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 >>

Altadena Library :: Digital Literacy Impact for ESL Students at our Literacy Center

Digital Literacy Impact for ESL Students at our Literacy Center

Altadena Library CONNECT*: December 2016

While the foundations of adult literacy programs are to improve reading and writing skills, these days it includes information literacy, financial literacy, health literacy and digital literacy.

The University Library of The University of Illinois defines digital literacy as: “The ability to use digital technology, communication tools or networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information.”

At the Branch we strive to help our literacy learners with meeting a wide range of literacy and informational needs. We have small group ESL classes that meet Monday through Thursdays mornings. This Fall we were able to offer a 5 week beginners computer class to our eager ESL students. The bilingual computer instructors taught the students much needed computer skills. For the first time, all the students were able to sign up for their own e-mail addresses, use Word and practice typing, and learn how to search the Internet.

Many had expressed that they had been intimidated by the computers and that with this exposure, they had less fear and felt more comfortable using the computers. The students took this opportunity to practice their skills at the library during open hours.

Most of the students do not have a computer at home and rely on the library for internet access. Many students have language barriers to employment and lack proficiency in computer skills. With improved computer skills, that is one less hurdle to overcome to seeking better employment.

According to ProLiteracy, an organization that advocates for adult literacy, low literacy costs the US $225 Billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce and a loss of revenue due to unemployment. According to the World Bank, only 52.5% of adults reporting lack of computer skills were employed, compared to 72.7%. The positive effects of improved computer skills translates to improved self sufficiency and improved work opportunities benefiting all aspects of the students’ lives.

Lucio, a student from the class states, “Thanks to the personnel of the Bob Lucas Library for providing the much needed computer classes. With the lessons they taught, I am able to practice on my own and gain confidence working on the computer. In particular, I like to practice my typing which helps me run my small business as a washing machine repair man.”