Ventura Co Library ▬ New Year, New Team !

New Year, New Team ! 

Ventura County Library
READ Program

Ventura County READER: Winter 2022

VCL’s READ Adult Literacy program is welcoming 2022 with a team of new tutors who are ready to partner with adults wanting to improve reading and writing skills. READ’s dedicated staff will work to connect you to the right resource that’s perfect for your needs. If you, or someone in your community, wants to practice reading and writing, call (805) 677-7160 and share your literacy goals. Tutoring is free, fun, and totally online.

Did you know that you can finish high school for free though VCL’s Career Online High School (COHS)? COHS offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online. A limited number of scholarships are available to qualified adults looking to advance their careers, prepare for workforce entry, or continue their education — apply online today: vencolibrary.org /adults/career-online-high-school.

READ is welcoming a new manager in 2022. Antonio Apodaca is now heading the program as Education, Outreach, and Literacy Manager. He is taking over for Carol Chapman, who retired after 17 years of providing excellent educational services to the community. Antonio looks forward to continuing to share the love of reading—contact him anytime by email Antonio.Apodaca@ventura.org or phone (805) 218-3821. READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 11

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 15-17 yrs. old

(Tenth to Eleventh graders)

 

 

Ventura Co Library ▬ Career Online High School Guido’s Success Story

Career Online High School  Guido’s Success Story

Ventura County Library
READ Program

VC READER: Spring 2021

As a young boy growing up in El Salvador, Guido Argueta dreamed of flying. He hoped to be a pilot one day, flying all around the world. He was insatiably curious and liked mathematics.

At the time, however, El Salvador was torn by civil war. When he was 5 years old, his mother sought safety for herself and her two sons by moving in with their grandmother while hoping to eventually make their way to the United States. After many years and much effort, their visas were approved and Guido took flight with his mother and brother from El Salvador to Thousand Oaks, California.

A new arrival to the area at the age of 16, Guido enrolled in a local high school. The first few months were “okay”, but homesickness and culture shock soon set in. The most difficult part of the transition was learning a new language. “I didn’t even know how to say ‘hi’ in English!” Besides going to school and all the adjustments there, Guido also had to learn to get a job, buy a car, and become more independent. He worked hard and learned quickly.

🔽
Guido’s life moved ahead. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen, married, and had children. He was successful in his job. All the time, however, he knew that he needed a high school diploma for career advancement opportunities and to be a better help and example for his children.

🔽
Then one day he heard an advertisement on television about online education programs and decided to do some research. That led him to the Ventura County Library’s Career Online High School (COHS). He completed the application process and enrolled at the age of 40.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 7

Reading Level: standard / average.

Reader's Age: 11-13 yrs. old

(Sixth and Seventh graders)

San Diego Public Library ▬ San Diego Public Library Foundation Announces Technological Access Initiatives

San Diego Public Library Foundation Announces Technological Access Initiatives

READ San Diego

Times of San Diego: 10.26.2020 by Christine Huard 

The San Diego Public Library Foundation announced a series of initiatives Monday aimed at expanding technological access for the county’s most vulnerable residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The foundation has funded three initiatives to provide computer access for those who lack broadband internet during a time when the pandemic has made it a necessity for school and work.

According to the foundation, about 100,000 children lack internet access, primarily among those living in the southern and northeastern parts of the county.

One initiative expands on a program to provide technology that students need for remote learning, which began by giving out 240 Chromebooks.

Computers have also been donated to participants in the San Diego Public Library’s Career Online High School program and its READ/San Diego adult literacy program. The library foundation said both programs lost access to computer labs when the pandemic led to library closures.  READ MORE ➤➤

Become a Volunteer!

READ/San Diego is a free literacy instruction service for adults 18 years and older. This award winning program has become a model for the country. It is staffed with literacy professionals, who work with community organizations and coordinate the efforts of volunteer reading tutors to teach adults to read and write, and improve literacy in San Diego

If you want to make a difference, please take a look at our Volunteer Opportunities.

Phone: 619-238-6603

Fax: 619-533-3217

Email: readstaff@sandiego.gov

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 13

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 18-19 yrs. old

(college level entry)

 

 

Los Angeles Public Library ▬ Providing Online Services to People of All Ages ▬ Spectrum News1

Los Angeles Public Library Providing Online Services to People of All Ages

Spectrum News1: 10.13.2020 by Lisa McRee w/ Nita Lelyveld, LA Times

While the Los Angeles public library buildings remain closed to the public, librarians from several branches have created comfortable and fun programs online. Los Angeles Times City Beat Columnist Nita Lelyveld joined us to share all the details.

"The Los Angeles Public Library system has been offering various classes and projects for people of all ages. I went to many literacy classes where people were improving their English or learning English, and I saw people from all over the world participating. There were so many different accents, and you could peak into so many other lives, and people were taking these classes that were so eager to learn that they were standing outside able to take these classes,” said Lelyveld.

Learning about people’s experiences through the resources offered by the libraries was very rewarding for Lelyveld.  WATCH 06:08

Adult Literacy

Teaching adults to read and write would not be possible without volunteers just like you. No prior teaching experience is required. We provide free introductory online training and follow up support and training. Our goal is to help you succeed and provide an amazing volunteer experience for every volunteer.

We have several different volunteer positions available, with different responsibilities and time commitments. You can take a look at our opportunities and begin the application process below:

• One-on-One Tutor
• Walk-in Tutor
• Conversation Teacher
• Leamos Tutor

For more information, call (213) 228-7037 or find the Literacy Center closest to you.

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 12

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 17-18 yrs. old

(Twelfth graders)

Newport Beach Library :: A Full House for International Literacy Day

A Full House for International Literacy Day

Literally Speaking: Sept / Oct 2019

Advisory Board President, Eve-Marie Kuntzman, warmly welcomed the room to International Literacy Day. She then introduced Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy Coordinator Cherall Weiss, who emphasized and spoke of the importance of literacy skills in our society.

Newport Beach City Councilman Will O’Neill took to the podium to introduce the learners who have recently become United States citizens. Congratulations to Siamak  Lotfisafiabady and Flora Maleki!

To illustrate the significance of the program, and to showcase the progress of

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy’s adult learners, every guest received a copy of “In Our Own Words”, a collection of stories, essays and recipes written by the learners of the program.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious meat and cheese arrangement generously donated by Pavilions and an international potluck provided by adult learners.

A highlight of the celebration was honoring the graduates of Career Online High School. In 2017, Newport Beach Public Library and Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy joined together to help adults in the area achieve their goal to obtain a High School Diploma. Three students have completed the full curriculum which includes Language Arts, Math Social Studies and Science. Mayor Diane Dixon presented diplomas to the hard working graduates: Azucena Ponce, Isabel Sevilla and Valedictorian, Beverly Haddock. Beverly gave an inspiring and uplifting speech.  READ MORE >>

Ventura Co Library :: Students Earn Diplomas Through Career Online High School

Students Earn Diplomas Through Career Online High School at Ventura County Library

Ventura Breeze: 7.03.2019

Family, friends, and the community attended as graduates from Ventura County Library’s Career Online High School received their diplomas. During the graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, June 26, in the Topping Room of the E.P. Foster Library, graduates in cap and gown shared their stories and their plans for the future.

Career Online High School (COHS) is offered by the Ventura County Library’s READ Adult Literacy Program in partnership with Gale, a Cengage company. COHS provides adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate by utilizing the flexibility of the Internet to accommodate busy adult schedules, at no cost to students.

Tutor Training Orientation

Oct 21, 2019

5 - 8:30 pm

Please call and make a reservation:

(805) 677-7160

Santa Monica Library :: Literacy Education for Adults & Families via Seascape

Literacy Education for Adults & Families

Seascape: Sep/Oct 2019 pp 4-5

The Library’s Literacy Education for Adults & Families (LEAF) program includes literacy services for all ages. For more information on any of these programs call the Main Library at 310.458.8600, stop by any Library location.

ADULT LITERACY TUTORING

Volunteer literacy tutors work one-on-one with adult learners in a library setting. Tutors meet with learners once or twice per week to work on learning goals in one- to two-hour sessions.

CAREER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL

The Library offers scholarships for this program, which provides adult students the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and a career certificate.

COMPUTER CLASSES

The Library offers free beginner, intermediate and advanced instruction on various topics.

CONNECTED FAMILIES EVENTS

Play sessions with high-tech and low-tech activities to promote computational thinking, spark creativity and encourage family togetherness. For families with children ages 4-12.

DIGITAL LITERACY FOR YOUTH

A variety of workshops that help young people develop digital skills. Tech & U (ages 8-12) focuses on being safe and ethical online. CoderDojo (ages 8-17) teaches kids and teens computer science and coding. 3D Printing Workshops (ages 8 and up) is where kids and teens learn to create designs for 3D printing.

DIGITAL LITERACY FOR ADULTS

A variety of programs that provide adults the opportunity to develop digital skills. Programs include Appy Hour, a hands-on assistance with using a personal computing device; Computer Skills Classes, is instruction on a variety of computer topics; HTML/CSS, are workshops on how to use HTML/ CSS to create a website; Open Labs, are informal sessions for exploring virtual reality, 3D printing and other emerging technologies.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) CLASSES

An ongoing series taught by SMMUSD Adult Education Center instructors. Students must be 18 years or older. Enrollment is through the Adult Education Center. Contact Olga Saucedo at 310.664.6222, ext. 76203 to enroll.

L.E.A.R.N. HOMEWORK HELP

Free homework help and reading comprehension skills-building for students grades 1 through 8. Volunteers work with students one-on-one for 20-minute sessions. L.E.A.R.N. is a drop-in program. No registration required.

READING-2-GO PROGRAM

For families with children ages 1-4. Participants receive a rotation of themed kits containing books, music and educational toys, training with a librarian, and weekly tips on making reading easy and fun texted to your smartphone. Kits are available in English, Spanish and Amharic.

WALK-IN TUTORING

Friendly volunteer tutors provide help with basic reading and writing, as well as computer skills such as using the internet, opening and using an email account and filling out online forms or applications.  READ MORE >>

San Diego County Library :: Libraries and Learning Upgrade: Accessing Literacy Services Via Libraries & Apps

@SDCountyLibrary

Libraries and Learning Upgrade: Accessing Literacy Services Via Libraries & Apps

WS Radio:  10.23.2018

LEARN

It was a pleasure to have with us, Migell Acosta, Director of the San Diego County Library. Migell spoke about the different ways that libraries provide resources to residents so that they read better, write better, do math better, function better, and live a better quality of life. He shared information about e-books, library-literacy services, and Library High School.

Literacy for All radio show is here to enhance access to information and promising practices that support the national and international literacy network and those they serve.

About the Host:

Jose L Cruz began his work in literacy in 1985. The San Diego Council on Literacy was formed one year later. Since then, both have worked to unite the San Diego community to support literacy. Jose has worked in collaborations for literacy at all levels. He has a 26 year history with the SDCOL, the last 12 years as CEO.

The pride of the SDCOL is its network of 27+ affiliated literacy program partners that annually serve over 179,000 San Diego residents of all ages at no cost. Everyday, these partnerships help emerging readers, students, parents, heads of households, and workers function and thrive through the power of literacy.  LISTEN 14:54 & 14:56

Adult Literacy Tutor Workshop

El Cajon Branch

Apr 20 10 am

888 . 466 . 0668

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

Newport Beach Library :: Career Online High School

Career Online High School

Literally Speaking:  Sep/Oct 2018

In 2017, Newport Beach Public Library and Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy joined together to help adults in the area achieve their goal to obtain a High School Diploma.

The State of California made the achievement of this goal a priority and is helping libraries to offer a specialized program called Career Online High School “COHS”. Through a matching award program, students who complete a pre-requisite class are able to apply for a scholarship to complete their High School Diploma and receive certification in one of several career choices.

As COHS is a web-based program, it is a wonderful opportunity to give an adult the chance to get their High School Diploma in the convenience of their own home. Our first graduating class will be honored at International Literacy Day on September 13th at 10AM. Four students have completed the full curriculum which includes; Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science as well as their career training courses.

Congratulations to our graduates:

Angel Oyune

Melinda Luege

Sheryll Pereira

Lilia Stephens

Please join us on International Literacy Day to congratulate these exceptional women.  READ MORE >>

Career Online High School

Take a two-week prerequisite course.

Upon completion, you can enroll in the full program

Take classes online.

You will have the flexibility to access classwork 24/7

Be supported by certified instructors and an academic coach.

Earn an accredited high school diploma while preparing for a career in one of 8 high-demand, high-growth fields.

Graduate with the tools to advance in your profession or take the next step in your education.

To apply for a scholarship for Career Online High School, you must:

Live or work in Newport Beach

Be 19 years or older

Possess or register for a NBPL library card

Take the self-assessment

Commit 10 hours per week to study and complete coursework

Ventura Co Library :: Ventura COHS Success Story

Ventura COHS Success Story

With Library’s Support, 52-year-old Mom of Four Overcomes Obstacles to Finally Earn Her High School Diploma

Venco Library News: 9.13.2018 by Scribbles

Ventura County Library’s Career Online High School program helps adult student improve her family’s life.

Tammy Marquez always wanted to earn her high school diploma, but she was worried that reaching her fifties meant it was too late to achieve this educational milestone. Early motherhood caused her to drop out of high school in her teens, but Tammy knew that was no excuse to stop her education, especially since her family had grown by three more boys since then. Once her eldest son reached the age of 20, Tammy was motivated to consider non-traditional options so she could be a role model for her children.

Several years later when she learned that Ventura County Library offered Career Online High School to residents 19-years-old and older, Tammy knew this was the way to pick up where she left off. The accredited program enables students to earn their high school diploma — not a GED — while gaining real-world career skills along with a career certificate, all in 18 months or less. The only requirement for residents to enter the program is complete a 15-question online self-assessment, participate via an in-person interview and then pass a 2-week pre-requisite course with a grade of 70% of higher.  READ MORE >>

To be considered for the COHS program, applicants must:

  * Be an adult aged 19 or older

  * Be a resident of Ventura County Library service area

  * Have a library account in good standing

       (or be willing to get a Ventura County Library card)

  * Have successfully completed an online self-assessment and a two-week

       prerequisite course, followed by an in-person interview

Carlsbad Library :: Career Online High School Scholarships Are Available!

Career Online High School Scholarships Are Available!

Learning Connection: Sep/Oct 2018

Carlsbad City Library is excited to offer the Career Online High School (COHS) program from Gale Cengage! It is a fully accredited program that allows adults to complete their high school diploma, while also developing career skills in a field of their choice. It’s flexible and convenient, because students can work at their own pace and around their individual schedules.

How do I qualify?

You must be at least 19 years of age or older and have not completed high school.

Is there any cost? How can I get a scholarship?

We award tuition scholarships to applicants on a limited basis. You must first complete a self assessment and a prerequisite course online, then attend an in-person interview at the Library Learning Center to make sure you are a good fit for the program.

What happens after the interview?

Once you have been awarded a scholarship, you will enroll in the high school diploma and career certificate program. Upon completion, you will be invited to participate in the COHS graduation ceremony!

What are the subjects?

English, Mathematics, Social

Studies and Science. Career certificates can be earned in one of ten fields.

How long does it take?

The time limit to complete COHS is 18 months, but you may be able to complete the program in less time, if you transfer credits from existing high school transcripts.

Do I get a high school diploma?

Do I get a career certificate?

Yes! Upon completion of COHS, you will be awarded an accredited high school diploma AND a career certificate.

What if I don’t have a computer?

Carlsbad Library offers free computer use at all three sites with your Carlsbad City Library card.

COHS is not limited to learners in our literacy program, so if you know anyone in the community who would like to earn their diploma, please send them our way!

Get started by completing a brief online self-assessment at gale.com/cadiploma.

If you’d like more information, please ask a Literacy staff member.  READ MORE >>

Carlsbad Library :: Library Learning Center 10-Year Anniversary

Library Learning Center 10-Year Anniversary

Carlsbad News Updates: 8.21.2018

The City of Carlsbad is proud to announce the 10-year anniversary of its Library Learning Center on Aug. 23, 2018. The Library Learning Center is located at 3368 Eureka Place. Services and programs are free.

The Library Learning Center was the third library to open its doors in Carlsbad and serves nearly 5,000 children, teens and adults each month.

The Library Learning Center features a Spanish, English and bilingual library collection for all ages.

The Library Learning Center offers an average of nearly 30 free programs in both English and Spanish each month, including story times, homework help, concerts and a Spanish-language book club.

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Library Learning Center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

“The Library Learning Center is integral to the city’s mission to provide community members of all ages with convenient access to high quality resources and services to enrich their lives,” said Heather Pizzuto, Library & Cultural Arts Director. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve heard countless success stories of how the Learning Center’s programs are making a difference for Carlsbad residents.”

The Library Learning Center offers specialized education programs, such as the Early Literacy Program, where school-age children meet with their parent or caregiver and a volunteer tutor to strengthen reading skills. Currently 10 student-parent teams are working with volunteer tutors.

“One of our young students who participated in the Early Literacy Program improved his reading assessment scores by 60 percent,” said Pizzuto. “In addition to his scholastic improvement, his parents shared that the program helped him gain confidence and make new friends at school.”

Adult programs are also available. Each year in Literacy Services, approximately 100 adults meet one-to-one with a volunteer tutor to improve their reading and writing skills. Past participants have used the program to help them read to their children, read medicine labels and apply for college or new job. All program participants report they have met at least one of their reading or writing goals after working with a volunteer tutor.  READ MORE >>