CLA 2018 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award :: Stacey Costello Colusa Co :: John Szabo LAPL

2018 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award

CLA Net: 6.29.2018

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.

Two awards will be given out in 2018.  The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipients will each receive $1,000 and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.

The award is sponsored by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and the California Center for the Book.

2018 Award Recipients

Stacey Costello, Colusa County Free Library

Stacey Zwald Costello returned home to Colusa County after more than fifteen years in the Bay Area, where she worked as a Curatorial Assistant in the history department of the Oakland Museum of California, and later as Assistant Editor at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University.

Costello started her official tenure on the centennial anniversary of the Colusa County Free Library, and has since worked to broaden services and programming, update collections and take the library system into its second hundred years with the ability to meet the evolving needs of the community. Working with library staff, patrons, and community organizations, the library has been able to expand service hours, build collections more reflective of our community, revitalize branch locations and improve the overall health of the library.

Unfortunately, Colusa County currently has an illiteracy rate of 34%.  In just under 3 years of Costello taking the helm, she has supported the Colusa County Free Library Literacy Program in the creation of a digital literacy program, U.S. citizenship seminars, an adult learner book and conversation clubs, and the recruitment and retention of adult tutors and learners alike. In addition, Costello was awarded a grant from the California State Library for access to the Career Online High School program. In support of developing and fostering early literacy skills and a love of reading, Costello has introduced weekly family story time to all seven branch locations, as well as provided programming in Spanish and for children with special needs, supported the expansion of the Raising a Reader program and hosted Growing Start Playgroups in our most rural outposts.

Her commitment to literacy services is a reflection of her commitment to the community at large, and her belief that literacy is an integral aspect to being a productive and happy person.

John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library

John F. Szabo is the City Librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library, which serves over four million people—the largest population of any public library in the United States.  He oversees the Central Library, 72 branches and the library’s $182 million budget.

Under his leadership, the Library’s major initiatives include those related to immigrant integration and citizenship, improving financial literacy and providing health resources and programs.  He has expanded the library’s reach into the city’s diverse communities through partnerships with several community-based organizations.

He has more than 25 years of leadership experience in public libraries, previously serving as the director of four libraries including the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of OCLC and on the Board of Directors for California Humanities and the University of Southern California Center for Library Leadership and Management.  He has previously served on the Executive Board of the Urban Libraries Council and as president of the Florida Library Association.

Past Winners:

2017: Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

2016: Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library

2015: Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries

2014: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

Literacy @ CLA Conference 2018

CLA Conference

#CLA2018

November 9-11, 2018

Santa Clara Convention Center

Literacy @ CLA Conference 2018

California Libraries are Graduating Adults: Caps, Gowns and Bright Futures

learn how your library can offer Career Online High School in partnership with the State Library and hear from other participating libraries

Nov 10 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Books Through Bars

innovative programs across the state are putting books into the hands of some of our most marginalized citizens

Nov 10 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Beyond Barriers: Adult Literacy @the Library

adult learners from diverse backgrounds who are active in Partners in Reading (San José Public Library) or Read Santa Clara (Santa Clara City Library) will share how participating in a library-based adult literacy program has enabled them to overcome barriers they have faced

Nov 10 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Essential for Some, Beneficial for All: Evidence-Based Methods to Strengthen Literacy

dyslexia affects up to one in five people. Forty-five million Americans are unable to read above a fifth grade level. In California, 51% of our students are not reading at grade level. This underserved population of adults and youth with low-level literacy skills needs specific, structured interventions to develop their reading skills and see progress

Nov 10 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Come Write In with National Novel Writing Month at Your Library

learn about the non-profit organization National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and their Come Write In program which provides free resources to libraries, community centers, and local bookstores to build writing havens in your neighborhood

Nov 10 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Removing Barriers: Launching Prison Programs

what it is like launching programming in a state prison

Nov 11 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Collaboration and Conversations: Reaching Rural, English-as-a-Second Language Populations

meeting the needs of a rural residents many of whom speak English as a second language

Nov 11 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Empowering Library Patrons Beyond Walls: A Perspective From a Literacy Program

literacy programs in libraries not only help learners improve their reading and writing, but also empower them beyond library walls, and even beyond borders

Nov 11 1:25 PM - 1:30 PM

California Library Association :: 2018 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

CLA Literacy Interest Group

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.

Two awards will be given out in 2018. The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipients will each receive $1,000 and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.

The award is sponsored by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and the California Center for the Book.

Submit Your Nomination!

The 2018 award nomination period will close on

Friday, March 30, 2018 at 5:00pm.

Eligibility

➤The nominee can be a library staff member who has performed one or more of the following services in support of literacy: outreach, programming, advocacy, recruitment, public awareness, collection development, fundraising, other -- you name it!

➤The nominee cannot be a literacy services staff person who already provides direct literacy services.

➤Persons nominated for the award are required to be CLA members.

➤Nominators are not required to be CLA members. However, if a nomination is made by a non-member, the nomination must be endorsed by a CLA member. If you need assistance in finding a CLA member to endorse your nomination, please contact the CLA office no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.

➤Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is permitted.

➤The OLSL Award is an individual award and a nomination may not be made for a group.

How to nominate
➤Nominators should submit the following to CLA:

➤A brief description of what the nominee has done to demonstrate passion, excellence, and dedication on behalf of literacy. (Not to exceed 300 words.)

➤Information about the nominee's library background and what the nominee's outstanding qualities are. E.g., how long has s/he worked in libraries and what has been the nature of that work? (Not to exceed 150 words.)

➤Anything else the committee should know about the nominee. (Not to exceed 150 words.)

The California Center for the Book is a recipient of a local Library of Congress Literacy Award for use in supporting state literacy initiatives. Through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards program furthers the Library's mission by honoring organizations that have made outstanding contributions to increasing literacy in the United States or abroad. The awards also encourage the continuing development of innovative methods for promoting literacy and the wide dissemination of the most effective practices. They are intended to draw public attention to the importance of literacy, and the need to promote literacy and encourage reading.

Past Winners:

2017: Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

2016: Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library

2015: Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries

2014: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City 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

California Library Association Conference :: Nov 2-4 :: Literacy

2017 California Library Association Conference

 New Worlds Emerge

Nov 2 – Nov 4 :: Riverside

@CalLibAssoc

#NewWorldsEmerge

Conference Planner: Literacy

Literacy Pre-Conference

Nov 2: Just-in-Time Literacy Instruction and Program Management Skills

1:00pm - 4:15pm

Five experienced library literacy coordinators will provide advice to colleagues

2:45pm - 4:15pm

Adult Literacy XPRIZE Competition 
Shlomy Kattan, Senior Director of the $7M Barbara Bush Foundation

Nov 3: Literacy Interest Group Meeting

1:00pm - 1:45pm

Nov 3: Leamos (Let's Read) at the Library: Lessons Learned Teaching Spanish Literacy

3 3:30pm - 4:15pm

Cathay Reta Adult Literacy Coordinator Azusa City Library

Rolando Olivo Adult Literacy Coordinator Riverside County Library Systems

New worlds do emerge when you learn to read for the first time. For adult Spanish speakers who never attended school, that is exactly what is happening at libraries throughout California.

Nov 4: An Invitation to Family Literacy: the Reading Ambassadors Program

3:00pm - 3:45pm

Let’s be honest, when it comes to family reading California families don’t have a level playing field.

Nov 4: Rural California + Digital Literacy + ESL Instruction

4:30pm - 5:15pm

Learn how Butte County Library established a digital literacy program for rural valley residents at a farm labor camp.

Letters Needed for SCA 3-DODD :: by April 26 :: CLA

Letters Needed for SCA 3-DODD :: by April 26

CLA News From the Capitol: 4.17.2017 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

Recently we reported that SCA 3 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) had a successful hearing in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee at the State Capitol, with the measure passing on a 5-2 party-line vote.

The legislation seeks to lower the local vote threshold from the current two-thirds to 55% for library construction and renovation bond measures.  This bill is sponsored by CLA.

SCA 3 will be heard in the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee on Tuesday, May 2 at 1:30 p.m.  Letters of support from libraries, Friends and Trustees, cities, counties, special districts, and architectural and construction firms are needed.

In the previous policy committee, there was not a strong showing of letters from library supporters, and most recently, the bill has received strong opposition from taxpayer groups.

So, in order to send a message that SCA 3 is of significant importance to the library community, Senator Dodd and the committee will need a much better show of support in the form of letters.

A sample letter is attached to this memo and letters will need to be received by Senate Committee members by Wednesday, April 26. 

In your letters, please explain

> how much the public library in your community is being used

> some of the more popular services

> specific examples of plans to build or renovate a library in your area

Please take a minute today to send a letter of support to the following individuals:

Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee:

The Honorable Henry Stern, Chair
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 3070
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4927

The Honorable Joel Anderson, Vice Chair

Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 5052
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4938

The Honorable Ben Allen, Member

Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 5072
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4926

The Honorable Bob Hertzberg, Member (SCA 3 co-author)
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 4038
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4918

The Honorable Connie Leyva, Member
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 4061
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4920

Please don’t forget to cc: a copy to Senator Bill Dodd (SCA 3 author)

The Honorable Bill Dodd

California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 5064
Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 651-4903

CLA 2017 Day In The District :: SCA 3-Dodd :: State Budget

CLA 2017 Day in the District

CLA: March 2017

What is “Day in the District?”

“Day in the District” is an effective way to build relationships with your legislator(s) by concentrating your time with the legislator in his or her district office, rather than at the busy State Capitol. Developing relationships with new legislators and bolstering your relationship with continuing legislators is incredibly important for the success of CLA’s advocacy platform.

Library directors, staff, Friends groups and trustees, literacy advocates, and other supporters are encouraged to schedule appointments with their legislators during the month of March.

Advocacy Issue: SCA 3-Dodd (library construction bonds – 55% vote approval)

Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) has introduced SCA 3, which seeks to lower the local voter threshold for library construction bonds from the current two-thirds vote to a 55% vote. CLA is the official sponsor of SCA 3 and we will be actively working to secure passage of the legislation in the legislature.

Advocacy Issue: State Budget

The Governor’s 2017-18 State Budget does not include any new increases for library funding. Due to the Governor’s concerns over a future economic downturn, as well as the uncertainty surrounding federal Budget issues, the Governor released a prudent Budget in January, which “holds the line” on current library funding.

Due to term limits, many of the “library champions” for CLA have recently departed the legislature. CLA is looking for the next generation of “library champions” in the California State Senate and Assembly. Could your legislator be our next library leader?  

    

Materials

·  Tips for Lobbying Your Legislator

·  Key Committee Members

·  Sample Letter

·  Day in the District Ideas

·  SCA 3 Fact Sheet

·  CLA Legislative Visit Worksheet

·  California Public Libraries and CENIC

Helpful Links

·  Find your Assembly Member or State Senator

·  Locate and track bills in the California State Legislature

CLA Call to Action :: Phone Your Representatives Today :: President's Budget to Eliminate Federal Library Funding

FEDERAL BUDGET NEWS - YOUR ACTION REQUESTED TODAY!

CLA Latest News: March 2017

                         

Dear California Library Community:

If you have not yet seen the news this morning, the new Federal budget (among other things) eliminates the IMLS. 

ALA Press Release – President’s budget proposal to eliminate federal library funding 'counterproductive and short-sighted'

·  Budget from White House – America First

·  Details about the budget – What Trump cut in his budget

      Washington Post: 3.16.2017 by Kim Soffen and Denise Lu 

Read related:  Trump federal budget 2018: Massive cuts to the arts, science and the poor

Members of House Appropriations 

· Calvert, 42^nd District  (Corona/IE)

· Valadao, 21^st District (Hanford)

· Roybal-Allard, 40^th District (Commerce)

· Lee, 13^th District (East Bay)

· Aguilar, 31^st District (San Bernardino/IE)

·   Library Services & Technology Act Funding in California

·  2015-2016 LSTA Funds by District

Please get on the phone with your representatives today, this is urgent.

Helen McAlary,

President, California Library Association