Ventura Co Library - County literacy program could lose state funding

County literacy program could lose state funding
VC Star: 2.11.11 by Kevin Clerici

A Ventura County literacy program that teaches some 250 adults to read each year would lose funding under the governor's proposed budget, and backers have launched a letter-writing campaign to legislators to try to minimize the cut.

Because the free tutoring program is staffed almost entirely by volunteers, it costs only about $35,000 a year to operate, making it cost-effective, proponents say.

Lack of literacy is the No. 1 cause of the high school dropout problem, experts say. People with low literacy skills typically are underemployed, pay less in taxes and need more public services. And families in which a parent reads poorly are more likely to have children with low literacy skills.

"These adult learners typically have no place else to turn for help," said Carol Chapman, literacy program manager.

Private instruction can be costly, she added. One learner sought private help and after completing an assessment was told it would cost him $8,000 in instruction to become proficient, Chapman said. In contrast, the county tutoring is all free and takes place in libraries, schools and community and jail facilities throughout the county.

Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget calls for the elimination of funding for public libraries ($30.4 million) and statewide literacy services ($4.6 million), except for the state library itself. It represents a tiny fraction of his plan to close a $26.5 billion shortfall.

Ventura County's library system received $150,000 in state funds last year to share among its 14 branches, as well as the $35,000 for literacy tutoring.

That's a far cry from the amount received during rosier fiscal years. In 2000, local libraries received $1.2 million from the state, records show.

Jackie Griffin, the county's chief librarian, believes if the state money is eliminated, the chances of getting it back in better economic times will be greatly reduced.

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The county library system has been offering the tutoring service since 1984, among the first to join the California Literacy Campaign. Additional funding over the years has come from collaborative agreements with the Ventura and Oxnard adult schools, various cities and the Sheriff's Department. State grants and donations from businesses and service organizations also have helped, but contributions have slowed due to the economy.

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Supporters hold annual fundraising events — the Gold Coast Ride for Literacy in April as well as the Trivia Challenge, which collectively raise about $3,000 to $6,000 each year. There is talk of doing more.

"We are open to all possibilities," Chapman said. READ MORE !