Thursday, September 21, 2017

Beaumont Library :: Stories from the Porch-Building a World of Books

Stories from the Porch-Building a World of Books
Patch/Banning-Beaumont: 9.03.2017 by Luren Dickinson

Join Beaumont Library for its 8th annual “Stories from the Porch – Building a World of Books” program from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, September 23, in celebration of International Literacy Day.


The program encourages community leaders, community members, literacy volunteers, library staff and/or adult learners to read their favorite children’s book from the “front porch” of the library. Readers may bring their own book or read one we supply, or tell a story, read a poem, sing, dance, or play an instrument. 

The program will draw attention to the problem of low literacy and illiteracy among adults (1 in 5 adults in the United States has low literacy skills). This means they are unable to complete job applications, read notes home from school, or administer medication properly.  READ MORE @

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Redlands Library :: Author Francisco Jiménez Speaks in Redlands about ‘The Migrant Experience’

Author Francisco Jiménez speaks in Redlands about ‘The Migrant Experience’ 
Redlands Daily Facts: 9.17.2017 by Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator-A.K. Smiley Library

The Redlands City Council proclaimed Sept. 7 as Adult Literacy Day in the city of Redlands. The proclamation included the finding that adults in Redlands seek to improve their literacy skills with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program so that they may get a job or advance in their employment, help their children in school and work toward their own higher education.

The council also commended the efforts of volunteers and community partners whose support is vital to the program.


To celebrate Adult Literacy Day, the community gathered at the Contemporary Club Sept. 7 to hear Francisco Jiménez, author of “The Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child” and its three sequels, “Breaking Through,” “Reaching Out” and “Taking Hold: From Migrant Childhood to Columbia University.” The common theme in these four books is the transformative power of education.

Each book represents a different stage of Jiménez’s education and describes the struggles Jiménez faced and conquered.

Before Jiménez’s talk on “The Migrant Experience: A Personal Story,” many participants in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program enjoyed a special opportunity to greet him at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine and share a bit of their personal histories with him. Some said that his story is similar to the history of their own families, and others connected with his passion for learning and his struggles to become educated.

Ana Alcantar, a learner in the program, said about meeting Francisco Jiménez, “It was a magical moment that I will treasure forever.”  READ MORE @

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Corona Library :: International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day :: Corona Library



International Literacy Day (ILD), celebrated annually on September 8, shines a spotlight on global literacy needs. The Corona Public Library is acknowledging the day by helping to bring awareness to the community about the shocking facts related to low literacy and the resources available to help make a positive change!

THE SHOCKING FACTS
According to ProLiteracy, every important social issue is impacted by low literacy.
• Children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72 percent chance of being at the lowest reading levels themselves.
• Of adults with the lowest literacy levels, 43 percent live in poverty, and 70% of adult welfare recipients have low literacy levels.
• Every year, one in six young adults—more than 1.2 million—drop out of high school.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES
The Corona Public Library actively seeks to provide the highest quality resources to boost literacy and education through the Adult Reading Assistance Program and Career Online High School! 

The library’s Adult Reading Assistance Program provides free tutoring for English-speaking adults in basic reading and writing skills. Students are matched one-to-one with volunteer. Do you know someone who can take advantage of this resource? =Encourage them to sign up! Are you passionate about making a difference? Volunteer to teach! Contact Betty Luscher at (951) 736-2389.

Would you like to earn your High School Diploma? Corona Public Library, in partnership with the California State Library and Gale, part of Cengage Learning, is offering adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online through Career Online High School. The library’s program will provide a limited number of scholarships to qualified adult learners.

There are more ways than one to make a positive impact. For more information about adult literacy or resources available, please call the Corona Public Library at (951) 736-2381.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

International Literacy Day :: Newport Beach Library Literacy

International Literacy Day :: Newport Beach Library Literacy
Literally Speaking: July/August 2017


More than 780 million people worldwide (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read and write. International Literacy Day, traditionally observed each year on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs.

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy hosts an International Literacy Day (ILD) event at the Newport Beach Public Library, highlighting the tremendous strides our adult learners have made in reaching their goals. It is a day of celebration as tutors, learners and special guests share dishes from their home countries and come together to honor literacy program participants.

The adult learner who exemplifies the mission of the program, is honored as the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award winner. This award, established in memory of Rochelle Hoffman, a dedicated tutor who passed away in 2004, is presented each year by Rochelle Hoffman’s daughters, Renee and Risa.

Another special part of the day is the presentation of the book In Our Own Words, which is a collection of stories, essays and poems written by the learners of the program. Learner submissions for this special edition must be submitted to the literacy office by July 24. Please join us on September 14, 2017, at 10 a.m. to celebrate International Literacy Day. It is our way of recognizing the efforts of volunteers and the progress of our adult learners. By improving literacy skills, we strengthen our community, and what better way is there to applaud these dedicated people than by supporting their efforts!  READ MORE @

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Downey Library :: Reading Makeover - Dr Danny Brassell - Sep 11

Reading Makeover
Dr. Danny Brassell
Sep 11 – 6:30 pm
Downey Library

Join the Downey City Library Literacy Program in celebrating National Literacy Month !

Join internationally-acclaimed speaker and best-selling author Danny Brassell as he teaches you the ABCs of creating a successful reading experience. You’ll learn how to get increased access to exciting reading materials and ways to encourage a positive reading environment in this highly interactive event. Join us for a memorable and meaningful hour with one of the leading educators in the country.

READ-A-THON
Sep 9 & 10

A host of volunteers will be reading favorite children's books. This special free event promotes a love of reading and libraries in children of all ages. Everyone
is welcome to come and participate.

Monday, September 4, 2017

Redlands Library :: The Migrant Experience - A Personal Story :: Francisco Jimenez

The Migrant Experience: A Personal Story
Francisco Jimenez – Author Presentation
September 7th 6:00 pm
A K Smiley Redlands Library

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program invited Jiménez to speak in Redlands because of the impact his book “The Circuit” has had on students in the literacy program. In the past year, more than 150 tutors, learners and community members read the book, which was a favorite in the literacy program’s book clubs.


As a child, Francisco Jiménez emigrated from Tlaquepaque, Mexico, to California, where he worked for many years in the fields with his family.  Despite the struggles in his formative years, he became an educator and award-winning author of The Circuit: Stories from the Life of A Migrant Child and its three sequels: Breaking Through, Reaching Out, and Taking Hold.  Dr. Jiménez will share his personal story with a backdrop of images from his youth.  He will discuss his reasons for writing, the importance that education played in his life, and the value of the immigrant experience in our diverse society.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Carlsbad Library :: Celebrates Literacy Month with Graduation Ceremony

City Celebrates Literacy Month with Graduation Ceremony

Sep 05 Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation 12N
Sep 14 Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation 6p

The City of Carlsbad is celebrating National Literacy Month with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center, 3368 Eureka Place. The ceremony will recognize the hard work of the first graduates from the new Career Online High School program, a partnership of the Carlsbad City Library through the California State Library, Gale, part of Cengage Learning and the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation's Benson Family Trust. Career Online High School offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online.

About Career Online High School

Career Online High School provides scholarships to qualified adults who are looking to expand their career opportunities, prepare for workforce entry and continue their education.

Career Online High School is free and open to residents of Carlsbad and neighboring communities.

To be considered for enrollment, applicants need to complete an online self-assessment, prerequisite course and an in-person interview.

Once enrolled in the program, Career Online High School connects each student with an online academic coach, who provides the student with a customized career path, offers ongoing guidance, evaluates performance and connects the student with the resources needed to complete the courses.

Students are given up to 18 months to complete the program.

Career Online High School is one of several learning programs the Carlsbad City Library offers to the community.

About Library Literacy Services

Since 1984, Carlsbad City Library's Literacy Services staff has matched English-speaking adults with volunteer tutors who help them meet their goals with reading, writing and computer skills.

All services are free and confidential.

Since its inception, the literacy program has helped more than 2,000 adults participate more fully in their lives by getting better jobs, reading to their children and learning how to use a computer.

The literacy program also provides those interested with an opportunity to volunteer. Last year, tutors logged 10,000 volunteer hours.

In addition to literacy tutoring, the Library Learning Center provides traditional library services, homework assistance and study rooms, public computer access and computer classes, story times for children, teen programs and special events.  MORE INFORMATION @