Newport Beach Library :: America Star Library

National Ranking: Newport Library is a ‘Star’

Newport Beach Indy: 12.08.2017

The Newport Beach Public Library was recently named as a “Star Library” in a national ranking, authorities announced this week.

Board of Library trustees announced Thursday that the city library earned the honor in a list compiled by the Library Journal, in its tenth edition of the Library Journal of Public Library Service.

This year, 7,409 U.S. public libraries were scored on the LJ Index of Public Library Service, explained NBPL Marketing Specialist Katherine Mielke in the press release.

They compared five areas: Total circulation, library visits, program attendance, public access computer use, and circulation of electronic materials.

Of the 259 named as America’s Star Libraries, thirteen are in California with just four in Southern California. Newport Beach Public Library is the highest scoring library in Orange County. This is the fifth year in a row, and ninth time in ten years, that NBPL has been named a Star Library, according to Mielke.  READ MORE >>

Other SCLLN “2017 Star” Libraries

Beverly Hills Public Library

Santa Monica Public Library

CLA Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award 2017 :: Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

CLA: 2017

Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

Four years ago, when the Blanchard Community Library in Santa Paula, California, found itself in the midst of legal, financial, and administrative difficulties, the Board of Trustees hired Ned Branch to turn around the library.

Previously, he worked in private post-secondary education for 27 years, having been affiliated with institutions in Northern and Southern California and Oregon.  During that time, he also frequently served as a member of accreditation review teams and worked extensively with state education agencies. His experience enabled him to put the library on solid financial foundation and to build a team of dedicated people to provide for the library’s future success. During the most recent school year, he initiated a partnership among the local school district, First Five of California, and the library to provide daytime ESL classes for parents and preschool instruction for children while the parents were in class. The district, First Five, and the library recently agreed to continue the program in the 2017-18 school year.

Last year the Santa Paula Latino Town Hall honored the library with its annual Community Service award, and this year the local Chamber of Commerce designated the library as the 2016 Non-Profit of the Year. Throughout his career, Ned has endeavored to help individuals change their lives for the better through education.  His commitment to adult literacy stems from his belief that literacy changes not only the life of the learner but also the learner’s children and, in turn, their children.

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy. One award is given each year and the recipient is honored at the CLA annual conference.

Past award recipients

Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library (2016) 

Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries (2015) 

Natasha Casteel, Roseville Public Library (2014) 

Patricia Noa, OC Public Libraries (2013)

Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library (2012)

Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library (2011)

Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library (2010)

Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library (2009)

Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library (2008)

Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library (2007)

John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library (2006)

Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library (2005)

Leslie McGinnis, Oakland Public Library (2004)

Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library (2003)

Sponsored by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, BALit, SCLLN, and NCLC

Submit your nomination for the Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

Newport Beach Library :: International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day :: Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

Literally Speaking: July/August 2017

@NMProLiteracy 

More than 780 million people worldwide (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read and write. International Literacy Day, traditionally observed each year on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs.

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy hosts an International Literacy Day (ILD) event at the Newport Beach Public Library, highlighting the tremendous strides our adult learners have made in reaching their goals. It is a day of celebration as tutors, learners and special guests share dishes from their home countries and come together to honor literacy program participants.

The adult leaner who exemplifies the mission of the program, is honored as the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award winner. This award, established in memory of Rochelle Hoffman, a dedicated tutor who passed away in 2004, is presented each year by Rochelle Hoffman’s daughters, Renee and Risa.

Another special part of the day is the presentation of the book In Our Own Words, which is a collection of stories, essays and poems written by the learners of the program.

It is our way of recognizing the efforts of volunteers and the progress of our adult learners. By improving literacy skills, we strengthen our community, and what better way is there to applaud these dedicated people than by supporting their efforts!  READ MORE @

Newport Beach Library :: Nominate :: GreatNonprofits Badge

GreatNonprofits :: Top-Rated Badge :: Nominations

Newport Beach Library/Mesa ProLiteracy

Nonprofits, gather 10 positive reviews (4+ stars) by October 31st to earn your 2017 GreatNonprofits Top-Rated badge.

It's easy! Just take a minute to nominate them for a 2017 Top-Rated Award and you could help them gain tremendous exposure and online promotion worth up to $20,000.

​

All you have to do is share a new, positive story (4 or 5 start) for your favorite nonprofit. You can also share a new story for a nonprofit you have reviewed before. You can share feedback and stories on as many nonprofits as you like!

T hey tacking very personal care to each client . Always satisfied . I am tacking tutor classes weekly there and use library books and CD all the time.

Natalia13:  Client Served 08/01/2017

T his firm helped me to get a grip in the US. All the tutors giving their best to improve their learners life in the USA. An unique curriculum for each learner! - that's the speciality of all the tutors. The literacy coordinator Cherall doing a great job and she's the backbone of this organization. They are serving learners from more than 10 countries, and thus each learner is improving intercultural skills too. All the management team, Cherall, Victoria, tutors, volunteers, and learners make this firm a perfect place for each newcomer to the USA.

SRJ1:  Client Served 08/01/2017

E very life has a period of time that has a great impact on it in a distinguishable way. Literacy Program changed my life as an immigrant and gave me a brighter resolution of life. Being with people who help others selflessly is a life changer opportunity for me. All they want is to help others to achieve their personal goals.

Negar:  Client Served 08/07/2017

W hat a marvelous opportunity for learner and tutor alike! Cheryl Weiss oversees a program whose impact reaches FAR beyond its small office within the Newport Beach Library. Each week hundreds of us work with our students in 2 hour increments to achieve the goals that our adult learners have identified as their priorities. This is individualized learner at its finest! Joni N: Volunteer 09/07/2017

I  am grateful and honored to be a volunteer tutor and writing facilitator for the Newport / Mesa ProLiteracy Program of The Newport Beach Library. The invaluable experience I have gained seeing our Learners go from beginners to advanced stages in English Language Development is gratifying and beyond words. I give much of the credit to our Director, Cherall Weiss and staff for developing a program designed to encourage and provide each Learner with the necessary tools to achieve their goals. Writer: Volunteer 08/05/2017

NOMINATE !

Huntington Beach Library :: Recognizing our Best ~ Central Literacy Awards Event

Recognizing our Best ~ Central Awards Event

Open Doors Literacy Newsletter: Summer 2017

June 13, 2017, was Literacy Volunteers' Annual Awards Event, where learners and tutors received recognition for their exemplary work and the new Board of Directors was voted in. Following the theme of "What is Black & White & READ All Over?" the room was appropriately decorated in theme colors, including the dessert table, with a delicious array of black, white, and red pastries and desserts. In the center of each table, books with specially made black & white covers were arranged, each representing a novel read by one of our learners or tutors.

Wine & Words :: October 27

Literacy Specialist Diane Moseley led the evening by presenting awards to tutors and learners who had shown special growth during the year. Top honors went to The CONVERSATION CLASSES, led by Barbara Robertson and Lynn Bryant. While both Barbara and Lynn give kudos to their learners, we commend the efforts of these two who have given so much to their classes, which have become a vibrant hub of activity and learning.

The honorable Mayor of Huntington Beach, Barbara Delgleize, joined us for the entire evening, offering to present the awards. We are grateful to our city's #1 citizen for honoring Literacy Volunteers and recognizing the work that we do. It was a thrill for all the winners to have their picture taken with Barbara, making the night even more special.  READ MORE @

International Literacy Day :: Newport Beach Library Literacy

International Literacy Day :: Newport Beach Library Literacy

Literally Speaking: July/August 2017

More than 780 million people worldwide (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read and write. International Literacy Day, traditionally observed each year on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs.

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy hosts an International Literacy Day (ILD) event at the Newport Beach Public Library, highlighting the tremendous strides our adult learners have made in reaching their goals. It is a day of celebration as tutors, learners and special guests share dishes from their home countries and come together to honor literacy program participants.

The adult learner who exemplifies the mission of the program, is honored as the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award winner. This award, established in memory of Rochelle Hoffman, a dedicated tutor who passed away in 2004, is presented each year by Rochelle Hoffman’s daughters, Renee and Risa.

Another special part of the day is the presentation of the book In Our Own Words, which is a collection of stories, essays and poems written by the learners of the program. Learner submissions for this special edition must be submitted to the literacy office by July 24. Please join us on September 14, 2017, at 10 a.m. to celebrate International Literacy Day. It is our way of recognizing the efforts of volunteers and the progress of our adult learners. By improving literacy skills, we strengthen our community, and what better way is there to applaud these dedicated people than by supporting their efforts!  READ MORE @

San Diego Public Library :: Red Balloon Award Finalist :: Valerie Hardie

Red Balloon Awards

August 12

The Red Balloon Awards is an inspirational dinner and awards gala that honors literacy heroes in the community while raising funds for Traveling Stories.

Valerie Hardie, Director of READ/San Diego, the San Diego Public Library’s adult literacy program.

As the director of San Diego Public Library’s adult literacy program READ, Valerie Hardie has been instrumental in improving literacy in the city for the past 22 years. The program has over 400 volunteers and tutors and received the Advancement of Literacy Award from the American Library Association as well as being named top community partnership by the U.S. Department of Education. Undoubtedly, Valerie’s commitment to READ and increasing adult literacy has created a legacy to the city of San Diego.

What is a Literacy Hero?

> A literacy hero does one or more of the following:

> Helps make reading more visible in their community.

> Creates books & other reading material that captivate readers and inspire a love for reading.

> Reduces barriers that would prevent people from becoming confident readers.

> Supports existing literacy programs in sustainable, meaningful ways.

> Promotes reading on a large scale.

Traveling Stories

Providing books to kids who have none and inspiring a love for reading everywhere! Fueling kids' minds with stories. We're dedicated to outsmarting poverty one book at a time & growing a world of readers.  READ MORE @

Glendale Library :: Tutor Appreciation Day

Tutor Appreciation Day at Downtown Central Library

Glendale Library, Arts & Culture

It's that time of year again to thank our amazing volunteers for their hard-work and dedication.

Join us in thanking the countless volunteers in the Adult Literacy Program and while attending the event take the time to sign up for our upcoming volunteer wokshops.

No prior teaching experience is needed.

For more information contact J. Guillermo Garcia at 818-548-6450

Los Angeles Public Library :: Writer to Writer 2017

Writer to Writer 2017 Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy

READ - A newsletter written by students and tutors: Spring 2017

Wonderfully inspiring letters were submitted by nineteen learners from the Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy Program who participated in the Southern California Writer to Writer Challenge.

The “easy” part was to read or listen to a novel, work of non-fiction, or magazine article. Writing can be intimidating for anyone but these writers met the challenge and responded to an author’s words – thereby becoming authors themselves.

You are sure to enjoy these letters from three authors who were honored in their category.

Runner-Up Emerging Writer

Albert Short

The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank

Runner-Up Intermediate Writer

Frank Marfetan

Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

Runner-Up Advanced Writer

Hee Min Yim

Ariadne’s Story, Joyce Hannam

Ventura Co Library :: Carol Chapman Honored by International Literacy Association

Celebrate Literacy Award – International Literacy Association

Celebrate Literacy Award: June 2017

Carol Chapman, READ Ventura, honored by the International Literacy Association.

The Celebrate Literacy Award recognizes organizations, institutions, and individuals that have made significant literacy contributions at the local, state, or provincial level. The hope is that the celebration will familiarize the public with literacy activities in the community and call attention to the work that is being done by the schools and the International Literacy Association to promote literacy worldwide.

Huntington Beach Library :: "Writer to Writer" Awards Brunch

"Writer to Writer" Awards Brunch 

Literacy Volunteers-HBPL News: Spring 2017

The 17th annual "Writer to Writer Challenge" Awards event took place on February 25, 2017, at the beautiful Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach. Learners from 16 southern California library literacy programs submitted letters they had written to the author of a book they'd read. Of those 85 entries, winners were chosen by peer-judges and the top 4 were invited to read their stories to the audience, who hung on every word. Their courage and sincerity won everybody over and not many dry eyes were left. "This 'competition' is a full-on-tutoring bonanza," stated SCLLN Treasurer and Committee Lead Carrie Scott. She pointed out the often year-long preparation can include reading, writing and-the mother of all challenges-speaking in front of a large crowd.

The inspirational and enthusiastic California State Librarian, Greg Lucas, spoke of his passion and dedication to libraries and literacy programs. SCLLN president Diane Moseley commented that the organization was thrilled he attended, proving the event worthy of statewide recognition. We all agreed that the spectacular brunch served included everything from the best breakfast fare to a heavenly lunch.

Entrees from Huntington Beach included:

Central: Chan Park, Patricia Zapata, Frieda Huang, Jenna Moon and Loretta Bui.

Oak View: Elizabeth Perez

A booklet containing the winning letters was given to the attendees, and can be found in the Literacy Office. Stop by to read and experience these open and sincere letters, which will melt your heart and give you a reason to believe there's hope for the world.  READ MORE @

Carlsbad Library :: 17th Annual Writer to Writer Challenge

17th Annual Writer to Writer Challenge :: Carlsbad Library

Learning Connection: Mar/Apr 2017

The Way it Works

William Kowalski

Congratulations to Carlsbad Library learner, Nyla H., for having her letter selected as a Runner-up for the Writer to Writer Beginning Writer category!

The Writer to Writer Challenge is an annual competition for adult learners in public library literacy programs. Learners write a letter to an author of a book or magazine telling them how their lives were influenced by what they read.

The competition is sponsored by the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN).

The winners and runners-up were recognized at an awards ceremony on February 25 during a brunch sponsored by SCLLN and the California State Library. Winners in each category had an opportunity to read their letters during the ceremony, and all winners and runners-up received a copy of a book that has been published with their letters.

All learners who submitted a letter received a certificate for their participation. There were 85 entries from 11 libraries throughout Southern California.  READ MORE @

Redlands Library :: SCLLN Writer To Writer Award Winner

Friends of A.K. Smiley Public Library

Facebook: 3.09.2017

Saturday, February 25th SCLLN Southern California Library Literacy Network held their 17th Annual Writer to Writer Awards brunch.

The Adult Literacy Program is proud that so many learners and tutors took part in the contest. Recognized at the event was Rosio Perez, First Place Winner in the Beginning Writer category. She read the book “Who Was Harriet Tubman” and wrote a letter to the author describing how the book influenced her life.

Also recognized with participant certificates were Willaim Acuna, Sonia Gutierrez, Lastenia Rozo, and Monica Sanchez. We were also honored to have four judges selected from our program – Martha Romo, Ana Alcantar, Wensung Hsu, and Tanya Kaufman.

Congratulations to Rosio and all our participants.

SCLLN Writer to Writer Awards Brunch :: Feb 25

Writer to Writer Awards Brunch

February 25, 2017

Keynote Speaker

Greg Lucas,

California State Librarian

Radisson Hotel Newport

4545 MacArthur Blvd

Newport Beach, CA 92660

SCLLN is excited to announce the winners and runners-up for the 2016 Writer to Writer Challenge!  We had a great response—85 entries—and the quality of the letters was amazing!  We are so proud of all of the learners who wrote letters.  Every letter was a beautiful expression of the learners’ thoughts and feelings.

Please join other writers, tutors, coordinators and their guests, as well as our State Librarian Greg Lucas, at a wonderful brunch to be held Saturday, February 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach. The winners and runners-up will each receive a cash prize and a certificate, and all letter writers will receive a certificate of participation.

Congratulations to all of our letter writers!

Emerging Category  ::  Winner

Rowshon A Placentia Library District

Gandhi, Demi

Runners-Up

Chris M, READ/San Diego – San Diego Public Library

The Boys in the Boat, Young Readers Adaptation, Daniel James Brown

Albert S, Los Angeles Public Library

The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank

Beginning Category  ::  Winner

Rosio P, A.K. Smiley Public Library

Who Was Harriet Tubman?, Yona Zeldis McDonough

Runners-Up

Nyla M. H, Carlsbad City Library

The Way it Works, William Kowalski

Mary Y, Placentia Library District

Jonathon Livingston Seagull, Richard Bach

Intermediate Category  ::  Winner

Maria A, READ/San Diego – San Diego Public Library

Abraham Lincoln, Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

Runners-Up

Frank M, Los Angeles Public Library

Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

Yoko E, Newport Beach Public Library

Gift from the Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Advanced Category  ::  Winner

Grace W, Newport Beach Public Library

When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi

Runners-Up

Hee Min Y, Los Angeles Public Library

Ariadne’s Story, Joyce Hannam

Anonymous, Beverly Hills Public Library

999 Tadpoles, Ken Kimura

Join SCLLN as we recognize over 80 learners from around southern California who participated in the 2016 Writer to Writer Challenge !

Listen to writers from each of the 4 categories read their winning letters ! 

Be inspired by our learners’ letters !

Enjoy a delicious brunch and meet Greg Lucas, California State Librarian

$25 for SCLLN members; $45 for non-members

Please register along with payment made out to SCLLN, to:

Carrie Scott - Carlsbad City Library

3368 Eureka Pl, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 931-4510