Newport Beach Library - Mother learns to read to teach kids

Mother learns to read to teach kids
Newport Beach program helps adults beat self-doubt and learn to read
OC Register: 9.16.2013 by Nicole Shine

For so long, Marna Lee Lopez called herself dumb.

She couldn't read, although, ironically enough, for 13 years she worked at the Orange County Department of Education. Her employer never caught on because her co-workers helped her get by, she said. She became a good mimic.

“I could sound sophisticated and bright without knowing anything,” said Lopez, 44, of Costa Mesa. She didn't expect more from herself.

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For some, like Lopez, their kids inspire them to learn. Others, like Anna Kwon, an Irvine resident, have a goal in mind. The Korean-born immigrant said she wanted to become a U.S. citizen.

Both women learned to read thanks to Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy, a program at the Newport Beach library that enlists the help of more than 100 volunteers, mainly retirees, who spend a few hours a week tutoring these students. The program's annual budget of roughly $100,000 is cobbled together from city funds, donations and grants. Their tools include a room at the Central Library filled with books perfect for beginning readers.

Last year, the program helped more than 200 adults, from about age 25 to upwards of 70, to read and reach their goals.

Kwon recently passed the U.S. citizenship test. Lopez is so proficient that she now home-schools her triplets.  READ MORE !