Hemet Library - Tutors teach adults ABCs

Tutors teach adults ABCs:
Anyone, including children, can get free assistance in reading and math at the library.
Press-Enterprise: July 2, 2002 by Marilee Reyes

When Ernie Acosta was laid off from her job more than three months ago, she discovered that job hunting held an almost insurmountable challenge for her.

She had a problem filling out job applications because she had difficulty reading.

"I don't spell very well, and I mix up my letters. They get reversed," Acosta said, describing a symptom of dyslexia.

She experienced the reading problem all the way through school but it was never addressed, so she was advanced every year along with her classmates. Being a nonreader wasn't a problem with the job she'd held for many years, but when she realized that her inability to read was inhibiting her search for a new job, she decided she'd better get some help.

Acosta's daughters suggested she check with the library for information about tutoring. She called the Hemet Public Library and was told about the library's free adult tutoring program.

That was three months ago.

When Acosta started the program she was matched with volunteer tutor Elaine Twamley. She's been working with Twamley and has reached the level where she's checking adult books out of the library for recreational reading.

"She has brought up her reading three grade levels in three months," Twamley said. "It's phenomenal."

Acosta smiled at Twamley's words. "Now I read for fun, too."

Twamley, too, has been rewarded.

"Like any good volunteer program, the volunteers achieve as much as those they help. We get to see life-transforming events. Once a person can read at an adult level, they can participate more fully in life," she said.

Robert Kriesten, who started volunteering 11 years ago after he retired, echoed Twamley's thoughts.

He'd had no experience teaching, but says he has discovered a knack for it and teaches math to small groups.

"I sometimes get tired and ask myself why I'm doing it. Then when I get there and see how they are learning, there's my answer. I know why I'm doing it."

Doris Anderson has been a volunteer tutor for 15 years. "I saw the need and thought this was something I could do to help. I'm kind of proud. One of my first students was able to get their GED and is now a driver for the RTA."

Twamley, Kriesten, Anderson and Dorothy McCann were present at a tutor/learner awards ceremony at the James Simpson Senior Center in Hemet last week.

Lori Eastman, literacy supervisor at the Hemet Public Library, coordinated the ceremony. She praised the tutors and learners for their hard work. Thirty learners and 27 tutors received certificates.

Receiving special recognition for tutoring were Kriesten with 11 years of volunteering, Anderson with 15 years and McCann, 17 years. Kriesten and Terry Oxenham were also honored as math tutors and Gloria Prieto was recognized for her support of the Families for Literacy program, which involves children and adults.

For information about the Hemet Library literacy programs, call the library at (909) 765-3856. All tutoring programs are free.

Hemet Library - Area libraries plan for literacy month

Area libraries plan for literacy monthPress-Enterprise: September 25, 2001 by Julie Farren & Marilee Reyes

September is International Literacy Month, during which libraries across the nation emphasize special reading programs for adults and children who have reading problems.

At the same time that schools are back in session, libraries also resume their yearly programs.

The three libraries that serve the San Jacinto and Hemet area are Valle Vista and San Jacinto, both county branches, and Hemet Public Library, a city facility. All offer various literacy programs.

Government statistics have shown that one in five adults in Riverside County cannot read and write well enough to fill out a job application unassisted, said Melodie Earickson, literacy site supervisor for the Library Adult Literacy Program, Southwestern Riverside County.

Among the programs offered countywide are adult tutoring and Families For Literacy. Several libraries have individual programs: Valle Vista Library is beginning Read at Last for school-age children; San Jacinto Library will start Project Dream in November in conjunction with the San Jacinto School District; Hemet Public Library has Please Read to Me for parents with infants.

The Adult Tutoring Program, Read at Last and Project Dream require volunteer tutors to meet the need. A volunteer need not have a professional background. Training is provided.

The library coordinates the tutoring schedule to accommodate both tutor and student and the coordinator is available to advise the tutor and provide on-going evaluation.

For information about Hemet Library programs call (909) 765-2440; for San Jacinto Library call (909) 654-8635; for Valle Vista Library call (909) 926-2611.