Lompoc Library - Literacy program in jeopard

Literacy program in jeopardy
Santa Maria Times: 6.18.2011 by Christina Chill

Consider your own life and how you would function without the ability to read and write. Simple everyday tasks like reading your emails, deciphering driving instructions, or writing a check would be daunting.

More challenging tasks like reading the want ads, balancing a checkbook, or filling out a job application could be virtually impossible without help from a confidant.

Nearly every thing we do on the job, at home, and in the community requires a certain level of reading, writing, and reasoning skills, yet nearly one-fifth of English speaking residents in Lompoc are illiterate.

Many are immigrants, who have learned to speak English well enough to get by, but lack the literacy skills to compete for 21st century jobs. Others were born in the United States, but for a variety of reasons failed in our traditional school system. A few have learning disabilities. Others are dropouts. Some have graduated from high school without having acquired the necessary skills to function in today’s information driven society.

For 21 years, the Lompoc Public Library has been giving these adults a second chance and an opportunity to succeed in life through free individualized tutoring by professionally-trained volunteers. Our “Each one Teach one” method is not only cost effective, but has helped 2,000 residents improve their skills and achieve their goals, from getting a job to enrolling in college. As a result, many have moved off welfare or other governmental services, and are productive citizens in our community.

The economic crisis in Lompoc has put our Literacy Program in jeopardy. Without community support, we could face elimination of these vital services in the upcoming months. You can help to keep our program afloat by supporting the Friends of the Library food booth at Flower Festival. All proceeds benefit literacy. We will be serving barbecue chicken dinners, jalapeno chicken poppers, drinks, and almond brittle. We will also have a slide show presentation at our booth, so you can see some of the faces of those we serve and the volunteers who make the program possible. Hope to see you there.

Christina Chill
Literacy Coordinator
Lompoc

Lompoc Valley Flower Festival
June 22 - 26
Ryon Park