Escondido Library - Library offers labs to help with reading, writing skills

Library offers labs to help with reading, writing skills
Union Tribrune: December 26, 2007 by Pat Sherman

Anita Ornelas concentrated on the image before her, chin resting in her palm as she considered a single letter on the computer screen: B.

“This word has a 'bah' sound,” a computerized voice chimed.

Although she was born in the United States and speaks fluent English, Ornelas never learned to read or write, for decades relying on her husband to convey directions and instructions.

The longtime Escondido resident dropped out of high school in her junior year to raise her first child. When her husband died three years ago, routine tasks became exceedingly difficult.

“Now, here I am all by myself,” Ornelas, 54, said. “Everything was on him.”

Ornelas is one of many North County residents taking advantage of the Escondido Public Library's literacy services program, which expanded last month to include three computer-based literacy labs at its East Valley branch. The labs are designed to encourage adults and families to work independently on literacy-based activities.

The adult lab is equipped with software that assists with keyboarding, reading and writing skills. Two children's labs are geared to help preschool-age children prepare for school; they have worksheets and exercises to study at home.

Ornelas discovered the program this year out of frustration. Unable to read bus schedules to get around town, she walked into the Escondido Public Library's main branch, pleading for help.

. . . . . . .

The skills that Rodriguez is learning in the lab and through the ESL course also allow her to help her second-grader with her homework, she said. Rodriguez hopes to use her newfound skills to study nursing. She plans to start a certified nursing assistant training program next month.

Robin Parker, the library's Families for Literacy coordinator, said the labs allow people who can't take adult education courses because of work schedules or parenting obligations to squeeze in study time when it is convenient.

“Learners come to us from very different backgrounds,” Parker said. “(Some) can have a very good conversation with you in English, but they would have a hard time with job applications or writing a résumé.

The labs include a section where textbooks and study guides can be checked out for up to two months.

Tutors and staff members also are trying to dispel misconceptions about the way children grasp language concepts.

“Parents get a lot of mixed messages,” Parker said. “Some of them think that reading to your child is literally sitting there and reading the book and then that's it. They don't really know how to engage the children. Some parents (who) . . . can't read in English don't read to their children because they don't want to mess up their ability to learn English.”

However, reading to children in any language is valuable, Parker said.

“They're instilling a love for reading and reading books in any language,” she said. READ ON

Escondido library literacy labs

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Tuesdays and Thursdays
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
East Valley Community Center, 2245 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido
Information: (760) 839-4272

Orange Co Library - Reading, writing and bonding

Reading, writing and bonding
Two Aliso Viejo residents volunteer as literacy tutors for READ Orange County.
Orange Co. Register: Dec 20, 07 by Amanda Pazornik

Jennifer Wood knows the difficulties of learning a second language.

Five years ago, she flew more than 5,000 miles to attend University of Aix-en-Provence in France to immerse herself in French culture and master a language she had been studying since her days at Aliso Niguel High School.

Now the 24-year-old has the opportunity to teach others how to read, write and understand English as a volunteer literacy tutor with READ of Orange County.

Wood and fellow Aliso Viejo resident Sandra Leone recently completed a 23-hour training course as part of their tutor certification and are working with ESL (English as a Second Language) "learners." Their commitment is 50 hours of tutoring over a one-year period.

Learners must be at least 16 years old and be able to speak with and understand English-speaking staff and tutors.

Leone, 51, meets once a week with her learner, a mother of two from Korea, at the Aliso Viejo Library. The match is ideal for Leone who has a 13-year-old daughter and tutors while she is in school.

Leone is helping her learner, who speaks Korean with her husband, to better understand her English-speaking children.

"As her kids get older, it's harder for her to communicate with them," Leone said. "She writes well, reads OK but her confidence when speaking was low. After three meetings, her confidence is building. It's truly amazing."

Nationwide one in five adults is "functionally illiterate," a term used to define adults who have not mastered basic reading, writing and speaking skills, according to Bob West, outreach coordinator for READ Orange County.

That equates to roughly 400,000 adults in Orange County alone, he added.

Wood, now finishing up her French degree at UC Irvine, was matched with another student. The two can be found at the Laguna Niguel Library working on word patterns, phonics and spelling.

"Tutoring is such a positive experience for me," Wood said. "I've only been tutoring for three or four weeks, and I would totally recommend it to anyone."

Watch READ/OC's Video @

Huntington Beach Library - founded by Linda D. Light in 1984

Literacy Volunteers - HBPL

was founded by Linda D. Light in 1984. This group of outstanding people is the volunteer arm of the Huntington Beach Library Adult Literacy Program. The library staff trains volunteers to tutor adults in reading and writing: helping adults become citizens, get jobs and read to their children.

Watch Huntington Beach's video:
Literacy_Program-How_it_Works.avi

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar - December 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Event Calendar: December 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Dec 4: Tutor Training - Newport Beach Public LibraryAlso: Dec 6, 11 and 13 949 . 717 . 3875. Ticket Phone: 949.717.3875. Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Central Library 1000 Avocado Ave. Newport Beach, CA 92660. For more info visit
Newport Beach PL Literacy

Dec 15: Tutor Training - Escondido Public LibraryVolunteer - Help an adult improve reading and writing skills. 760 . 747 . 2233. Presenter: Escondido PL Literacy Services. Ticket Phone: 760.747.2233. Saturday, December 15, 2007, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. For more info visit

Escondido Public Library 

Dec 15: Tutor Training - Los Angeles Public Library
All Volunteers must be Interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Ticket Phone: (213)228-7037. Contact: Literacy Office. Saturday, December 15, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Lincoln Heights Branch 2530 Workman St LA CA 90031. For more info visit
LAPL Literacy

Literacy program helps adults

Daily Press:

Dec 2, 07: by Rachel Byrd

APPLE VALLEY — Alejandrina Roldan has been in the United States for 10 years, but it has taken years for her to gain the confidence to speak English.

Roldan, 31, born in Mexico, has been participating in the Hi-D.A.R.E. literacy program through the Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library for the past three years. With the help of tutor Margaret Goldman, Roldan has improved her reading and writing skills, and she recently was one of three winners in a statewide literacy contest.

Contestants read Ernest Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea” and wrote a letter to Hemingway. Roldan received $150, a plaque and a journal for her submission.

“I’m more confident, especially with Margaret telling me that I just had to talk,” Roldan said. “I was extremely shy. The hardest thing has always been speaking.”

Hi-D.A.R.E. offers free one-on-one tutoring for adults in the Victor Valley. The program has been around since the mid-1980s, and right now there are 60 tutors and 75 learners, said Larry Weisz, literacy specialist for the Apple Valley Library.

Tutors help adults with reading, writing, math, basic computer skills, and to prepare for the GED, Weisz said. Most learners are English-speaking, and perform at a third- or fourth-grade level.

“Many people come in here in tears,” Weisz said.

Roldan has taken classes at Victor Valley College, but when her third child was born three years ago, she was too busy to enroll. She continued to study English on her own at home, until she visited the library and learned about the tutoring program.

Goldman told Roldan that she could bring her daughter with her to their sessions. The two have been meeting about twice a week for the past three years, and Roldan now plans on enrolling at VVC full-time for the Spring semester.

In her spare time, Roldan said that she likes to read and write poetry and short stories in English.

Roldan wants to be a teacher some day, to help others who are struggling as she has with the English language, and she is interested in tutoring for the GED. Roldan said that when she is ready, she would like to volunteer as a tutor in the Hi-D.A.R.E. program

Escondido Library - New literacy labs will be focus of library open house

New literacy labs will be focus of library open house
North County Times: Nov 27, 2007

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido Public Library's East Valley Branch will hold a holiday open house from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 29 to launch its new Literacy Services program and announce the development of three literacy labs.

The focus of the labs is to encourage adults and families to work independently on literacy-focused activities, provide links to community services and expand knowledge of library resources. The adult lab is equipped with a laptop computer and software programs that allow learners to work on keyboarding, language and reading skills. Early literacy and school readiness are the focus of the two children's labs, which also provide worksheets and activities for families to work on at home.

The event also is supported by Altrusa International of Escondido members, who will provide light refreshments and free books for children who attend the open house.

The East Valley Branch Library is in the East Valley Community Center at 2245 E. Valley Parkway. Information: Robin Wright Parker, (760) 839-4272

Adult Learner Leadership Institute

Adult Learner Leadership Institute - ALLI

formerly the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute (HHLI) is a six-month leadership development program for these advanced learners. ALLI students build self-esteem while acquiring public-speaking skills, research techniques, and learning styles. They also learn elements of fundraising, advocacy and special events production. ALLI is a Free program sponsored by the California State Library.

~ 6 sessions from January 12, 2008 at Upland Public Library

~ 6 sessions from January 19, 2008 at Carlsbad City Library

~ Exciting guest speakers and discussions

~ Learn skills to help you at work, at home, and in your community

~ Registration Deadline: December 10, 2007

Presented by

Inland Library System (ILS) Literacy Services Committee
Carlsbad City Library Adult Learning Program
For More Information:
for Upland Public Library: 909 . 381 . 8207
for Carlsbad City Library: 760 . 434 . 2998

Henry Huffman Leadership Institute is in memory of Henry Huffman, a dedicated learner leader who devoted his life to spreading awareness of literacy in the community.

FreeRice

FreeRice
How does playing the vocabulary game at FreeRice help me ?

Learning new vocabulary has tremendous benefits. It may make you smarter: may improve your speaking, writing, thinking . . . .

Click on the answer that best defines the word. If you get it right, you get a harder word. If wrong, you get an easier word.

A N D
FreeRice donates 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program for each word you get right.

The UN World Food Programme is proud to be the beneficiary of FreeRice.

FreeRice is a creative web-based vocabulary game that ties every correct answer to the donation of rice to WFP. The great thing is that the more you play FreeRice and the more you learn, the more rice we are able to purchase to feed hungry people around the world.

Literacy @ CLA 2007

California Library Association's 109th Annual Conference was held in Long Beach, from October 26-29. As the premiere continuing education event of the year, the conference offered dozens of workshops. Notable speakers at the conference included actress and children's author, Jamie Lee Curtis, Craig's List Founder Craig Newmark and futurist Bob Treadway.

The Literacy Section presented a number of workshops and sessions during the Conference. Here are the Literacy Tracks from the 2006 Conference. Stay tuned for links to the 2007 Tracks:

Digital Stories: Voices From the Community
Shanti Bhaskaran, Santa Clara City Liberty; Leslie Rule, KQED; Sivakami Ramkumar, Read Santa Clara
The Art and Science of Digital Storytelling (22k)

Dsylexia: What Does Science Have to Do With It?
Kelli Sandman-Hurley, READ/San Diego; Tracy Block, READ/San Diego, San Diego Public Library
What is Dyslexia? (580k)

Early Learning with Families @ Your Library
Judy Klikun, North Bay Cooperative Library System, LSTA ELF & ROR Initiatives; Lyn Palme, Contra Costa County Library, Every Child Ready to Read; Sandy Tosti, Solano County Library, LSTA Reach Out and Read; Carol Welsh Gray, Center for Venture Philanthropy, Raising a Reader Growing Up With Books Power Point Presentation (1438k)
Making a Case for the Need to Nurture Early Brain Development (99k)

Engaging Discussion and Finding Voice Through Children's Literature
Cathay Reta; Rachel Bindman, Los Angeles Public Library; Deborah Estreicher, San Jose Public Library; Lynne Price, Benicia Public Library; Nina Torres, Madera County Library
Primetime Discussion Ideas (15k)
2005-06 Report (44k)
Workshop Handout (34k)
Primetime Commercial (21k)

Funders Tell All: How to Compete for Scarce Dollars
Jacquie Brinkley, California State Library; Marissa Panlilo, Starbucks; Arcelia Chavez, KVIE Public Television; Lani Schiff-Ross, First 5 San Joaquin
KVIE Education & Outreach Services (258k)
KVIE Workshops (1294k)

Literacy Advocacy in Plain English
Marsha L. Tait, ProLiteracy Worldwide
Power Point Presentation (121k)
ProLiteracy Worldwide - Advocacy Resources Guide

Project Money: an Innovative and Accessible Approach to Increasing Financial Literacy for Adults
Randall Weaver, San Francisco Public Library; Susan Stuart Clark, Common Knowledge, Inc.; Leon Veal, San Francisco Public Library — Project Read; Donna Jones, South San Francisco Library — Project Read
Project Money 2006 Overview (102k)
Choosing Your Credit Card (1420k)
Project Money Quiz (55k)
How the Little Things Add Up (49k)

Raising Your Voice: Libraries & Literacy
Valerie Reinke, California State Library; Donna Jones, South San Francisco Library Literacy Program; Darlene Garcia and Bruce Larson, Alameda County Library Literacy Program; Ruben Dozal Jr., Santa Clara County Library Literacy Program; Shanti Bhaskaran, Santa Clara City Library
A History of Adult Learner Leadership in California Library Literacy Services (13k)

Responding to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy
Marsha L. Tait, ProLiteracy Worldwide ProLiteracy Policy Update, 12-15-05 (47k)
ProLiteracy Policy Update, 12-27-05 (37k)
Power Point Presentation (404k)

Burbank Library - Tutor Recognition Luncheon

Supporting cancer research, new readers.

Burbank Leader: 10.30.07
On The Town by David Laurell

Halloween may be billed as the most terrifying day of the year (with the exception of April 15), and tutors are helping to make learning less terrifying for those who cannot read or write.

Tutors who have changed the lives of others by giving the gift of literacy were honored Saturday at the Buena Vista Branch Library.

In her remarks to the honorees, Reinke related a story about her late grandfather, Augustine Gonzalez, who came to the United States from Mexico at the age of 13 but did not learn to read or write until he was in his 30s.

“Even in his 90s, he never forgot those people who taught him to read and write,” Reinke said. “You have done the same thing for the people whose lives you have impacted. They will never forget you.”

Among those in attendance for the recognition luncheon were City Manager Mary Alvord, library services director Sharon Cohen, library board of trustees member Dorie Beaumont and library staff including Helen Wang, Pat King, Lorraine Corona, Louise Paziak and Bill Byrne, who serves as the literacy services coordinator.

Special guests on hand included Patricia Smart, who founded the literacy program in Burbank in 1992 with the help of Millie Engel, Donna Tramell and Susan Spears. Among those honored for their volunteer work with the literacy program were Robyn Anderson, Jo Andreae, Liana Augustinus, Donna Bandiera, Michelle Butler, Anahid Haroutounian, Lee Harner, Susan Borders, Linda Chapple, Sukanya Chinawongskul, Jessica Corona, Karissa Corona, Jeanell Dennis, Micheal Ferrel, Pat Gafford, Karen Galich, Rachel Garcia, Pam Jerome, Irene Kunze, Judith Pawlek, Roxanne Pergola, Judith Rosso-Diaz, Jeff Rothenbach, David Saltman, Bill Stafford, Victoria Uvas, Eula Warren, Barbara Weiss and Mary Zaghikian.  READ ON

Oceanside Library - Celebrates 10th Anniversary !

Oceanside READS
Celebrates 10th Anniversary !Newsletter: Fall 2007 by Suzanne McGowan,

Youth Services and Literacy Supv.

As we move forward in our day to day routines, we don’t always take the time to stop and look at our accomplishments. Milestone years are great for taking the time to reflect on the changes and happenings over a period of time. As Oceanside READS celebrates ten years of service, I am honored to reflect on its many success stories.

Oceanside READS began as an adult literacy program in July 1997. The inaugural year served thirty-two learners with thirty-three active tutors. Ten years later, READS is a busy center that provides literacy services for adults as well as for children. This past year, Oceanside READS served ninety-one children and adult learners, with over seventy active tutors. The tutors display incredible commitment, as they not only work one-on-one with learners, meeting weekly for a minimum of six months, but they also prepare lessons, review materials, research and implement current trends and methodology, and take part in outreach programs. In 2006/2007, the topnotch tutors of Oceanside READS dedicated over four thousand volunteer hours. Although we can measure their hours of service, the value of those hours is priceless.

It is impossible to share the success stories of the READS program without mentioning Sandy Phillips and Corrie Miles. Humbly, they work with a dedication that is unrivaled. Their styles balance one another perfectly and they are a phenomenal team. Together they work to assess the needs of every learner that walks through the door. They recruit, train, schedule, match, and supervise tutors. They review materials and resources to assist the tutors with a variety of educational needs. Books & Bagels, the literacy book discussion group, is in its fifth year. READS partnered with Starbucks for three years of Sipping Stories. They host brown bag lunches and volunteer trainings as well as provide access to state and regional workshops and conferences.

The program has produced three scholarship winners, Writer to Writer award winners, and hundreds of success stories. Thank you to all of the people who have contributed to the success of Oceanside READS over the last ten years. If you would like to be a part of a first-rate literacy organization, please do not hesitate to contact Oceanside READS to find out how you can help.

Changing Lives One Word At A Time

SCLLN Literacy Tutor Calendar - November 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshop Calendar: November 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Nov 1: Burbank Public Library
Register for the first session of a 15-hour workshop: also Nov 3 and 17. Help an adult improve reading, spelling and writing skills. Learn how to use Discover Intensive Phonics. 818 . 238 . 5577. Presenter: Burbank Public Library. Ticket Phone: (818)238-5577. Contact: Literacy Office. Thursday, November 1, 2007, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Burbank Public Library Auditorium 110 N Glenoaks Burbank CA 91502.

For more info visit
http://www.burbanklibrary.com/

Nov 10: San Diego County Library
Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, November 10, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. El Cajon Branch El Cajon CA. For more info visit
http://www.sdcl.org/Literacy_Main.html

Nov 17: Los Angeles Public Library
All Volunteers must be Interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Presenter: Los Angeles Public Library. Ticket Phone: (213)228-7037. Contact: Literacy Office. Saturday, November 17, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Robertson Branch 1719 S Robertson Blvd LA CA 90035. For more info visit

http://www.lapl.org/literacy/intro.html

Nov 29: READ/San Diego
1st Session; also Nov 29; Dec 4, 6 and 11 619 . 527 . 5475. Presenter: READ/San Diego. Ticket Phone: (619)527-5475. Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Malcolm X Branch Library 5148 Market St San Diego CA 92114. For more info visit
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services/read.shtml

Orange Co Library - READ/Orange County's volunteer literacy tutors are "Making a Difference."

READ/Orange County's volunteer literacy tutors are "Making a Difference."

Senator Correa's October Newsletter

Bob West writes: "Senator Correa: In response to your request, here is information about some very special individuals in your District who are Making a Difference in their communities by becoming certified as volunteer literacy tutors for READ/Orange County, the adult literacy services of Orange County Public Library"

The mission of READ/Orange County is to create a more literate community by providing diversified services of the highest quality to all who seek them.

Volunteer literary tutors complete a required 23-hour training course. This training prepares them to teach reading and writing to the one out of four adults that have low or no literacy skills. They join a dedicated corps of more than 300 active volunteer tutors in Orange County who are changing the lives of adults through literacy.

Marcia Tungate, READ/OC Literacy Programs Administrator, says, "It is the commitment of our wonderful tutors that makes our literacy program great. When we teach someone to read, we start a ripple that affects the lives of the individual, the family, and the community. Everything we do is impacted by the ability to read."

READ/Orange County offers a comprehensive training program for adults who want to become a tutor. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Many learners who have made the life changing decision to improve their reading skills are now patiently waiting to be matched with a tutor. Leave a legacy... teach an adult to read!

Get more information at the READ/Orange County: 714-566-3070.

Information on current legislation regarding libraries and literacy can be found at www.leginfo.ca.gov

Click on Bill Information. Search by Keyword(s). Enter literacy or libraries. A list of related (2007-2008) current bills will be provided, as well as additional information regarding the legislation.

2007 California Library Association Conference: Literacy Section Workshops

Oct 27: Literacy Workshops

@ CLA Conference

10:30 am - 11:45 amBringing English Language Learner Children/Families into Library: J Edwards, Santa Fe Springs PL
Making Technology Accessible: B Castagne, SFPL
Attracting Baby Boomers to Volunteer: C Lehn, State Lib2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Blurring Lines-Integrating Library Service: C Reta3:45 pm - 5 pmBlog It: R Weaver, SFPL

Presenter: Literacy Section, CLA. Saturday, October 27, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach CA. For more info visitwww.cla-net.org

Oct 27: Literacy Section Annual Meeting @ CLA Conference
Noon – 2:00 pm – Room 203C

RSVP by Oct 19 jwright@snap.lib.ca.us.
Presenter: Literacy Section - CLA. Contact: Joanne Wright: jwright@snap.lib.ca.us.
Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach CA

Oct 28: Literacy Workshops @ CLA Conference

10:45: Noon
Poster Session: Crisis Mgmt - GED Tune-Up3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Literacy, Libraries, Legislators-You: M Tungate, READ/OC
Stepping Out and Reaching In: Creating Readers in California's

Juvenile Halls: M. G. Elliott, UCLA.
Presenter: Literacy Section, CLA. Sunday, October 28, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach CA. For more info visit
www.cla-net.org

Oct 29: Literacy Workshops @ CLA Conference
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Guerilla Marketing for Libraries and Literacy: J. L. Cruz,
San Diego Council on Literacy
10:30 am - 11:45 am
Using Americorps: S Empizo, National City PL
Dyslexia: K Sandman-Hurley, READ/San Diego
Presenter: Literacy Section, CLA. Monday, October 29, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach CA. For more info visit
www.cla-net.org

Carlsbad Library - It's never too late to learn how to read

It's never too late to learn how to read
North County Times: Oct 15, 2007 by Agnes Herman

Many of us always have a book on hand; others are avid newspaper readers. But some of us can enjoy neither books nor papers. There are many who have never learned to read or, as a result, to write. An adult who cannot enjoy a magazine or book, write a note to a friend, e-mail a grandchild or read the cooking instruction on an oatmeal box, can be humiliated and painted into a corner with poor self esteem!

Recently, I spent an hour with Les Jenkins, 62, at his home in Oceanside. Les has been a meat cutter since 1969, with two years' time out in the Vietnam War. Now semiretired and on the brink of full retirement, Les goes to work 40 hours a month.

Les is a quiet, well-mannered gentleman who speaks with enthusiasm, gestures with ease and looks you straight in the eye when he speaks. It was not always that way. He was "pushed" (his term) through school (in California) and graduated after numerous summer school sessions, with grades he would not brag about. And through it all, he had never learned to read and write. Unbelievable, but true.

Three years ago, a grocery strike became his blessing in disguise. He knew that at the end of the strike there would be papers to file; he had never before filled out an application. So he used his free time and determination to visit the Carlsbad Adult Literacy Program; perhaps there he would find help. And he did!

Les explained that he was ashamed, believed he was stupid; he was often called just that. He had married and had four children, all of whom have achieved worthy goals. Only this week, a tutor at the Center helped Les use the computer to watch his Coast Guard son perform a heroic rescue.

"I missed all that! When they were growing up, I could not even read to my kids. My wife did it all. Now I have 6 1/2 grandkids and want to read to them and e-mail to them!"

Les never told anyone about his learning problem. When he was assigned a tutor, he confessed to his children. They and his friends have offered him full support. They are proud of him, admiring the step he was taking at age 62. He works with a tutor twice a week and is learning to use the computer that his son bought for him.

In 2005, Les applied to and was accepted by the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute because of his dedication to the Adult Learning Program and his desire to reach out to others with the learning disability. At the Institute he learned to use gestures, make eye contact with an audience, to communicate. Clearly he learned those lessons well.

Carrie Scott, who brought Les to my attention, is the Interim Literacy Coordinator of the Adult Learning Program at Carlsbad City Library. It is an arm of the California Libraries Literacy Services that is dedicated to helping English-speaking adults improve their reading and writing skills. Adult learners meet with their personal tutors twice weekly for 90 minutes. Three-fourths of the tutors are over 40; three-fourths of the learners are over 40. One is never too old. About 70 pairs of dedicated volunteers and eager learners work together each week.

Tutors are screened and trained. Those interested in becoming tutors should contact Carrie Scott (760 434-29) whose staff provides a 90-minute orientation session. For those whose interest is captured, a three-hour training is required.

Adult learners should also contact the program in Carlsbad and, if the program is appropriate, attend an orientation session and a private interview. Finally, tutor and learner are matched, and when they begin to work, a staff member is available for coaching. If the program does not fit an applicant, Carrie and her team are prepared to make a worthy referral to another learning center in the area.

Les was enthusiastic about his tutors. They have taught him to write stories, to put words together properly in sentences. He is delighted with the computer skills he is learning, a dream fulfilled. Life is better. "I am dedicated to learn in order to raise my self-esteem, and it is working."

Tell your friends!

San Bernardino Public Library - Artists to help create murals

Artists to help create murals
Sun: October 8, 2007 by Cliff Morman

Children in today's society do not have enough positive role models.

This is what Phil Yeh, founder and president of Cartoonists Across America, believes. He hopes to change this.

Yeh will be among the professional cartoonists and artists appearing at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library in San Bernardino for "Read, Rock and Recycle" from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The cartoonists and artists will join community members in creating murals promoting literacy and recycling on three 4-foot by 4-foot canvases.

"So often we don't hear about artists and writers in this country anymore, which is a serious problem because there's a lot of kids who have no idea what it takes to become an artist or a writer," Yeh said.

He wants to "bring out more artists and writers."

Phil Ortiz, an animator who has contributed to the "The Simpsons"; artist Matt Lorentz, who works for clothing company No Fear and skateboarder Tony Hawk; "Los Angeles Sentinel" cartoonist David Brown; and Hawaii-based freelance artist Marc Martinez will all appear at the event.

The library is at 555 W. Sixth St. in San Bernardino. READ ON

SCLLN Literacy Library Calendar - October 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshops & Events Calendar: October 17 - 31, 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Oct 17: Tutor Training - READ/San Diego
1st Session; also Oct 20 and Nov 3 619 . 527 . 5475. Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 6:00 PM – Sunday, October 17, 2010, 9:00 PM. Serra Mesa Branch Library 9005 Aero Dr San Diego CA 92123. For more info visit
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services/read.shtml

Oct 20: Tutor Orientation - Oceanside Public Library
Orientation Training - Oct 20: 9 am - 4:30 pm 760 . 435 . 5680. Presenter: Oceanside Public Library. Ticket Phone: (760)435-5680. Contact: Oceanside READS. Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Mission Branch Library 3861 Mission Ave Oceanside CA. For more info visit
http://www.library.ci.oceanside.ca.us/Literacy_Services.asp

Oct 20: Tutor Training - Los Angeles Public Library
All Volunteers must be Interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Presenter: Los Angeles Public Library. Ticket Phone: (213)228-7037. Contact: Literacy Office. Saturday, October 20, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Cahuenga Branch 4591 Santa Monica Blvd LA CA 90029. For more info visit
http://www.lapl.org/literacy/intro.html

Oct 20: Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, October 20, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Vista Branch Vista CA. For more info visit

http://www.sdcl.org/Literacy_Main.html

Oct 23: Women's Conference Change - Be a Part of It
SCLLN will have a booth at the Conference. Tuesday, October 23, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center 300 E Ocean Blvd Long Beach CA 90802. For more info visit
http://www.californiawomen.org/

Oct 23: Tutor Workshop - READ/Orange County
Must attend Tutor Information Meeting to register for October workshops. Presenter: READ/Orange County. Ticket Phone: (714)566-3067. Contact: READ/Orange County. Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Fountain Valley Branch Orange County CA. For more info visit
http://www.readoc.org/

Oct 24: Tutor Workshop - READ/Orange County
Must attend Tutor Information Meeting to register for October workshops. Presenter: READ/Orange County. Ticket Phone: (714)566-3067. Contact: READ/Orange County. Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Irvine-University Park Branch Orange County CA. For more info visit
http://www.readoc.org/

Oct 25: Trivia Challenge - Huntington Beach PL
F R E E Fun Prizes Dessert. Ticket Phone: 714.375.5102. Ticket Web Link: http://www.hbpl.org/info_main.htm. Contact: Rose Saylin. Thursday, October 25, 2007, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Huntington Beach Library Theater 7111 Talbert Huntington Beach CA. For more info visit
http://www.hbpl.org/info_main.htm

Oct 25: Volunteer Tutor Recruitment - Beverly Hills PL
Guest Speaker: John Corcoran. Presenter: Literacy Office. Ticket Phone: 310.288.2207. Thursday, October 25, 2007, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Beverly Hills Public Library 444 N Rexford Beverly Hills CA. For more info visit
www.beverlyhills.org/presence/connect/CoBH/library/DepartmentsAndOffices/LiteracyServices

Oct 26-29: California Library Association - Opportunity Knocks
CLA wiki Don't Just Look - Add To It Program by Track - click on Ticket Web Link Also a CLA Conf Blog http://cla2007.blogspot.com/. Presenter: California Library Association. Ticket Web Link: http://www.clanet.org/included/docs/program_by_track.pdf. Friday, October 26, 2007 – Monday, October 29, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, California. For more info visit
cla2007.net.pbwiki.com

Check out CALPRO and Bureau of Education & Research for more workshops !

Literacy Jobs & Newsletters

2 New categories have been added to the SCLLN Blog:

Literacy Jobs: will post links to local and state literacy jobs. LiteracyNews.com lists national jobs. The current list:

Alameda Co: Library Asst II (PT-Literacy)
Beverly Hills PL: Literacy Clerk II (PT)
Escondido PL: Ameriacorps (Nov 15)
Escondido PL: Rec Leader/Literacy
LiteracyNews.com (National)
N Mex Adult Ed Assc: Admin Asst
N Mex Adult Ed Assc: Exec Dir
San Diego: Family Literacy Coor

Member Newsletters: links to recent newsletters from SCLLN member programs:

Carlsbad
Escondido
Huntington Beach
LAPL
Newport Beach
Palmdale
READ/Orange County
Santa Barbara

SCLLN Literacy Library Calendar - October 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Event Calendar: October 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Health Literacy Month
For more info visit
http://www.healthliteracy.com/

National Book Month
National Book Foundation. For more info visit
http://www.nationalbook.org/

OCT – tba:
Tutor Workshop - Santa Maria City Library
Tutor Workshop October Dates: T B A. Presenter: Central Coast Literacy Council. Ticket Phone: (805)922.9200. Contact: Central Coast Literacy Council. Monday, October 1, 2007. Santa Maria CA. For more info visit
centralcoastliteracy.org

Oct 3: Tutor Training - Santa Barbara
Also: October 4 5 pm - 9 pm. Presenter: Santa Barbara Public Library. Ticket Web Link: http://www.sbplibrary.org/services/tutoring-adults.html. Contact:
805 . 564 . 5619. Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Santa Barbara Public Library Townley Room 40 E. Anapamu St. Santa Barbara CA. For more info visit\
http://www.sbplibrary.org/

Oct 5: Help Group Summit
cutting edge conference on autism, learning disabilities and ADHD. Presenter: Help Group. Friday, October 5, 2007 – Saturday, October 6, 2007. Skirball Cultural Center Los Angeles CA. For more info visit
http://www.thehelpgroup.org/

Oct 6: City Book Fair - San Diego City College
Ticket Web Link: http://sdcitybookfair.com/. Saturday, October 6, 2007. Saville Theatre San Diego City College. For more info visit
sdcitybookfair.com

Oct 6: Litquake 2007
Ticket Web Link: http://www.litquake.org/the-festival/. Saturday, October 6, 2007 – Saturday, October 13, 2007. San Francisco CA. For more info visit
http://www.litquake.org/

Oct 6: Adult Learner Conference - San Diego
11th Annual. Presenter: San Diego Council on Literacy. Ticket Phone: 888-850-7323. Contact: San Diego Council on Literacy. Saturday, October 6, 2007. National University Academic Center 9388 Lightwave Ave. San Diego, CA 92123. For more info visit
literacysandiego.org

Oct 6: Harvest Ride for Literacy - Ventura County Library
The annual event features 30-, 55-, 66- and 100-mile rides along the Ventura and Santa Barbara coastlines, and a 10-mile family ride that follows the Ojai bicycle path to Foster Park. Registration fees range from $20 to $60 and include a T-shirt, support and gear assistance and catered rest stops. Start times are 7 and 10 a.m. Presenter: Ventura County Library. Ticket Web Link: http://www.harvestrideforliteracy.org. Contact: 805.642.7089. Saturday, October 6, 2007. Ventura Unified School District Education Service Center 255 W. Stanley Ave Ventura CA. For more info visit http://www.harvestrideforliteracy.org/

Oct 6: Atarque: Now All is Silent: Preserving Family Stories
Huntington Beach PL
Literacy Volunteer Tutor, Pauline Chavez Bent, discusses her new book. RSVP. Presenter: Huntington Beach Public Library. Ticket Phone: 714-375-5102. Saturday, October 6, 2007, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Huntington Beach Central Library Room B 7111 Talbert Huntington Beach CA. For more info visit
www.hbpl.org/events_main.htm

Oct 6: Writer To Writer Awards Ceremony
Beginning Level: Rudy Borboa, Orange County Public Library (READ/Orange County). The Pursuit of Happyness, by Chris Gardner Intermediate Level: Alejandrina Roldan, San Bernardino County Library, Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library. The Old Man and the Sea,by Ernest Hemingway Advanced Level: Lupe Beltran, Nevada County Library. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adelene Faber and Elaine Mazlish. Presenter: Southern California Library Literacy Network - BALIT - CLLS. Ticket Phone: (818)548-6450. Saturday, October 6, 2007, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Glendale Public Library 222 E Harvard Glendale CA. For more info visit
http://www.sclln.org/

Columbus Day: Oct 8

Oct 8: Tutor Training - READ/San Diego
1st Session; also Oct 10, 12, 15 and 17 619 . 527 . 5475. Presenter: READ/San Diego. Ticket Phone: (619)527-5475. Monday, October 8, 2007, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Benjamin Branch Library 5188 Zion Ave San Diego CA 92120. For more info visit
http://www.sandiego.gov/

Oct 12: Latino Book & Family Festival
Other Locations: Houston Sept. 29-30 Chicago Nov. 10-11. Friday, October 12, 2007 – Sunday, October 14, 2007. Arc Light Cinemas 6369 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles CA 90028. For more info visit
http://lbff.us/home/schedule/LA-2007/index.htm

Oct 12: International Conference on Learning Disabilities
Friday, October 12, 2007 – Saturday, October 13, 2007. Myrtle Beach SC. For more info visit
http://www.cldinternational.org/

Oct 13: ESL Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Also October 20 Times: T B A. Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, October 13, 2007. Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center San Diego CA. For more info visit
http://www.sdcl.org/

Oct 13: Train Your Brain Day – Learn Something New Today !

Orange Co Library - READ/OC - Read for the Record

Read for the Record was an incredible “record-breaking” event throughout Orange County. The impact within the community, OCPL branches as well as our tutors and learners was amazing! This effort was coordinated by Carol Marshall, Americorps Member of the READ/Orange County Team.

Below are some highlights - More Highlites @ Flickr

At Buena Clinton Family Resource Center, one of our volunteers was speaking with a mother in Spanish about the importance of reading to her children. Her 5-year-old child popped up and asked in English “can I grow up and be a doctor?” Our volunteer then went on to excitedly encourage the mother to continue reading to her child so that he can realize his dream of becoming a doctor.

A little boy, he couldn’t have been more than 3 years old proudly showed me his brand new library card at Irvine University Park. Comments from the librarian “The patrons were very happy with the whole thing. …Everyone brought home something to read of their very own.”

At Stanton Family Resource Center, it was one activity at their semi-annual “Family Fun Friday Night,” which included games, food, entertainment as well as community resources. It was exciting to see families come in listen to The Story of Ferdinand and create a small craft; 38 families came with 81 children. This event lasted for about 3 hours during which time, we read the story continuously.

At Mesa Verde Library, we held the event in the Children’s section. We sang songs, read the story and had a follow-up craft activity. Following the story many parents stopped me to say how much they enjoyed the story. Comments from the librarian “one of the parents said to another parent, who had not been to the library before, that a program like this is why they love to come to the library.”

We distributed books and craft materials for staff at OCPL headquarters to share with their children at home. Nineteen employees stopped by during their lunch time, not only for the book, but also the play with the craft items.

At a family reading time at Irvine Heritage Park Library, 8 families with 10 children were in attendance. One of the families included grandma, dad, mom and daughter. They all enjoyed the story as well as the follow-up crafts; each family member got involved in creating with the craft materials! They were new to this and were excited to learn we hold a monthly family literacy class at that branch. The Grandma told me that she had not heard this story since she was a small girl.

The Final Numbers:
14 Branches including OCPL Headquarters
3 Community Family Resource Centers hosted 4 events
2 Elementary School Class rooms
1 Boys & Girls Club joined with Stanton Branch

279 families
563 Children
54 Volunteers
5 READ/OC staff

Includes 23 READ volunteers, 10 teens volunteers and 3 staff from Buena Clinton Neighborhood Center in Garden Grove, 7 Children’s Librarians, 2 staff from Stanton Family Resource Center, 2 classroom teachers, and 7 volunteers from Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Garden Grove Police Department, and Housing With Heart/Jamboree Housing Corp.

National Literacy Month

September is National Literacy Month:

Time to get involved
Make sure that members of your community
Learn to Read !


Questia’s Top 10 Literacy Books for National Literacy Month

Literacy in the New Media Age by Gunther Kress - Routledge

The Power of the Written Word: The Role of Literacy in the History of Western Civilization by Alfred Burns - Peter Lang

The Browser's Ecstasy: A Meditation on Reading
by Geoffrey O'Brien - Counterpoint

Read On @ Your Local Library: CalCat or WorldCat

Questia is the first online library that provides 24/7 access to the world's largest online collection of books and journal articles in the humanities and social sciences, plus magazine and newspaper articles. You can search each and every word of all of the books and journal articles in the collection. You can read every title cover to cover. $99.95 per year subscription

Downey Library - Literacy Month 2007

More on Literacy Month: Donna's update: I spent Monday evening at the Downey Public Library talking about My California with a very enthusiastic group that included many of the city's volunteer reading tutors.

Librarian Claudia Dailey mentioned a surprising statistic: that 27 percent of adults in Los Angeles County are not fully literate. So Claudia and her wonderful band of volunteers spend countless hours all year long helping other adults improve their reading skills.

I'm delighted that the library's tutors and their students are all diving into the narrative travel stories in the My California anthology. And I can't think of a better way to inspire people to read than sharing the work of these 27 great writers.

CaliforniaAuthors.com blog: Sep 19, 2007

Newport Beach Library - Man proves it’s never too late to learn

Man proves it’s never too late to learnDaily Pilot: 9.06.07: By Joseph Serna

For most of his adult life, Donnie Madril has had to watch opportunities pass him by. His parents could afford to send him to college, but the 48-year-old Irvine man chose manufacturing after high school.

Every time an opportunity for advancement arose in the company, Madril could only stand by, immobilized by his inability to write.

After 20 years, when his company relocated and many of them were laid off, Madril’s choices were limited — find a job with little writing. Something repetitious that did not require elaboration was about as far as he could go.

“For most of my adult life I’ve mostly been well-read and spoke fairly well,” Madril said. “But I was never able to transfer my thoughts to paper. It was real simple stuff, simple, small words. A sentence did not have a beginning or an end. Fragments every place, no punctuation at all.”

Nearly 10 years into his second career, now as a truck driver, Madril seized a life-changing opportunity with Newport Beach Public Library’s Literacy Services program. He did better than learn how to write. He won the program’s Rochelle Hoffman Award Thursday.
The Newport Beach library’s literacy program can be reached at (949) 717-3874. READ ON

Hemet Library - Hemet Library Raises Funds for Literacy

Hemet Library Raises Funds for LiteracyPress-Enterprise: 9.12.07 by Diane A Rhodes

Download story podcast

Some came in strollers, some in wheelchairs and many in sneakers to participate in the second annual Walk-A-Mile for Literacy on Saturday.

Hosted by Hemet Public Library Adult Literacy Services, AmeriCorps and Hemet Adult Literacy Advocates, the event was intended to raise awareness and funds.

According to Adult Literacy Services Program Director Lori Eastman, nearly one in five adult residents of the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley is functionally illiterate.

About 250 supporters who participated in Saturday's Walk-A-Mile for Literacy gather for a raffle at the Hemet Public Library.

The Walk-A-Mile route, which measures out to be closer to two miles, contained 15 checkpoints for about 250 walkers to stop and learn about the importance of reading. Each table provided tickets for prizes that were raffled off after everyone met upstairs at the library. READ ON

Santa Maria Library - Spellers Aid Literacy With Contest

Spellers Aid Literacy With ContestLompoc Record: 9.9.07 by Luis Ernesto Gomez

No eight letters had eased so much tension as the word "zeppelin" did Saturday when two members of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club snatched first place at the 15th Annual Adult Spelling Bee.

"We've never made it this far," said Mike Gibson, who had paired with Mike Tolbert for nearly 18 rounds. "We usually make it up to the third or fourth round."
The pair finished first over St. Joseph High School students Natalie Favorite and Bianca Davis, both 17 years old, in a six-round tie-breaker. Susan and Robert Rees of the Noontime Rotary Club of Santa Maria finished in third place.

Some 33 two-person teams squared off in the often frustrating competition, which raises thousands of dollars for the Central Coast Literacy Council and was sponsored by the Santa Maria Times. Proceeds pay for materials and programs aimed to improve the reading and writing skills of adults. READ ON

Santa Paula Blanchard Library - International Literacy Day September 8

International Literacy Day September 8
Santa Paula News: 9.5.07

If you can read this, CELEBRATE International Literacy Day, September 8, 2007.

Since 1985, Santa Paula’s Blanchard Library FLAIR literacy program has been providing one-to-one volunteer tutors to help adults with reading, writing and math. Hundreds of adults have achieved success in reaching their literacy goals, ranging from being able to read a children’s book to earning a college degree. Meet a few of them:

“Before I came to FLAIR I couldn’t understand English. Now I speak, read and write it.” – Maria

“I was nervous at first but I took the ESL classes and then got a tutor. I’m learning grammar and cursive penmanship. I’m learning more and more.” – Francisco

“I read to my daughter.” – Luis

“FLAIR has been one of the most important things that has come into our lives. My husband and I have experienced good job opportunities… my daughter and older son have now graduated college.” – Martha

“I appreciate my tutor. She helps me. I want to work in a hospital convalescent home. It’s a good program. I love my library.” – Rosa

“I want a better life for my kids.” – Victor

To help celebrate these (and many other) goals and accomplishments, you can:

• Publicize our literacy program with posters and flyers

• Become a volunteer tutor

• Make a donation, which will receive a match from the California State Library - $6 will bring us $2, $9 will bring us $3, $12 will bring us $4, etc.

Call FLAIR at 525-2384. Happy reading!

Palmdale Library - Literacy tutors sought: Library helps more Valley adults read

Literacy tutors sought: Library helps more Valley adults read
Antelope Valley Press: 9.06.2007 by Lindsay Hymas

An estimated 17,500 adults in the Antelope Valley are illiterate, according to the Palmdale Library Adult Literacy Program.

The Palmdale Library is looking for volunteers to help reduce those numbers through its free program available to any English-speaking adult.

Since its inception in February 2002, the Palmdale Library Adult Literacy Program has trained approximately 150 volunteers who have worked with more than 300 adults, teaching them basic reading and writing.

The National Literacy Act of 1991, defines literacy as an individual's ability to read, write and speak in English; compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society; to achieve one's goals and to develop one's knowledge and potential.

Being illiterate does not mean a person is stupid, said Rod Williams, literacy coordinator for the Palmdale Library Literacy Program.

"It is important to look past the problem and see the person. Illiteracy is correctable.

"Illiterate adults should know they are not alone and that the program exists to help," Williams said. "There's a lot people can get out of a literacy program."

A five-year grant from the California Library Literacy Service provided funding for the volunteer-based program where tutors meet with students for one to 1½ hours once or twice a week for six months, Williams said.

Once a month, Williams conducts a six-hour training session for volunteer tutors, he said. During the training Williams screens volunteers, gives them an orientation to the program and introduces them to different teaching techniques, he said.

Each volunteer receives a teaching manual along with a copy of "The Voyage," a series of nine books representing varying levels of comprehension.

"My main objective in training is to get people to feel comfortable working one-on-one with other people. What I'm really looking for is people with patience and a sense of humor," Williams said.

Tutors should understand that literacy doesn't happen overnight; it takes time, William said. "I tell them, 'You're getting to impact someone's life.' That's a time commitment."

Each student receives a copy of "The Voyage" for his or her literacy level, and a copy of Litstart, a one-stop shop for the literacy program that includes techniques, phonics, word lists and more, Williams said.

Students also can bring their own material to tutoring sessions each week. "Anything is fair game," Williams said. "If they want to bring in comics or the newspaper, that's fine. Anything that helps them to read.

"Our long-term goal is that every student, by the time they leave, can function better in society," Williams said.

Palmdale City Librarian Nancy Quelland said the library's literacy program is a great service for the community. It "provides an opportunity for people to improve their reading and writing," she said, which "affects every aspect of their lives."

According to Quelland, the Adult Literacy Program is "very specialized because it's geared toward their needs, and they are able to set their own personal goals."

Not all students become truly engaged in the program, Williams said. While some students only meet their once-a-week minimum, others are yearning to learn more, he said.

So 1½ years ago, the literacy program introduced small classroom workshops for those who are really motivated, Williams said.

"We've found that having small classroom workshops in addition to the one-on-one tutoring provides supplemental instruction and extra social support for learning," he said.

The workshops help students hone basic math skills, reading and spelling skills, phonics and word family recognition skills.

California has about 100 literacy programs, but the Palmdale Library's literacy program is the only library program of its kind in the Valley, Williams said.

Other literacy resources in the community include remedial courses at Antelope Valley College, the AV Adult School, various church-run programs and private tutors.

Workshops for the Palmdale Library Literacy Program are conducted in the Palmdale Cultural Hall, but session meeting places are organized by the tutor and learner and can be conducted in any quiet public place, including the City Library and Palmdale Youth Library, Williams said.

Williams estimates one out of every five adults cannot read well enough "to fill out a simple application, read a food label or read a child a bedtime story."

According to the American Library Association, the impact of low literacy skills on society is enormous, correlating to income levels, unemployment rates, health care issues, crime statistics, remedial training and voter participation.

For details about the program, call Rod Williams at (661) 267-5682.

Lompoc Library - Celebrate Literacy Day by becoming a volunteer

Celebrate Literacy Day by becoming a volunteerLompoc Record: 9.04.07 - by Linda Warren

“International Literacy Day” is observed annually on Sept. 8 - this Saturday - to focus attention on worldwide literacy needs. More than 780 million of the world's adults, (nearly two-thirds women) don't know how to read or write. Between 94 and 115 million children lack access to education. Even in one of the richest countries in the world, illiteracy is a very sad fact.

I recently became a tutor, after I retired from a long career, and have been richly blessed by my student. I was trained in a few short evenings and was surprised that I needed no formal education in teaching to become a tutor. I had a friend years before, whose mother had taught others to read in the evening at the library. I thought to myself that I could also become a volunteer someday, once I retired and had more time. I discovered that it only takes a couple of hours a week to be a tutor, meeting twice a week.

My first student is a woman originally from another country, who only completed eighth grade. She is very eager to learn and is an excellent student. She signed up for many reasons, one of which is to be able to communicate with others and advance at her job. We have become friends and enjoy the time that we spend together. Not only do I have an opportunity to teach her to improve her reading skills, but I have also gained a friend.

To address the problem of illiteracy in our community, the Lompoc Public Library established an Adult Reading Program in 1998. In 18 years, the program has assisted more than 1,200 adults with improved reading and writing skills. The program is partly funded by the state library and the City of Lompoc, but contributions from community organizations and individuals assure the program's services will continue.

To become a volunteer tutor or make a tax-free donation, simply call 735-READ or stop by the library during regular hours and check with someone at the desk for more information. The next tutor training workshop starts Sept. 19 in the evening. This is a wonderful opportunity that anyone can do who has the desire to help someone read. It's changed my life and I know that it will change yours as well. Be a tutor and become a friend to someone today. Give the gift of reading today.

Linda Warren is literacy tutor for the Lompoc Public Library.