Literacy Program

Our mission is to provide free, professional, and confidential tutoring in reading and writing to help adult learners in the Redlands community reach their literacy goals.

To learn more, join us at a Zoom Tutor Orientation. 

Please call the Redlands Adult Literacy Program office at 909.798.7565, ext. 4138 or email literacy@akspl.org to sign up for the Orientation or if you have any questions.

We look forward to hearing from you!


Friday, March 12, 2021

Carlsbad Library ▬ An Evening with Tara Westover ▬ April 8

Pick Up the Carlsbad Reads Together Selection

An Evening with
Tara Westover
Learning Connection: March/April 2021

Carlsbad is revisiting last year’s Carlsbad Reads Together selection Educated by Tara Westover.

We are offering this book free to those who would like to participate! Learners receive a matching audiobook. Give us a call and we will get your book ready for curbside pickup. Curbside pickup is available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho and isolated from mainstream society, Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Lacking a formal education, she began to educate herself. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Cambridge, Harvard and beyond. “

An Evening with Tara Westover
Virtual Event
Thursday, April 8, 5:30 p.m.
Tara Westover will discuss her book Educated followed by an audience Q&A.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Literacy Volunteering

You can change a life by becoming a volunteer literacy tutor!

Orientations are currently on hold.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, call Literacy Services at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center at 760-931-4510.

 

Based on 7 readability formulas:
Grade Level: 8
Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 12-14 yrs. old
(Seventh and Eighth graders)


Friday, November 27, 2020

Redlands Library ▬ Redlands Community Invited to Use Adult Literacy Resources

Redlands Community Invited to Use Adult Literacy Resources

The Cell Phone Lot

Smiley Library Blog: 10.04.2020 by Diane Shimota 

Generous donors and grantors have enabled the Redlands Adult Literacy Program to acquire a wide selection of literacy materials that are available for checkout by anyone in the community. These materials may be helpful to students who want to improve their reading and writing skills, and adults who want to improve their English literacy skills. You are invited to peruse the adult literacy collection at A. K. Smiley Public Library where you will find: fiction and nonfiction stories, biographies, abbreviated classics, graphic novels, audio books, and workbooks that enhance learning for those who are working to improve their literacy. Literacy books are written with themes that appeal to adult readers, but with grammar and vocabulary that make the books easy to understand.

The adult literacy collection includes contemporary stories that are available to everyone regardless of their reading level. The Gemma Open Door Series books are quick and easy to read. One of these books, The Cell Phone Lot by Greta Gorsuch, was chosen by the adult learner book club for their November selection. The book is a story about a young woman who lost her job and found herself unable to pay her bills. This resilient young woman found a way to generate income by working for a ride-sharing company. Through this new endeavor, she built relationships with people she met as they waited for riders at the cell phone lot.

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The pandemic has not slowed down adult literacy activities. If you are interested in becoming a tutor or if you would like help in reading and writing, please call Diane Shimota, adult literacy coordinator, at 909.798.7565, ext. 4138, or email her at literacy@akspl.org. The literacy program is free to all participants. If you have any questions about the adult literacy collection, please call or email the adult literacy coordinator.  READ MORE ➤➤

Readability Consensus
Based on 7 readability formulas:
Grade Level: 11
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 15-17 yrs. old
(Tenth to Eleventh graders)   


Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Redlands Library ▬ Adult Literacy Program Celebrates Learner-Led Book Club!

Adult Literacy Program Celebrates Learner-Led Book Club!

Tuesdays with Morrie

Redlands Reads: July 2020

Adult learners Martha Romo and Tanya Jauregui are leading the adult literacy program’s first learner-led book club. When asked why she would like to start a book club for adult learners, Tanya shared that book clubs provide an opportunity for “like-minded individuals to help and encourage each other, give everyone confidence, and build community.” Martha sees the book club as an opportunity for learners to lose their fear of reading without the support of their tutors.

Both learners know the power of reading. Martha shared that “every little thing you read opens your mind to new ideas or to better answers in your life.” Likewise, Tanya said, “Reading gives essential nutrients to the brain and helps to expand life’s journey.” The book club met for the first time only a few days prior to the library’s closure due to Covid-19.

The book club’s inaugural book was Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, chosen by Tanya and Martha for its themes of friendship and compassion. Book club participants were fortunate to be able to get to know one another in person at this meeting. By the time the second book club discussion took place in May, the community was under stay-at-home orders and the meeting took place through Zoom.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

To learn more, join us at a Zoom Tutor Orientation.

Please call the Redlands Adult Literacy Program office at 909.798.7565, ext. 4138 or email literacy@akspl.org to sign up for the Orientation or if you have any questions.

Readability Consensus
Grade Level: 10
Reading Level: standard / average.
Reader's Age: 14-15 yrs. old
(Ninth to Tenth graders)


Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Monrovia Library :: Learner Stories


LEARNER STORIES Angela
Literacy Ledger:  Spring 2019

I am an immigrant from Colombia in this country. I began to receive help to improve my English a few years ago with an excellent program of tutoring in the library of Monrovia.

My tutor at that time was a great person, Bryan Smith, who helped me a lot. Now I am accompanied by an excellent tutor, Margaret Page, who every week gives me a lot of help with reading newspapers and books, writing paragraphs, and conversation about different and interesting topics.

Every day I feel that I advance to achieve my goals and that of my tutor.

Many thanks to this program for not only supporting Hispanics but to all the cultures that we find here.

I hope to continue for a long time with this excellent program.

Writing Club
The first and third Monday of the month.
Improve grammar and writing skills, and have fun learning to write better! Write in a group setting and practice writing poems, stories, letters, and more. Share your creativity and voice with others.

Book Club
The group meets every second and fourth Monday of the month.
Improve comprehension, vocabulary, and speaking skills. Gain an understanding of classic and contemporary writings in a small group setting. Become an active reader and learn how to talk better about books.

Culture and Conversation
The group meets every Wednesday
Practice speaking English by discussing and reading the 'News for You' weekly newspaper in a friendly and relaxed setting. Build confidence in your work, school, family and social life.

Speak Easy
The group meets every Thursday
Join us for round-table talking and practice speaking English in a friendly and relaxed setting. New topics weekly, including: popular culture, work and jobs, health, and more. Build confidence in your work, school, family, and social life.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Placentia Library - Literacy Reads: The One and Only Ivan

Literacy Reads: The One and Only Ivan

Join us for Literacy Reads, a book club for beginning adult readers and English language learners! Practice your reading and speaking skills, learn new words, and meet others in this fun and informal book club. Book selections will include a variety of reading levels. The Library will provide extra copies of the selected titles for checkout prior to the discussion. A light snack will be provided. No registration is required.

November 8th: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.
February 7th: From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Kongisburg.


This program is generously sponsored by the Placentia Library Friends Foundation.



Monday, June 19, 2017

Carlsbad Library :: Literacy Book Club

Literacy Book Club Carlsbad Literacy Services
Learning Connection: May/June 2017

Our July book selection, Hidden Figures, includes the audio book!
Is your learner interested in participating in the Book Club? Our small and friendly group of participants are learners from our literacy program. We meet here every other month, so there are usually eight weeks to read the book selection before meeting to share thoughts and discussion.

Book Club selections are chosen with the adult literacy learner in mind and are sometimes Young Reader or Young Adult adaptations. Each learner receives their own free book and CD (if an audio version is available for that book) to keep. We hope you’ll join us! Sign up with the literacy staff.

Tips on How to Use Fiction with an Adult Learner
We have lots of new fiction in our collection. Here are some tips for using fiction in your lessons:

1.  Factors to consider when selecting reading material for your learner.
 Comprehensible to learner’s abilities and interests
 Reflect learner’s language needs and skills
 Address issues/topics relevant to learner’s lives
 Provoke learner’s thinking and discussion

2.  Topics to cover with learner before you begin to read with the selected material.  
 How to handle unknown words
 How to respond and provide feedback to discussion questions
 How to select topics for discussion
 Introduce terms: characters, plot, genre, structure, motif, themes, etc.
 If time allows, read the book first before you begin to read it with your learner
 Prepare topics/questions for discussion.
 Write down vocabulary and/or phrases to review with your learner

3. Tips to give your learner on how to read a book for discussion.
 Read carefully
 Imagine yourself in the story
 Make notes while you go – sticky notes are great for this!
 Think about what the author is trying to tell you, the reader
 Get to know the characters – think about their qualities, faults, and motives.
      Would you want to interact with them? Can you relate to them?
 How does this book relate to your own life?

4.  Different methods to use while reading the book with your learner.
 Learner listens to the book on audio
 Tutor reads book aloud to learner
 Tutor and learner alternate reading aloud
 Learner reads aloud

Monday, July 18, 2016

Redlands Library :: Redlands Adult Literacy Program launches its first book club

Redlands Adult Literacy Program launches its first book club
Redlands Daily Facts: 6.25.2016 by Diane Shimota

Do you belong to a book club? Many of us enjoy the thrill of discussing a great book with fellow readers.

Using funding from generous donors, the Redlands Adult Literacy Program has launched its first book club tailored to adult learners. The inaugural book is the inspiring story “Who was Helen Keller?” by Gare Thompson.

Book club members are adult learners who have chosen to attend the Adult Literacy Summer Program, which had its first meeting June. The summer program runs through July and invites learners and tutors to meet weekly at the library so that learners can continue to work on their reading and writing skills when summer vacations can interrupt weekly tutoring meetings.

Adult learner Ana Alcantar recommended the book about Helen Keller, saying, “Helen Keller is a wonderful role model for everyone, but for adult learners in particular. Because of her determination and strength of spirit, Helen Keller overcame the obstacles of being both deaf and blind.

“She learned to read, write and speak. She also became a successful author. Helen Keller showed how to live a successful life in spite of her disabilities. Her story is a wonderful example of how all of us can overcome significant obstacles in life,” Alcantar said.

“Not being able to read or write is a significant obstacle that we work to overcome in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program,” she said.

Perhaps you know someone who struggles to improve his or her reading and writing. Studies show that 20 percent of the U.S. adult population has difficulties with reading and writing.  READ MORE @

Monday, December 15, 2008

Hemet Library - DOING LITERATURE

DOING LITERATURE
Press-Enterprise: December 3, 2008 by Diane A Rhodes


For more than five years, the monthly Doing Literature program at the Hemet Public Library has attracted a steady stream of readers to its informal discussion series.

A few years ago, Raymond Rodgers was offered the group's hosting duties by the exiting Dr. Paul Obler.

"I accepted because it is so very important that we do what we can to preserve and promote literature in a world of waning interest in reading," said Rodgers, 78. "I have been reading since I was 4, and it is a major aspect of whatever it is that is me."

On Dec. 13, Rodgers, a part-time English and literature instructor at Mt. San Jacinto College, will offer "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens as the topic of discussion.

Although reading the book is not a requirement of participation, Rodgers said most attendees are avid readers who enjoy the selections.


There is no charge to attend the meetings, which are held on the second Saturday of each month from September through June. Meetings are from 10:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the downstairs conference room of the library at 300 E. Latham Ave., Hemet.

"The library provides the space and administrative support and the program is conducted by unpaid volunteers under the library's literacy program," Rodgers said.

The library tries to provide extra copies of the books for participants to check out. Information: 951-765-2440. READ MORE