Redlands Library :: Redlands Celebrates Newest Anthology Of Work By Adult Literacy Program Members

Redlands Celebrates Newest Anthology Of Work By Adult Literacy Program Members

Redlands Daily Facts: 6.22.2019 by Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator-A.K. Smiley Library

On June 15, 135 adult learners, their tutors, their families and members of the community gathered at the Contemporary Club for the Celebration of Authors, an event that honors the original work of adult learners from the Redlands Adult Literacy Program.

At the celebration, the authors received copies of “Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, Volume 2,” the second anthology of adult learner writings.

The anthology provides an opportunity for adult learners to write stories from their hearts, choosing just the right words to express themselves, and then to share those stories with the broader community.

Over 40 adult learners and three tutors contributed works for the anthology. The works focused on the learners’ inspirations, journeys to literacy, personal reflections, family and friends, memories and adventures and reflections about books the learners had read. Tutor Sharon Regalado, who served as one of the editors of the anthology, noted the tremendous growth she saw in the adult learners’ writing skills.

A Long Walk to Water

Adult learners wrote about a myriad of experiences. Sisters Yesenia Jimenez and Ma, Isabel Vidrio participated in an adult literacy book club where they read “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park. The sisters could identify with the book, as they also had to carry water to their home as children. Yesenia recollected an incident where she and her sisters passed by a tree laden with huge, spikey caterpillars. Isabel recounted a story about collecting water one dark morning before her mother awoke.

Maria Luz Moreno wrote about her granddaughter losing her first tooth. Zita Valdivia wrote about the pride she felt when she first voted. Wen Sung Hsu wrote about her love of reading.

The authors were given the opportunity to read their works at the celebration and to sign each other’s’ books.  READ MORE >>

Next Volunteer Tutor Orientation

Sep 30 :: 6pm

If you are interested in becoming a tutor, please contact the literacy program at

909-798-7565 ext. 4138