Report to the
Legislature on the California Library Literacy & English Acquisition
Services Program: 2014-15
Executive Summary
Several million adults in California are unable to fully participate in the social, political and economic life of our state because they cannot read or write English. Improved literacy skills open the door to better employment opportunities, self-education, and the joys of reading.
For the past 30 years, the state has helped open that door for nearly a quarter of a million adult learners through the California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) program. CLLS supports Californians by providing services to low-literacy adults and their families through California public libraries.
In addition to helping adults learn to read and write, literacy programs are providing assistance with other necessary life skill needs by teaching digital and health literacy, delivering job skill training, and helping adults obtain their high school diplomas and U.S. citizenship. CLLS programs provide a gateway to success for many in their communities.
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, 18,388 adult Californians participating in CLLS improved their reading skills with the help of close to 10,000 volunteers.
Gov. Brown added $1 million in one-time funds in fiscal year 2014/2015, enabling a baseline increase of 50% to each local program. Gov. Brown then restored $2 million to the program in the 2015-2016 fiscal year, demonstrating the priority this state puts on an informed and educated California.
The total number of locations providing services in fiscal year 2014/15 is 805, and that number will grow in 2015/2016 due to the increase in committed state funding and the ability to add new programs for the first time in four years.
Literacy services provide an excellent return on investment, as participating programs contribute local funds to support literacy effects – in fiscal year local contributions totaled $16,846,187, ($4.41 for each state dollar spent). READ MORE >>
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