Monday, July 30, 2012

CA & National Literacy Calendar: August 2012

California Literacy Calendar: August 2012

SCLLN
Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- local, California and National -
visit the
for more information

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

Southern California and California Literacy Events: August / September 2012
Aug 6   Everyday Technologies Wordy World = CyberSpace 6pm
Aug 11 Black Book Expo @ L A Convention Center
Aug 11 Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group Prov Tarzana Med Ctr 10am
Aug 11 DOG DAYS: DWK Sensory Friendly Film @ AMC Theaters 10am

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month @ Your Local Library
Festival of Children: Sep 1-30 @ South Coast Plaza
International Literacy Day = Sep 8
Sep 8     Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group Prov Tarzana Med Ctr 10am
Natl Adult Education & Family Literacy Week = Sep 10-16
Sep 13   Practical Help for Parenting a Struggling Reader = CyberSpace 6pm
Sep 16   Children's Books & Literacy Brunch = San Diego CA
Sep 21+ Southern California Writers' Conference = Los Angeles
Sep 23   Central Coast Book & Author Festival = San Luis Obispo CA
Sep 30   Orange County Children's Book Festival @ Orange Coast College
Banned Book Week = Sep 30-Oct 6

National & International Literacy Events: August / September 2012
Aug 6+ Texas Literacy Conference - Austin
Aug 8+ Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning - Madison WI
Aug 11 DOG DAYS: DWK Sensory Friendly Films @ AMC Theaters 10am

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month @ Your Local Library
International Literacy Day = Sep 8
Natl Adult Education & Family Literacy Week = Sep 10-16
Sep 24   Punctuation Day
Banned Book Week = Sep 30-Oct 6
Sep 5+   World Congress on Learning Disabilities = Oviedo, Spain
Sep 6+   Center for Health Literacy Conf = Arlington VA
Sep 13+ Social Media 101 = CyberSpace
Sep 15   Lit Crawl NY = NY NY
Sep 21+ KidLitCon = New York Public Library
Sep 22+ National Book Festival National Mall = Washington DC
Sep 26+ Conference of the Book = Regensburg Germany
Sep 27+ New England Reading Assoc Conf = Nashua, NH
Sep 28+ Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards = Simmons College, Boston
Sep 30   National Story Night = Nationwide

Friday, July 27, 2012

Beaumont Library - Literacy becomes mobile with Beaumont Library’s ‘Ready to Read’ van

Literacy becomes mobile with Beaumont Library’s ‘Ready to Read’ van
Record Gazette: 7.24.2012

The Board of Trustees of the Beaumont Library District announces the arrival of the Ready to Read Van, provided through a grant from the Federal Library Services and Technology Act.

The $90,000 Community Early Literacy Project was created to take early literacy services out of the library to children from birth to five years old.

The services are designed for children at facilities that provide childcare and at preschools throughout the library district. Nearly 2,000 items will be available on the Ready to Read Van for Childcare providers to select from during each visit by the van.

“The Ready to Read Van gives us an option to work more closely with our community on the critical importance of early literacy skill development for young children,” stated Nancy Wood, Outreach Librarian, “We can deliver books, learning kits, and storytime materials, along with training for their use, in an environment where the message of read early and read often has proven of critical importance to ensure children enter their school years ready to learn to read.”

The Ready to Read Van made its local debut appearance in the annual Cherry Festival Parade and was shown off nationally at the American Library Association’s Annual Conference in Anaheim at the end of June.

“The van displays original art provided by Michael Emberley, a children’s book illustrator, whose artwork so clearly captured the joy of reading and the essence of the early learning experience in the book An Annoying ABC by Barbara Bottner,” said Clara DiFelice, Library Director. “We took a chance and asked him if we could use the artwork and were thrilled when he said sure!”

Childcare providers and preschoolers throughout Beaumont and Cherry Valley are encouraged to contact Nancy Wood at the library at (951) 845-3222, to schedule a visit by the Ready to Read Van.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Literacy Tribune Newsletter: July 2012

Literacy Tribune: July 2012
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: Getting it off & Keeping it off: First Steps: By Julia Pusztai, MSN RN, Director, The Neighborhood Wellness Center

A History Lesson: The Social Security Act of 1935
On June 8, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt told Congress that he wanted to start a program for social security.

Member Spotlight: Joe Buford
Learning to read and write has changed everything for Joe Buford, an adult learner of the
Nashville Adult Literacy Council.

Technology Watch: LibreOffice for Students and Non-Profits
It is at the top of my list of “must-have” software. It's free. You get a complete office suite.


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 !

Thursday, July 5, 2012

CA & National Literacy Calendar: July 2012

California Literacy Calendar: July 2012

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

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


Southern California and California Literacy Events: July 2012
July 12+ Comic-Con International San Diego
July 21   Sensory Friendly Films - ICE AGE Local AMCs 10am
July 25+ Romance Writers of America Anaheim
July 25+ Autism Society National Conference San Diego, CA
July 27+ Sierra Storytelling Festival Nevada City

National & International Literacy Events: July 2012
July 12+ Conference of the Americas Riviera: Maya, Mexico
July 21:  Autism Sensory Friendly Films: ICE AGE @10am
July 23+ NIOST Summer Seminars: Boston, MA
July 25+ Autism Society National Conference: San Diego, CA
July 25+ Romance Writers of America Conference: Anaheim, CA
July 29+ Correction Education Assn Conference: St. Paul, MN
July 30+ National Comprehensive Literacy Institute: Anaheim, CA
July 31+ Mental Health - Learning Disabilities in Children Plano, TX

Monday, July 2, 2012

Governor Signs Budget Bill: $4.7M for Libraries

Governor Signs Budget Bill - Leaves $4.7 Million in Place For Libraries
Latest News – CLA: 6.28.2012 Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyist

The State Capitol has been quite busy this week, as the Legislature works feverishly to pass more than 20 Budget-related “trailer bills” to compliment the larger Budget bill that was passed and sent to the Governor on June 15. The Budget has been sitting on Governor Brown’s desk since that date, and he had until midnight Wednesday to sign the Budget bill, AB 1464 by Assemblyman Blumenfield (Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee). The Governor also has the ability to use his “blue pencil” authority to make reductions to the Budget bill. Fortunately, when Governor Brown signed the Budget, at 9:30 last night, he left in place $4.7 million that we and CLA members and supporters fought so hard for, which is intended to save the public library literacy programs and the California Library Services Act from elimination. READ MORE !

ASSEMBLY BILL No. 1464 – Amended in Senate, June 13, 2012 [ page 565 ]
6120-211-0001—For local assistance, California State Library, Program 20-Library Development Services 1,880,000
6120-213-0001—For local assistance, California State Library, Program 20-Library Development Services—California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program, pursuant to Section 18880 of the Education Code 2,820,000

Send Thank You Letters to
Assembly Members & State Senators for their SUPPORT !

Assembly Member Bob Blumenfield, Chair of the Budget Committee
Capitol Office
State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0040
(916) 319-2040

Assembly Member Jim Nielsen, Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee
Capitol Office
State Capitol Room #6031
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 319-2002

Senate Budget Subcom 1-Educ Finance
Senator Carol Liu, Chair
State Capitol, Room 5061
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 324-7543
Senator Ted Gaines
State Capitol, Room 3060
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 324-2680
Senator Rod Wright
State Capitol, Room 5064
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 445-3712

Assembly Budget Subcom 2-Educ Finance
Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, Chair
State Capitol, Room 2188
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2111
Assemblyman Bill Berryhill
State Capitol, Room 3141
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2126
Assemblywoman Julia Brownley
State Capitol, Room 2163
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2141
Assemblyman Brian Nestande
State Capitol, Room 4139
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2164
Assemblyman Sandre Swanson
State Capitol, Room 6012
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2116

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

Thursday, June 28, 2012

2016 California Book Festivals

California Book Festivals
books, comics, poetry, storytelling, writing and more !

January
Cowboy Poetry Gathering: Jan 30-Feb 4, Elko NV

February
CODEX 2017: International Symposium & Book Fair, Berkeley
LA Art Book Fair: 2016, Geffen Contemporary @ MOCA
Long Beach Comic Expo: Feb 18-19, Convention Center

March
LA Zine Fest: 2016, Majestic, 650 S Spring
Mariposa Storytelling Festival: Mar 10-12, Yosemite
San Diego Storytelling Festival: 2016, Encinitas Library
Women's Literary Festival:  2016, Santa Barbara
World Storytelling Day: A global celebration of storytelling Mar 20

April
Black Writers On Tour: 2016, Carson Community Center
Cowboy Poetry Week  Apr 16-22
Literary Orange: 2016, Irvine
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival: 2016, Old Town Newhall
SFJazz Poetry Festival: 2016, SFJAZZ Center

May
Steinbeck Festival: 2016 Salinas
Women's Literary Festival: 2016, Santa Barbara

June
Author Fair, El Segundo Library
Bay Book Fest: June 03+, Berkeley

July
Comic-Con Intl: 2016, San Diego
Sierra Storytelling Festival: 2016, Nevada City

August
Liemert Park Book Fair: 2016, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
Tuolumne Meadows Poetry Festival: 2016, Parsons Lodge, Yosemite Natl Park

September
Fall into Fiction UCAAB, Sep 22 Carson
Family Day at the Park: Sep 17 Stockton
Latino Book & Family Festival: Sep 10, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Orange County Children's Book Festival: Sep 25 Orange Coast College
Southern California Poetry Festival: Sep 10-11, Aquarium of Pacific LB
Teen Book Festival, Sep 17 Pasadena Library 12N
WeHo Reads: Banned Books Sep 26, West Hollywood Library 11a

October

November
Jewish Book Month: Nov 24-Dec 24

December
Howard Zinn Book Fair: Dec 4, San Francisco City College Mission Campus



Monday, March 12, 2012

Save California Libraries & Literacy - ADVOCATE !

SAVE CA LIBRARIES LITERACY - ADVOCATE !

The Budget Subcommittees are gearing up to meet, so it's time to make our voices heard and work to reinstate funding for libraries and literacy!

EVERYONE -- tutors, learners, literacy professionals, and friends -- must rise to the occasion and write letters. Lots of letters!! Some things to keep in mind . . .

1. Handwritten letters are the best, but if you can't do that, don't worry -- send a typed letter.
2. Volume matters! Our goal is a minimum of 200 letters on the Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittee Chairpersons' desks, with copies on the committee members' desks.
3. You can use the same wording in your letters to the Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittee Chairs.
4. Personal stories make a difference. Ask your tutors and students to write about the difference your literacy program has made in their lives.

See a sample letter below to get you started. More Advocacy Tips @ CLA.

It's best to send your letter via U.S. Mail. 2nd best is fax.
Do NOT email your letter -- emails are not effective.

Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 5061
Sacramento, CA 95814

Stage 1: 200+ Letters BEFORE March 31
Stage 2: 200+ Letters in the Spring

Senator Senator Carol Liu,Chair

Dear Senator Liu,Please reinstate funding for public libraries --$3.7 million to Adult Literacy Programs (the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Program), $8.5 million to the California Library Services Act, and $3 million to the Public Library Foundation.

I would like to specifically address the $3.7 million for Adult Literacy Programs, which serve English-speaking adults who read at less than a 6th grade level.

It is estimated that 23% of adults in California lack basic literacy skills such that they would be unable to fill out a job application. Last year these programs served 22,733 adult learners using 12,609 volunteer tutors who volunteered 855,206 hours (a value of $20 million in volunteer time). Additionally, the programs leveraged every $1 of state funds to raise $5 in local/private funds, much of which will not be available without the state's money to leverage.

We received no state funds in 2011/2012 which closed several programs and forced surviving programs to make deep cuts to program hours and staffing levels. We estimate that we will serve 25% fewer learners (approximately 5,500 adults) as a result. This is in addition to our existing state-wide waiting list of 3,000 adults. If funds are not restored for 2012/2013, up to 42 more programs could close.

There are very few other options for these adults. 57% of our programs reported that there is no other local service. And 76% reported a decrease in service or the elimination of their local adult school.

Don't let this happen! Improving literacy makes good economic sense when you consider that 70% of our adult learners were in their prime wage-earning years (ages 20 - 49). And the programs work -- of the adults who set the goal: 48% wrote their first resume; 58% were able to fill out a job application; and 53% found a job. California clearly needs programs that produce results like this.

Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)


cc: Senator Ted Gaines
Senator Rod Wright


Senate Budget Subcommittee 1-Educ Finance
Senator Carol Liu, ChairState Capitol, Room 5061
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 324-7543


Senator Ted GainesState Capitol, Room 3060
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 324-2680


Senator Rod WrightState Capitol, Room 5064
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 445-3712


Assembly Budget Subcom 2-Educ FinanceAssemblywoman Susan Bonilla, ChairState Capitol, Room 2188
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2111


Assemblyman Bill Berryhill
State Capitol, Room 3141
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2126


Assemblywoman Julia BrownleyState Capitol, Room 2163
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2141


Assemblyman Brian NestandeState Capitol, Room 4139
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2164


Assemblyman Sandre Swanson
State Capitol, Room 6012
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 319-2116

. . . from
Laura Seaholm - Program Manager, Project Second ChanceContra Costa County Library