May 21, 2018 :: Last Day to Register to Vote in This Election

May 21, 2018

Last day to register to vote in this election

Easy Voter Guide

May 21, 2018

Last day to register to vote in this election

May 29, 2018

Last day to request a “vote by mail” ballot

June 5, 2018 :: ELECTION DAY

Your polling place is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Missed the May 21 voter registration deadline?

You can still vote in this election!

If you missed the deadline:

go to your County Elections Office or other special location

You will be able to register and vote on the same day - all the way up

through Election Day.

3 simple steps you can complete in one visit

1. Register to vote.

2  Vote.

3. Seal your ballot in a special envelope and sign it.

Voters Edge

Get the facts about the candidates and propositions before you vote.

Governor – The highest elected official in California:

Oversees most state departments and agencies.

Prepares annual state budget.

Approves or rejects new state laws.

Lieutenant Governor – Next in line:

Becomes Governor if the elected Governor leaves office.

Has a tie-breaking vote in the State Senate.

Secretary of State – Head of elections and record keeping:

Coordinates statewide elections and oversees election laws.

Also keeps records about new corporations and businesses and other state databases.

Controller – The state’s bookkeeper:

Keeps track of how the state’s money is spent.

Issues most checks from the state and manages collection of money due to the state. Reports on finances of state and local governments.

Treasurer – The state’s banker:

Manages the state’s investments and assets.

Coordinates the sale of state bonds.

Attorney General – The state’s top lawyer:

Makes sure laws are enforced the same way across the state.

Manages the state Department of Justice.

Oversees sheriffs and district attorneys.

Insurance Commissioner – Insurance overseer:

Manages the state Department of Insurance.

Enforces laws that insurance companies must follow.

Superintendent of Public Instruction – Head of public schools:

Manages the state Department of Education.

Provides leadership and assistance to all public schools in California.

Enforces education regulations.

U.S. Senator (6-Year term)

Representative in U.S. Congress (2-Year term)

State Senator (4-Year term; even-numbered districts will be voted on in this election)

State Assembly Member (2-Year term)

State Board of Equalization (state tax commission; 4-Year term)

Propositions

68 Bonds for Environment, Parks and Water

69 Transportation Funding

70 Cap-and-Trade Amendment

71 Ballot Measure Effective Date

72 Taxes for Rainwater Capture Systems

Produced for statewide elections in California since 1994, the Easy Voter Guide is a collaboration of the League of Women Voters® of California Education Fund and the California State Library.

The Easy Voter's Guide was started when a group of public library adult literacy students [ Bay Area New Readers Council ] felt that there was a lack of nonpartisan voter information accessible to adults still working on their reading skills.

Voter’s Edge California – Find information about your local as well as statewide candidates and measures along with a polling place look up feature.

CAvotes – Website of the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Look up your local League of Women Voters

The California State Library and Library Literacy Services – a partner and co-founder of the Easy Voter Guide project

Common Knowledge – co-founder of the Easy Voter Guide project

The James Irvine Foundation

Redlands Library :: Adult Literacy Learners Gain Leadership Skills at ‘Boot Camp’ in Redlands

Adult literacy learners gain leadership skills at ‘boot camp’ in Redlands

Redlands Daily Facts: 5.12.2018 by Diane Shimota, Literacy Coord - A.K. Smiley Library

The Adult Learner Leadership Institute (ALLI) is a training program designed for adult learners and sponsored by the California Library Literacy Services, a division of the California State Library. ALLI gives advanced adult literacy learners the opportunity to improve their leadership skills.

This year the Southern California ALLI boot camp was hosted by the Redlands Adult Literacy Program at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

Five adult learners with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program have attended past ALLI boot camps. They have used their leadership skills in the Redlands community by speaking to the City Council, representing the adult literacy program at community events, sharing their experience with new tutors and encouraging new adult learners to improve their reading and writing. ALLI graduates in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program serve as leaders in the community and at the library.

Nineteen adult learners, including five from the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, attended this year’s ALLI boot camp. The program included sessions led by ALLI graduates, including four adult learners from the Redlands Adult Literacy Program.

Session topics included leadership, self-esteem, advocacy, networking, goal setting and public speaking. The attendees had many opportunities to work in teams and to express their thoughts and ideas. Each attendee drafted, edited, practiced and presented a speech about literacy or leadership. For most, it was their first experience speaking in front of a group.

One ALLI facilitator, Ana Alcantar from the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, said she was amazed at how much the attendees had learned over the weekend. She was impressed by their speeches and enthusiasm for helping adult literacy programs in their communities.  READ MORE >>

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

Governor Releases 2018-19 Proposed State Budget :: Includes $9.5 Million to Enhance Public Library Programs

Governor Releases 2018-19 Proposed State Budget

Includes $9.5 Million to Enhance Public Library Programs

CLA News: 1.10.2018 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

This morning Governor Jerry Brown unveiled his final state Budget proposal, as he completes the last year of his term in office.  As part of the Budget package, CLA is pleased to report that the Governor has decided to include some significant funding -$9.5 million in new money - for public libraries in the proposal.  This funding seeks to benefit libraries that need to connect to high-speed broadband or those that wish to increase existing speed, local literacy programs, and creative ways of sharing and delivering library materials.

═════════►

The Governor’s Director of Finance, Michael Cohen then addressed the press corps and noted that the state Budget is proposed as $131.7 billion this year and that revenues are up $4.7 billion from last June.  However, he cautioned that the “unknown is the federal tax implications” which Director Cohen said his Department would be actively working to assess in the coming months.

PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING IN THE PROPOSED 2018-19 BUDGET

The Governor’s 2018-19 Budget proposes the following:

“Augmentation for Literacy Program – An increase of $2.5 million General Fund ongoing to expand the existing California Library Literacy Services program.”

“One-Time Funding for Broadband Grants - $5 million General Fund one-time for broadband equipment grants, with the expectation that $2 million would support connection for public libraries who lack access to the broadband network and $3 million would expand capacity for libraries already connected.”

“One-Time Funding for Online Service System - $1.5 million General Fund one-time for online systems for use by public libraries to support efficient access to resources.”

$500,000 is also provided for a combination of State Library staffing and taxes related to the CENIC project.

With regard to the library-specific funding in the 2018-19 Budget, the negotiations regarding these particular components in the Budget package were the result of a collective effort between CLA, the Department of Finance, the State Library, and the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC) during the Fall months.  READ MORE >>

California Library Literacy Services Annual Report :: 2014-15

Report to the Legislature on the California Library Literacy & English Acquisition Services Program: 2014-15

California State Library California Library Literacy Services: July 2016

Executive Summary

Adult Learner Outcomes

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 >>

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

Santa Monica Library :: Establishes Adult Literacy Program

Santa Monica Public Library Establishes Adult Literacy Program

City of Santa Monica NEWS: 5.03.2017

310-458-8600

Santa Monica Public Library is now offering adult literacy services to the Santa Monica community.  Part of the Library’s LEAF (Literacy Education for Adults & Families) initiative, the program offers free one-on-one tutoring for adult learners.  Volunteer literacy coaches are matched with adult learners for personalized tutoring sessions at Santa Monica Public Library locations.  Additionally, the Library will offer open lab sessions for adult learners wanting help with reading, writing, and using a computer.

The Library’s adult literacy program focuses on adult learners meeting their personal reading and writing goals, such as completing a job application, reading to their children or grandchildren, learning to use email, writing checks and paying bills, or obtaining a driver’s license.  Volunteer literacy coach and adult learner pairs meet regularly at Santa Monica Public Library locations, which provide spaces conducive to learning, as well as computers and literacy materials.  Adult literacy coaches must be 18 years of age or older, have an interest in building a learning relationship with another adult, be able to meet once or twice per week for one- to two-hour tutoring sessions, and be willing to make a six-month commitment to the program.  Adult learners receive free and confidential assistance with learning at their own pace.  They set personal reading and writing goals and receive one-on-one support from a literacy coach, at least once per week, at their convenience.

In 2016, Santa Monica Public Library was awarded a California Library Services grant from the California State Library in order to establish an adult literacy program.  READ MORE @

Santa Monica Library :: Literacy at the Library

Literacy at the Library

Santa Monica Daily Press: 3.18.2017 by Nancy Bender

310-458-8646

If you only visit the Library to check-out books or DVDs, you’re missing a huge part of what Santa Monica Public Library has to offer. Did you know that there is a Library program going on, at one or more of our locations, pretty much every day of the year? In 2016 the Library presented over 1,900 programs that drew over 65,800 participants. We have programs of all types – book discussions, crafts, computer classes, author talks, film screenings, concerts – and for all ages.

While some of these programs are totally, completely, unabashedly for fun – how about a screening of The Secret Life of Pets, anyone? – many are educational in nature and, of those, some speak specifically to learning skills that advance one’s literacy, or “competence or knowledge in a specified area.” Our programs include everything from Story Times for babies and children to computer classes for adults; all with the goal of boosting literacy.

This year, the Santa Monica Public Library (SMPL) expands its educational offerings by launching a new Adult Literacy Program, made possible by a California Library Literacy Grant. The program features volunteer adult literacy tutors working one-on-one with adult learners, helping them learn or improve their reading and writing skills. This new program is part of a larger umbrella of learning programming at the Library.

═════════►

Santa Monica Public Library’s Pico Branch offers LEAMOS, a pre-ESL online literacy course for Spanish speakers looking to learn or improve reading and writing skills. The Library has teamed up with the Adult Education Center to host ESL classes, with community and SMMUSD parents receiving priority registration. The first series of classes runs from January through June of this year, with the plan to continue with additional sessions after that.  READ MORE @

Literacy Library Jobs :: California :: CLLS | Lincoln | San Mateo | Beaumont | LAPL | Camarillo | Yolo | Xprize

Literacy Library Jobs – California

Library Literacy Programs Consultant

California State Library CLLS

Develops, implements, and monitors complex statewide library literacy grant programs

DEADLINE:  FEB 27

Storyteller – Early Literacy Outreach, Library Assistant

Beaumont Library

Delivers outreach services to childcare providers and drive the Ready to Read van.

DEADLINE: MAR 1

Adult Literacy Coordinator - PT

Los Angeles Public Library

Recruit, interview, train, and mentor volunteer tutors and teachers in adult literacy methods.

DEADLINE: MAR 6

Literacy Program Coordinator - FT

San Mateo Library

plans, implements, coordinates and evaluates the Library's adult literary programs as well as programs for adults who speak little or no English

DEADLINE:  MAR 6

Volunteer & Literacy Center Coordinator - FT

Camarillo Library Library Systems & Services, LLC (LS&S)

oversees and administrates the Library Volunteer Program, including those working with adult learners in the well-established Literacy Center.

DEADLINE:  MAR 8

Literacy Coordinator-Library Assistant – PT

Lincoln Library

develop, execute, and manage the new Adult and Family Literacy Programs, funded through the California Library Literacy Services program

DEADLINE:  MAR 10

Project Coordinator, Adult Literacy

XPRIZE, Culver City

ensure the successful, smooth, and timely execution of competition and field operations for the Adult Literacy XPRIZE by monitoring and controlling project plans, schedules, budget, quality, and scope.

DEADLINE: OPEN

Extra Help, Bilingual Spanish Library Associate: Adult and Family Literacy Coordinator – PT

Yolo Reads - Yolo County Library

volunteer intake and management, contact and resource for tutors and learners, curriculum development and literacy assessments, trainings, orientations, marketing and publicity, and grant management including data analysis and recording, budget spending, statistics, and demographics.

DEADLINE:  OPEN

BayNet Library and Information Network

CalOpps

Library Jobs in California

UCLA Department of Information Studies