Showing posts with label Carlsbad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carlsbad. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Literacy Library Jobs :: Carlsbad :: Monterey Park :: Huntington Beach :: Sonoma Co :: S San Francisco

Literacy Library Jobs – California

performs learner assessments, tutor training and reporting for the adult and teen literacy program in addition to providing traditional library services

provides support for the Adult Literacy Services programs, and performs related duties as required


plan, organize, administer and assist in developing a large, comprehensive Literacy Program for the City

staffs the literacy office & assists literacy volunteers and adult literacy students

coordinate the delivery of tutoring and support services for learners


Friday, January 18, 2019

Carlsbad Library :: Literacy Pairs Share Their Breakthroughs

Literacy Breakthroughs: Carlsbad Library Learning Center Literacy Pairs
Learning Connections: January/February 2019 by Carrie Scott

Even with the most effective tutoring pairs, plateaus can happen. Sometimes, you may find you’re in a rut, struggling with a new learning theory or needing a different approach.

Here are three Carlsbad Library Learning Center literacy pairs who shared their recent breakthroughs and leaps forward! We hope that their stories will inspire you to try new techniques, tools and ideas.

Andrea G. and Anastasio S — Writer to Writer
Anastasio had never typed a letter before. He'd written some paragraphs, but never a complete letter, and certainly not to an author! Last year, he entered the Writer to Writer Challenge, a contest for adult learners to read a book and write a letter to the author about how the book impacted their life. Anastasio chose the book "Road Trip" by Gary Paulson. He said he liked the book, because he enjoyed how the characters became friends on the trip. His tutor Andrea helped him by asking a lot of questions! Who were your favorite characters? Why do you like them? What questions would you have for the author? When asked what he would tell a fellow learner about writing a letter, he said, "It's not that hard. Just express yourself!"

Stephanie S. and Adriana M. — Phono-Graphix
Tutor Stephanie had been working with her learner on Phono-Graphix for about six weeks. Because her learner had been in the program before, she flew through the initial lessons and even the advanced code sound lessons, because the words were familiar to her. Stephanie wondered whether she was getting any benefit from the exercises. However, they had just started reading a novel that had many complex words. Several times, the learner came across an unfamiliar word, and she would pronounce it correctly (or correct her initial mispronunciation) and explain why a vowel sound was the correct one. They are both encouraged that she could pronounce a word correctly and, more importantly, understand why!

Rylee C. and Souad B. — Read Live
This pair had been meeting for about 6 months, and even though they were making progress, the learner was eager to learn faster. That's when we introduced them to Read Live, a computer program where the learner reads along with a story, while learning new vocabulary. According to Souad, "I'm learning a lot with reading and spelling. The sounding out of the words is very good and so is the repetition." The program is timed, and tutor Rylee noticed that Souad wants to finish the paragraph before the time is up. Rylee remarked,
"The timer keeps her wanting to read. She likes the challenge!"  READ MORE >>


Friday, January 4, 2019

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Carlsbad Library :: California Library Literacy Services Coordinators Gather in Sacramento


California Library Literacy Services Coordinators Gather in Sacramento
Learning Connection: Nov/Dec 2018 by Carrie Scott

I recently had the pleasure of attending the California Library Literacy Services Coordinators Conference at the beautiful Tsakopoulos Library Galleria in Sacramento. Approximately 130 attendees from 107 CLLS literacy programs joined the two-day event on September 25 and 26.

The opening session featured a panel of adult learners who told powerful stories of how their improved literacy skills changed their lives. Next, a panel of library directors expressed the importance of having literacy programs integrated as a core service of the library.

Breakout sessions focused on assessment, tutor recruitment, learning challenges and other topics. I presented on a tutor training panel with two colleagues. There was much interest in our training.

Participants were especially impressed that both our tutors and learners receive book bags, as one way to support the learners’ confidentiality. When tutors and learners both receive book bags, then learners are not automatically identified as learners. Coordinators also praised Carlsbad for its commitment to reusable coffee mugs and water bottles. Finally, Carlsbad was the only program to offer logo pins to celebrate tutors and learners who met the annual instructional hours goal.

A highlight was the Writer to Writer panel featuring 2017 Beginning Writer awardee Nyla H. from Carlsbad. Nyla read her winning letter to an appreciative audience, then joined Huntington Beach coordinator Diane Moseley and Newport Beach coordinator Cherall Weiss to share the benefits of Writer to Writer.

One of the most exciting things about Nyla’s involvement was the fact that this was the first trip where she flew, rode a tram and caught a cab by herself. She credits the literacy program with giving her the skills and confidence to be able to do that. Isn’t that what we are all about?

Nyla added, “My life has opened to so much positive progress. My message to all of us is if the opportunity opens to you, have the courage to take it. You can do it, if you just try! Don’t let your fears stop you from reaching your goals.”

Carlsbad Tutor Orientation Schedule
Please call 760-931-4510 to register.
December 4 , 12-2 pm
December 13, 6-8 pm

Monday, September 17, 2018

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 >>

Monday, August 27, 2018

Carlsbad Library :: Library Learning Center 10-Year Anniversary


Library Learning Center 10-Year Anniversary

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 >>

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Carlsbad Library :: Stand Up and Celebrate :: Annual Celebration of Learning


Stand Up and Celebrate!
Learning Connection: July/August 2018

Tutors and learners were honored at the annual Celebration of Learning on June 3. Carlsbad Library and Cultural Arts Department Director Heather Pizzuto, Community Outreach Supervisor Carrie Scott, Carlsbad City Council member Cori Schumacher and Principal Librarian Viktor Sjöberg spoke. Tutors and learners also shared their experiences in the program. Over 70 tutors, learners and guests attended the event at the Carlsbad Senior Center.

Carrie Scott was honored for thirty years in literacy and her leadership of Carlsbad Library Literacy Services. Judy Gaitan was also celebrated for her service with the Carlsbad High School reading class at the Library Learning Center. During the past year, volunteers contributed 10,000 hours to helping learners reach their goals. Currently, 69 tutor and learner pairs meet twice per week.

Reflections on Learning

“As a tutor, I have learned to appreciate just how much of an obstruction illiteracy is to a learner’s daily life.“
~ Tutor Brian C.

“I love my second family at the Learning Center.”
~ Learner Nyla H.

“This center, with the tutors and volunteers who put in the time for us, changes our lives. Before, I couldn’t read emails. Now, I can read them! It’s important to my job.“
~ Learner Ramon G

“I can’t thank you enough. My tutor not only helps me with learning, but with everyday life. I know you are here to help me, and I feel safe.
~ Learner Elaine V.

Aug 7 Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation 12N
Aug 16 Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation 6p

Monday, May 21, 2018

Carlsbad Library :: Carlsbad Learners Rise to the Challenge :: Writer to Writer


Carlsbad Learners Rise to the Challenge!
Learning Connection: May/June 2018

The Writer to Writer Challenge winners were recognized at the Southern California Library Literacy Network Conference in Buena Park on April 14. Seven Carlsbad learners entered the challenge this year. A total of 86 letters were entered from 14 literacy programs in Southern California. Carlsbad learners Carmen C. and Nyla H. won the Emerging and Beginning Writers categories, respectively. Angelica G. was a runner-up in the Advanced category.

Thanks to the tutors and learners for their participation. It’s not too early to pick your book and plan for next year’s Writer to Writer Challenge!

Library Learning Center staff, tutors and learners attended SCLLN Conference workshops, including a Writer to Writer Panel—Learner Workshop presented by learners Carmen C. and Nyla H. and a Writer to Writer Tips for Tutors workshop presented by Carrie Scott, Community Outreach Supervisor.  READ MORE >>



Emerging Category :: Winner
Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

Beginning Category :: Winner
First Grave on the Right, Darynda Jones

Advanced Category :: Runner-Up
Like Water for Chocolate, Laura Esquivel

Friday, April 13, 2018

Carlsbad Library :: How We Learn - Literacy Program


How We Learn
Learning Connection: March/April 2018

At a recent tutor orientation, I told a story of a 71-year-old learner who enrolled in Carlsbad City Library’s Literacy program. One of the attendees asked, "Can she really learn at that age?"

The answer is a resounding "Yes!" In fact, the learner went on to earn her high school diploma.

Research shows that the brain is elastic—meaning that it can adapt, change and reorganize, regardless of age. However, if you’ve tried to learn something new, such as a language, hobby, sport or simply how to use a smartphone, it can be frustrating. We want to learn, and we want to learn now.

In this issue of the Learning Connection, you'll discover how adults learn, tips for working with individual strengths when learning something new, and tutoring ideas from our diligent pairs.

As a tutor, I feel that I can best communicate the meaning of words using Kinesthetic Intelligence. I find it easier sometimes to express word meaning through expression and gestures. ~ Tutor Lora B.

I feel I learn best when I use my interpersonal/social intelligence. I have been able to grasp the English language more easily through conversation. Through discussion with my tutor, it helps me use words in proper context and to memorize words more easily. ~ Learner Ying H.

Souad’s big goal is to pass the U.S. Citizenship test. We use word lists to help her prepare for the reading/writing portion of the test. Souad can read all the highlighted words and is making progress every week. ~ Tutor Sylvia W.

The Phono-Graphix program has been very useful to help Brenda learn sounds and new words. Every one of our sessions also includes a spelling test. I also ask Brenda to use each new vocabulary word in a sentence to make sure she understands the definition.
Both of these practices have proved valuable in her learning. ~ Tutor Mary Lou S.

I have learned to better communicate with others. I feel more comfortable getting into conversations with other people. I’m very blessed to have Mary Lou as a tutor. She helps a lot to improve my English skills,and I’m moving forward because of that. ~ Learner Brenda M

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Carlsbad Library :: Reading to Children :: Family Literacy

Reading to Children
Learning Connection: Nov-Dec 2017 by Carrie Scott

You can read to your child (or any child!) from the time they are babies.
Here are some tips for reading with a child:


*Pick a time when you and your child are happy. That will make reading more enjoyable.
*Cuddle with your child when you are reading. They will associate positive feelings with reading.
*Allow your child to touch and play with the book. That is how they discover their world.
*Read the book over and over again! If your child asks to hear the book again, they are still learning from it.
*Read with expression, make faces and have fun with it!
*With younger children, it is not important to read word-for-word.
Having a conversation is important.
*Let toddlers be active while reading. Have them point to pictures or act out the actions.
*With school-age children, ask who, what, when, where, why questions.
*Keep reading to them even when they go to school, then have them read to you. Praise them!

You don’t have to be “teaching” something to have your child learn. When you talk, sing and read with your child, you are building their brains. This will make a big difference in their lives!  READ MORE >>

Dec 05 Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation  12 N
Dec 14 Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation  6 pm

Learners Grow Their Home Libraries

The theme of our Fall display encouraged learners to build a home library, featuring consumable fiction books. Each learner could choose two free books from a varied selection. Many learners took advantage of the giveaway to add to their book collection. Books are still available in the tutoring rooms, so take yours home today!

Thanks to a generous state grant, we have three free items to offer you and your learner:
*Free books to take home and keep to build a home library
*A reusable insulated mug to bring with you to the Learning Center
*A planner to keep track of your lessons

Please be sure to pick these up!

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Carlsbad Library :: Literacy Services - Browse Our New Consumables

Browse Our New Consumables
Learning Connection: Sep/Oct 2017

For years, our adult literacy program has been able to offer free textbooks, workbooks and fiction books to all learners in the program. We have recently added new consumables, including over 100 titles of fiction books. These new books are possible through a generous grant from the California State Library. We encourage our learners to choose up to two books each to start building their home library. Please keep in mind quantities are limited. For most of your reading, continue to check out books from the literacy collection!


Fall Programs Start
Welcome back to the students, teachers and tutor volunteers with Carlsbad High School. We hope you had a great summer break!

We also started three ESL classes through MiraCosta College. From August 21-October 11, on Mondays & Wednesdays, Beginning Reading & Writing is at 9 a.m.-12:35 p.m. and Intermediate Conversation is at 6-7:30 p.m.

August 22-October 12, on Tuesdays & Thursdays, Basic Computers & Digital Literacy is at 9 a.m.-12:10 p.m.  READ MORE @

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Carlsbad Library :: Celebrates Literacy Month with Graduation Ceremony

City Celebrates Literacy Month with Graduation Ceremony

Sep 05 Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation 12N
Sep 14 Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation 6p

The City of Carlsbad is celebrating National Literacy Month with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center, 3368 Eureka Place. The ceremony will recognize the hard work of the first graduates from the new Career Online High School program, a partnership of the Carlsbad City Library through the California State Library, Gale, part of Cengage Learning and the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation's Benson Family Trust. Career Online High School offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online.

About Career Online High School

Career Online High School provides scholarships to qualified adults who are looking to expand their career opportunities, prepare for workforce entry and continue their education.

Career Online High School is free and open to residents of Carlsbad and neighboring communities.

To be considered for enrollment, applicants need to complete an online self-assessment, prerequisite course and an in-person interview.

Once enrolled in the program, Career Online High School connects each student with an online academic coach, who provides the student with a customized career path, offers ongoing guidance, evaluates performance and connects the student with the resources needed to complete the courses.

Students are given up to 18 months to complete the program.

Career Online High School is one of several learning programs the Carlsbad City Library offers to the community.

About Library Literacy Services

Since 1984, Carlsbad City Library's Literacy Services staff has matched English-speaking adults with volunteer tutors who help them meet their goals with reading, writing and computer skills.

All services are free and confidential.

Since its inception, the literacy program has helped more than 2,000 adults participate more fully in their lives by getting better jobs, reading to their children and learning how to use a computer.

The literacy program also provides those interested with an opportunity to volunteer. Last year, tutors logged 10,000 volunteer hours.

In addition to literacy tutoring, the Library Learning Center provides traditional library services, homework assistance and study rooms, public computer access and computer classes, story times for children, teen programs and special events.  MORE INFORMATION @