Rights to Literacy CampaignJulia Amante Blog: July 29, 2010 - Repost
As an author and former teacher, a mother of young children and a Latina-American who adores and credits libraries and books with the fact that she had the opportunity to become literate, I'm very proud to be participating in a rights to literacy campaign this weekend at my local library.
The best way for me to share information about this event is to let the two fabulous ladies running the events this weekend speak for themselves.
Linda Adams, Computer Lab Coordinator
Paula Miller, Literacy Program Coordinator
Julia: The Norman F. Feldheym Library always has so many great events for the community. You have an upcoming event this weekend. Can you share what the Delcaration to the Rights to Literacy National Literacy Campaign is, and what the public will be signing between July 31st and August 3rd?
Linda and Paula: In June 2009 at the National Community Literacy Conference, a Right to Literacy Convention convened. Delegates from across the country discussed and voted on the U. S. Declaration for the Right to Literacy.
The need is clear – tens of millions of adults and children do not have the skills needed to succeed in life. Literacy is the number one tool to make change and impact economic prosperity. The right to literacy must be a National priority!
The Declaration of the Right to Literacy is supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The Right to Literacy Declaration scroll has traveled the country and has been signed by tens of thousands of supporters. The scroll is making its way to the White House and is expected to be presented to President Obama in September 2010 for Literacy Awareness month.
Julia: Wow, that's exciting! I can't wait to sign it. I agree that being literate is the a great determiner of success in life. I always told my students that if they learned to read, they could learn about anything that interested them. It opens doors to their future.
Linda and Paula: Yes, literacy is essential to ensure prosperity for the nation and self determination for the individual. Changes at the national, regional and local level must take place.
Julia: What events will you have and are they open to the public?
Linda and Paula:
On Saturday, July 31 11:00 am to 4:00 pm we have the Local Author Event you'll be participating in. The “Right to Literacy” -- Authors in Support of Literacy
Local Authors will be invited to display, promote and sell their books as well as sign the Literacy Scroll to show their support.
The public will also be encouraged to sign and view the Scroll.
On Tuesday, August 3 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm we'll have - “Right to Literacy” – A Local Celebrations. Jack L. Hill Literacy Center Open House 3:00 – 5:00 pm
An Open House will showcase the Literacy Department of the Library and will be a precursor to the evening event highlighting the Scroll
Well have speakers 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Local Education and Literacy Advocates speak about their lives and work in promotion of a more literate America.
Speakers will include: Miss Dorothy InghramMr. John WeeksMr. Phil Yeh
Reception 7:00 – 8:00 pmLocal politicians and other dignitaries will be invited to sign the “Declaration for the Right to Literacy” Scroll.
These events are open to the public
Julia: What other programs or events are available at the library throughout the year to encourage Literacy?
Linda and Paula:
The Jack L. Hill Literacy Center at the library provides basic literacy, ESL and citizenship classes as well as homework assistance to school age youth to over 450 adults per year. Today the Literacy Center is venturing into helping people with job seeking and preparation. Although this has always been a small portion of what our adult learners are taught, this year finds us working more diligently on this topic.
The library also has a summer reading program for children and teens. We also have early literacy, baby story time and preschool story times to encourage families to be involved in their children’s reading.
Julia: My students in the past, and my own children have participated in some of these programs, like the summer reading program, so I know they are wonderful. Thank you so much for all you do, and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!
I encourage anyone who lives close to the library to stop by and sign the scroll!
Here is the library address:Norman F. Feldhym Central Library
555 W. 6th St.
San Bernardino, Ca. 92410
Hugs,
Julia
Thank you to Julia Amante for allowing SCLLN to repost from her blog.
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