BlogAThon - SCLLN

SCLLN is finally on the Google Literacy Project map.

We are the ‘red marker’ just below the ' A ' in CA.The Literacy Project, launched in 2006 at the Frankfurt Book Fair, is a resource for teachers, literacy organizations and anyone interested in reading and education.

It was created in collaboration with LitCam, Google, and UNESCO's Institute for Lifelong Learning.

Remember to use GoodSearch !

Use GoodSearch and every time you click, SCLLN gets a donation.

Click on the Icon just below the ClusterMaps.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - READ/Orange County

READ/Orange County provides:

• Tutoring in reading and writing

• Tutor training

• On-going tutor support

• Mutually convenient times and locations

• Small group or one-to-one setting

• Confidential, individualized, goal-oriented lessons

• Families for Literacy

• Working for Inmate Literacy Now (WIN)

• English Literacy Civics Education

• Referral information

Check their Calendar for upcoming Workshops.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - San Luis Obispo Library

San Luis Obispo Literacy Council works directly with the San Luis Obispo Public Library.

They have a fundraiser going on right now; you still have time !

Fundraiser at Barnes & Noble!

Click on this voucher, print it out and present it when you make a purchase at the downtown SLO location of Barnes & Noble on July 28, 2007. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Literacy Council plus you can preview Chocolate Suite artwork while you’re there.

Chocolate Suite: August 25, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Wine, Music, Appetizers and of course lots and lots of Chocolate!
Why: A fundraiser for literacy
Where: Talley Vineyards, Arroyo Grande
Tickets: $50.00 per person

Tutor Workshops

4 August:
Tutor Training August 4 & August 11 (9:00 am)
11 August:
Tutor Training August 4 & August 11 (9:00 am)
25 August:
A Chocolate Suite (5:30 pm)
8 September:
Tutor Training September 8 & 15 (9:00 am)
13 October:
Tutor Training October 13 & 20 (9:00 am)

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Learners

Voices for Adult Literacy United for Education

VALUE’s mission is to strengthen adult literacy efforts in the United States through learner involvement and leadership.

Adult learners will be involved as primary stakeholders and full partners in every aspect of literacy program operations throughout the country.

VALUE just held their annual Conference, Juy 5-7 in Hartford, CT.

"Literacy + Leadership = Independence"

Come meet and network with adult learner leaders and supporters from around the country; take part in leadership training work-
shops; and discuss what is going on in adult literacy nationally.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Videos

an SCTV classic

BlogAThon - California

from the CLA weblog:

II. AB 1030-CABALLERO: LITERACY PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

AB 1030 by Assemblywoman Caballero, the former Mayor of Salinas, is part of a multiple bill package that she has titled her "Gang Prevention Kit" in order to assist at-risk youth.

Specifically, AB 1030 would expand the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program to services targeted to young adults, 16 years of age and over, who are not enrolled in school.

The program would allow these youths to receive adult basic literacy tutoring and related services. Recent research by the State Library indicates that only 618 youths, ages 16-19 were served by this program in 2005-06.

CLA is in support of the measure, which recently had a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.

The measure will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, July 16. If you have an interest in AB 1030-Caballero, please contact the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee via phone to indicate your support.

Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair (916) 651-4007
Senator Dave Cox, Vice Chair (916) 651-4001

-heard it is now on its way for funding: still needs support

call your State Senator or Assemblyman or Assemblywoman

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Carlsbad

ADULTS CAN LEARN TO READ, WRITE, AND SPELL BETTER!

The Adult Learning Program is the adult literacy service of Carlsbad City Library. The program serves English-speaking adults who want to improve their basic reading and writing skills.

At the Adult Learning Program we've helped hundreds of adults to become more confident and independent.

Adult learners:
Develop basic reading skills
Improve spelling and writing
Gain general knowledge
Apply literacy skills in daily life.

In September 1998, Carlsbad Library's Adult Learning Program began a cooperative literacy effort with Carlsbad High School. Special education students come daily during regular school hours to the Adult Learning Program site. Ninth through twelfth graders are tutored one-to-one in basic reading and writing skills by their special education teacher and aide and by the staff and volunteers of the Adult Learning Program. Enrollment is done through the high school and students receive high school credit.

Check out their current Newsletter - for information about the Henry Huffman Institute.

"Before I was in this program, it was like I was in a cave. Now I have the whole world opened up to me." Adult Learning Program Learner

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Books

You've GOT to Read This Book! 55 People Tell the Story of the Book That Changed Their Life by Jack Canfield, Gay Hendricks.


"To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable spelled out is a spark." These words of Victor Hugo continue to cast light nearly two centuries after they were written. In You've Got to Read This Book!, Chicken Soup impresarios, Canfield and Hendricks, share personal stories about the power of reading. The contributors include Malachy McCourt, Dave Barry, Stephen Covey, Kenny Loggins, Mark Victor Hansen, Lou Holtz, and John Gray.


Why don't you write books people can read ?
Nora Joyce to husband James.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - California

California public libraries began offering free adult literacy in 1984. Credit goes to Gary Strong, State Librarian, and his staff at the State Library. It was originally called the California Library Campaign. Families For Literacy was added in the 90's and it is now called California Library Literacy Services.

We celebrated our 20th Anniversary in 2004. A part of the Celebration was a 'California Literacy' timeline (in pdf).

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Humor

Flickr Photos

Illiterate by W1z of oz's

Houston by The Rocketeer

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - SCLLN

Afternoon Reminder:
Here to raise money and encourage people to volunteer.
Please visit the Blog A Thon and click on the Southern California Library Literacy Network.

Public libraries in Southern California provide FREE literacy services to English-speaking adults who want to improve basic reading and writing skills. As a volunteer, you have the rare opportunity to share the excitement and joy of helping someone read for the first time and to create a learning environment that promotes self-esteem and helps adult learners participate more fully in their community.

You can help an adult:

Develop basic reading skills
Improve spelling and writing
Gain general knowledge
Apply literacy skills to daily life
Become more confident and independent

Successful volunteer tutors:

Read and write comfortably in English
At least 18 years old
Previous teaching or tutoring experience is not required
Have patience and empathy
Have good listening skills
Flexible and nonjudgmental

Able to learn and use a variety of teaching methods

Typical commitment of a volunteer tutor:

2 tutoring sessions per week
Each session is 1 1/2 hours
Minimum 6 months of tutoring
A combination of Orientations, Tutor Workshops, and In-Service workshops
One-to-one tutoring and/or Small Groups

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Books

Still looking for some Summer Reading ?

Some ideas:

NPR's list of recommended reading for Summer 2007.

Every summer, UC Berkeley sends new freshmen a list of books suggested by faculty and staff. 2007 Theme: Survival. Also has past years’ lists.

Who Reads What - 2007: Authors and celebrities; by year and name.

Celebrities Caught Reading

~ Celebrity Book Club
~ Celebrity Summer Reading
~ Read-Like-A-Celebrity

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Children

. . . ran across this on Maggie Reads

Newberry Challenge

Because there are so many challenges out there, I thought I'd start one of my own. While I like all the challenges, I wanted to craft one to meet my needs and others could join in if they want. When I was looking at the Pulitzer list and Newberry list recently I realized that I've read more Newberry books. And I like it that way. I am a mother. I like to have my pulse on what the kids are reading AND I love young adult fiction. It reminds me of curling up in my dad's lazy boy and reading the afternoon away. It also makes me wonder if I could write children's books too.

So here is the challenge...

1. Pick 6 books from the Newberry list.
2. Comment here that you are in the challenge and list to your blog.
3. Post your picks on your blog.
4. You have from May 15, 2007 to Dec 31, 2007 to read and review the 6 books you choose.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Links

Other Southern California Literacy Organizations:


Kern Adult Literacy Council
Laubach Literacy Council of San Diego County
Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles
Long Beach Area Literacy Council
Orange County Literacy Council
San Diego Council on Literacy
South Bay Literacy Council



-if there are others - let us know -

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Fundraisers

Most library programs have to raise money to provide free tutoring in their communities.

Some do Trivia Challenges, Spelling Bees, Scrabble Tournaments -it takes alot of work to put on these fundraisers.

Here are few:

Glendora Public Library

22 Mar 2007 by Free To Read The organizers would like to extend special thanks not only to the hard-working trivia challenge committee but also Spaghetti Eddie's, and all of the restaurants who donated food and all of their sponsors including Athens Services; ...
Southern California Library Literacy Network - http://sclln.blogspot.com/


Burbank Public Library
Trivial Matters That Matter
31 Mar 2007 by Library Moose Well, I must say that I am impressed in that three of my people herd at the Library on Thursday night won the 2007 Trivia Challenge. Trivia Challenge is an annual fundraising and awareness raising event for my Library's Literacy ...
The Library Moose - http://librarymoose.blogspot.com/index.html


Project Read - North County
Trivia ChallengeThe Trivia Challenge is an annual fundraiser for Project Read, North County. For a $350 entry fee, teams of three compete for the distinguished title of “Trivia Champions of Northern San Mateo County.” Each year the winner takes home the Trivia Challenge perpetual trophy. Invite your friends and co-workers to cheer you on and enjoy dinner. Call the Project Read office (650) 829-3871 for more information on the Trivia Challenge.
http://www.ssf.net/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=469

Benicia Public Library
Trivia Bee 16 “Summer of Love is coming. This signature fundraising event benefiting the Benicia Library’s Adult Literacy & ESL Program is scheduled for ...
http://benicialibrary.llwip.org/geninfo/pressreleases.html

Escondido Public Library
Escondido resident had long career in foreign service. November 24th, 2006 .... May 28th, 2006. Spelling's charm as simple as A-Bee-C. May 26th, 2006 ...
http://www.nctimes.com/news/columnists/jeff_frank/

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Videos

The Calgary Public Library's award-winning television commercial.

BlogAThon - LAPL

Work one on one with an adult tutor to improve your reading and literacy skills. Tutors meet with students in any branch of the Los Angeles Public Library.

This service is free.

They meet twice a week for 1 to 1½ hours at a time for a minimum of six months.

Hear learners talk about literacy: Featured Learner: Marvin Nettles

You can also learn Online.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Library

365 Library Days Project:

A tool for advocacy and inspiration - get as many libraries to sign up for a customized, library friendly version of the 365 project - downloading at least 365 pictures from in, around or about the library you work in, for and/or with.

If you decide to take part, please add the photos you upload for the project into this Flickr group. Also, please also tag the pictures you take for this project with the tag: 365libs.

Drop me, Michael Porter, libraryman here on flickr, a line via flickr mail or email me and I'll help you get things running if you have any trouble.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - READ/San Diego

San Diego Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program Receives National Award from American Library Association.

has been chosen by the American Library Association to receive the prestigious Advancement of Literacy Award. READ/San Diego is a free adult and family literacy for adults 18 years of age and older.

“I am extremely pleased that the American Library Association has recognized READ/San Diego for its accomplishments in improving literacy,” said City Library Director Anna Tatár. “Library staff and volunteers have helped make this program a national model.”

Established in 1984, the Advancement of Literacy Award honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation or similar group that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of adult literacy.

A plaque was awarded at the American Library Association’s 2006 conference, held in New Orleans. The awards event is sponsored by The Library Journal.

Recent past recipients of the Advancement of Literacy Award include Verizon Foundation (2005); Elizabeth Fischer, Subrata De and Tom Brokaw of “Dateline NBC,” NBC News (2004); Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (2003); Center for Literacy, Philadelphia (2002); The Providence Journal (2001); Starbucks Foundation (2000); Lila Wallace, Reader’s Digest Fund and Mount Clemens Rotary Club (co-winners) (1999).

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Children

California Reading List (CRL)

Is based on a child's score on the California English-Language Arts Standards Test, a specific list has been designated as appropriate for him or her in terms of reading difficulty and interest level.

There are 13 different lists titles: starting with 01 to 13+.

Each list is made up of a collection of titles that are slightly more difficult to read than the titles on the list before it. List #01 has the most easy-to-read titles, while List #13+ is made up of the most difficult or sophisticated titles.

The list numbers DO NOT correspond to grade levels.

Might also want to look at Lexile

It has a Database of thousands of titles with Lexile measures: 200L for beginning-reader material to above 1700L for advanced text.
You can search by Lexile measure and it has a Lexile Analyzer –free but limited use- to calculate reading ability or text difficulty.
Also has a ‘Lexile BookBag’ for parents.

Blogathon 2007