SCLLN Writer to Writer Awards ◯ 2019

SCLLN Writer to Writer Awards ◯  2019

We are excited to announce the winners and runners-up for the 2019 Writer to Writer Challenge!  We had a great response—95 entries—and the quality of the letters was amazing!

We are so proud of all the learners who wrote letters.  Each letter was a beautiful expression of the learner’s thoughts and feelings.  The ones selected as winners and runners-up most closely met the contest criteria, but as one coordinator said, every letter had its own “pizzazz.”

Please join other writers, tutors, coordinators and their guests at our conference lunch presentation on Saturday, March 21, at the Holiday Inn Buena Park

The winners and runners-up will each receive a cash prize and a certificate, and all letter writers will receive a certificate of participation.

We encourage all coordinators to invite and sponsor all your writers and their tutors for this special event.

The registration fees are only $15 for learners and $35 for tutors/staff (early bird, SCLLN member) and are an appropriate use of CLLS grant funding.

Inviting your Writer to Writer participants would be an excellent way to recognize our writers and their tutors.  Congratulations to all our letter writers! 

Emerging Category ◯ Winner

Alvin J

San Diego Public Library, READ/San Diego

March by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

Runners-Up

Marisela C

A.K. Smiley Public Library

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman

Lora M

San Diego Public Library, READ/San Diego

My Spirit Soars by Chief Dan George

Beginning Category ◯ Winner

Wendy G

Oceanside Public Library

Hana’s Suitcase by Karen Levine

Runners-Up

Maria H

A.K. Smiley Public Library

Peace and Bread: The Story of Jane Addams by Stephanie McPherson

Feri R

Newport Beach Public Library

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Intermediate Category ◯ Winner

Mariana D

Santa Monica Public Library

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Runners-Up

German N

Los Angeles Public Library

Kindred by Octavia Butler

Tanya J

A.K. Smiley Public Library

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Advanced Category ◯ Winner

Sarah K

Newport Beach Public Library

What to Do When I’m Gone by Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman

Runners-Up

J.J. B

Santa Monica Public Library

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Petranila H

Chula Vista Public Library

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Carrie Scott

Community Outreach Supervisor
Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

3368 Eureka Place

Carlsbad, CA 92008

760-931-4515

SCLLN

Adult Literacy Tutor and Learner Conference

Writer To Writer Awards

March 21, 2020

Holiday Inn Buena Park

Huntington Beach Library ◯ Writer to Writer Is Coming Soon!

Writer to Writer Is Coming Soon!

Literacy Volunteers-HBPL: 8.28.2019

Writer to Writer is a unique writing challenge through the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN). Writer to Writer invites adult literacy learners to write a letter to an author whose writing has changed the way they think about life. A group of learners from Literacy Volunteers-HBPL participated in the challenge this year. We hope you enjoy some of their letters!

Women of the Silk

Dear Gail Tsukiyama,

I read your book Women of the Silk with my tutor when I was working on my English grammar. I came from China when I was fourteen. Sometimes when I read your book I felt so familiar with Pei’s culture, this made me feel close to Pei. I really love her because she is a happy person no matter what happens to her. She always has a positive attitude that teenagers today don’t always keep.

Sincerely with respect,

Michelle W

Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World

Dear Mr. Montgomery,

I was so impressed about Temple’s story.  She was one of those kids who did not fit in with the rest of the crowd.  But she used her unique abilities and passions in the right way to become successful in life.  Temple is a different person because she was born with autism.  Her thinking was in pictures, not in words.  Autism helped her understand the feelings of animals, so she could make their lives better. Her love of making things and creating saved her life. She had tough times but she fought back.  As she grew up, she discovered that when one door closed, another door opened; that made her happy. Temple learned to use her autism to help her reach her goals.  Temple’s success gave autistic kids hope that success is possible for them.

Sincerely,

Hoang L.

Dear Juana Medina,

I have to thank you because I enjoyed reading your book, Juana and Lucas very much.  When I started to read the book, I loved the way you spell the name Juana who-ah-nah.  The way that you describe Bogota makes me feel like I have been there before.  Like Juana, I enjoy reading in the night.  She had Lucas with her and I enjoyed reading along.

Thank you Juana Medina for your wonderful book.

Sincerely,

Silvia

READ MORE >>

SCLLN 

Adult Literacy Tutor and Learner Conference

Writer To Writer Awards

March 21, 2020

Holiday Inn Buena Park

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on (7) readability formulas:

Grade Level: 6

Reading Level: fairly easy to read.

Reader's Age: 10-11 yrs. olds (Fifth and Sixth graders)

Los Angeles Public Library ◯ What the Library Means to Me ◯ Adult Literacy Learner Gets a Job

What the Library Means to Me ◯ Adult Literacy Learner Gets a Job

LAPL Blog: 1.15.2020 by Randall Hinson, Librarian, Office of Education and Literacy

For 35 years, the Adult Literacy program at the Los Angeles Public Library has helped adults all over Los Angeles improve their reading and writing skills. Today we're sharing two testimonials about Walk-in-Tutors at the Singleton Literacy Center in Central Library; one from Adult Literacy Coordinator Priscilla Rojas-Naiman and the other from Learner Mark Clemons.

Rojas-Naiman shared her experience in helping Clemons:

A happy-go-lucky man entered the Adult Literacy Center for some help with his resume, though he seemed a bit timid as he approached. He was retired but since he had a lot of energy, he wanted to get a part-time job where he could use his big smile and people skills. He asked to use the computer to create a resume. Since he had a Google account, I thought it best to help him create it in Google Docs. He started asking excellent questions about his phone and computer, so we steered him to a Walk-in-Tutor for help. He then indicated that he had an upcoming interview, so he used the Walk-in-Tutor to practice his interview skills, too.

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Clemons gave praise about his engagement with the library:

I had a purpose in mind by coming to the library. I have a beautiful granddaughter whom I love very much. I also have a daughter-in-law who wants the best for me. My son suggested that I get a cell phone. He decided to get me one, under one condition - that I learn how to use it. I said to myself, 'Where can I go to get help? And who would be willing to help me with my computer?' I thought about it for a while and nothing came to mind.  READ MORE >>

GUNNING FOG INDEX:  8.429

punctuation marks: 29   words: 282  3+ syllable words: 32

In Memoriam: Pat King

In Memoriam: Pat King

Burbank Library: Jan 2020 by Bonnie Yee

The Library recently learned that former Burbank Literacy library clerk and union steward, Pat King, has died.  She had been in the hospital for pneumonia earlier last week and was doing well, so had gone home. She was 77. ​Pat was known for her deep devotion to Literacy clients and workers’ rights and was a strong advocate for the library. She was Literacy Clerk from the beginning of the program in 1992 until she retired in July 2012. Pat will be missed.​

Burbank Public Library Literacy - first group of tutors, 1992:

Anahid Haroutounian, Lee Harner, Pat King (Clerk), Patricia Smart (Coor.),

Millie Engel, Donna Tramell and Susan Spears

Carlsbad Library ◯ Remembering Lynda L. Jones

Remembering Lynda L. Jones

Learning Connection: Sep/Oct 2019

With sadness, I share the news that retired Senior Librarian Lynda Jones passed away earlier this month. Lynda established our original Adult Literacy Program and, together with Director Cliff Lange and Assistant Director Geoff Armour, conceived of and launched the Centro de Información.

Later, Lynda presented to Cliff the vision for combining these two programs into one lifelong learning concept which became the Library Learning Center.

Lynda Louise Jones October 4, 1947 - July 15, 2019

Legacy

Lynda L. Jones, age 72, of Oceanside, recently passed peacefully. Fourth generation Californian, born to Sid and Dorothy (Pierce) Jones, she and her sister, Debbie, enjoyed time at the beach. Lynda graduated with honors from the family alma mater, Occidental College. Later, she earned her Master's degree of Library Science at Simmons University. In Botswana, she worked at the Secondary School Library. She became the Founding Coordinator of the Adult Learning Program and the Centro de Informacin, after returning to California.  READ MORE >>

Placentia Library ◯ Meet Our Learners And Tutors

Meet Our Learners And Tutors

Placentia Library Explore: Sep 2019-Feb 2020

Jan shares her experience tutoring her learner, Bao: A quote from Winston Churchill sums up my experience with my adult learner, Bao – “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

As a former teacher and administrator, I have found that a student’s attitude is an important determiner of future success. From our first meeting three months ago, it was evident that Bao was a determined and committed learner. Her desire to strengthen her communication skills, both in writing and speaking, has guided our weekly learning sessions.

To achieve these goals, we have discussed current events, increased knowledge of content vocabulary and integrated writing skills through the reading of a weekly newsletter, “News for You.” In addition, we are enjoying reading a novel that supports Bao’s comprehension, vocabulary, writing and reading fluency. Connecting her prior knowledge and life experiences with her learning goals has allowed her to make great strides towards the achievement of her goals.

The Placentia Library’s adult literacy program has allowed me to re-connect with my passion for teaching and share my experience with an enthusiastic and dedicated adult.

Next Volunteer Orientation

Dec 15 ◯ 2 pm – 3:45 pm

Next Tutor Training

Dec 21 ◯ 9 am – 12:30 pm

If you are interested in becoming a Literacy Tutor

call 714-528-1906 ext. 214 for details

Los Angeles Public Library :: Enfoque en la alfabetización: un sueño hecho realidad

Enfoque en la alfabetización: un sueño hecho realidad

LAPL Blog: 8.07.2019 by Randall Hinson, Librarian, Office of Education and Literacy

En julio del año pasado, tres estudiantes emprendieron su camino hacia la alfabetización a través de Leamos, un programa de alfabetización a base de computadora, en la Biblioteca Pacoima. Leamos provee a hispanohablantes, quienes no tuvieron la oportunidad de asistir a la escuela en su niñez, un curso de lectura y escritura en su idioma nativo. También los capacita en nociones básicas del uso de la computadora y sirve como precursor a clases de inglés como segundo idioma.

Nueve meses después de comenzar el curso, dos estudiantes aplicadas y trabajadoras siguen trabajando hacia su sueño de poder leer y escribir. La Sra. Ana Teresa Batrez y la Sra. Silvia Barahona García llegan a la biblioteca cada lunes, por dos horas, a reforzar y extender sus conocimientos. Hasta la fecha, han leído textos de todo tipo - incluyendo: libros infantiles, titulares de periódicos, solicitudes de empleo, etiquetas de comida y medicina, pistas de crucigramas, horóscopos y reflexiones de estudiantes que han cumplido el curso.

La meta de Ana es escribir la historia de su vida, la cual ha sido un triunfo sobre la adversidad, para compartir con otros e inspirarlos. Silvia quisiera usar su alfabetización para avanzar en su trabajo y ser reconocida como la persona capaz que es. Cada una de ellas está modelando para sus hijos y/o nietos la importancia de perseguir un sueño y mantenerse en curso. No cabe decir que también han sido una fuente de inspiración para sus maestros.

Focus On Literacy: A Dream Come True

Randall Hinson , Librarian , Office of Education and Literacy

In July last year, three students embarked on their path to literacy through Leamos, a computer-based literacy program, at the Pacoima Library. Leamos provides Spanish speakers, who did not have the opportunity to attend school in their childhood, a reading and writing course in their native language. It also trains them in basic notions of computer use and serves as a precursor to English as a second language classes.

Nine months after starting the course, two applied and hardworking students continue working towards their dream of being able to read and write. Mrs. Ana Teresa Batrez and Mrs. Silvia Barahona García arrive at the library every Monday, for two hours, to reinforce and extend their knowledge. To date, they have read texts of all kinds - including: children's books, newspaper headlines, job applications, food and medicine labels, crossword clues, horoscopes and reflections of students who have completed the course.

Ana's goal is to write the story of her life, which has been a triumph over adversity, to share with others and inspire them. Silvia would like to use her literacy to advance her work and be recognized as the capable person she is. Each of them is modeling for their children and / or grandchildren the importance of pursuing a dream and staying on course. It cannot be said that they have also been a source of inspiration for their teachers.  READ MORE >>

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 >>

Los Angeles Public Library :: America Learns News

Adult Literacy Program

America Learns News

Los Angeles Public Library News

Every month this year, we are choosing two volunteers AND two learners who inspire us, and we're giving them a $25 Visa gift card as a token of our esteem!

Please join me in recognizing the work of our amazing honorees!

September Volunteers of the Month

Timothy Wager nominated by Zenay Hayward

In grateful recognition of your service as an Adult Literacy Program volunteer at the Lincoln Heights Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library

Linton Bostic nominated by Zachary Valdivia

In grateful recognition of your service as an Adult Literacy Program volunteer at the Washington Irving Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library

September Learners of the Month

Edith Aragon nominated by Jessica Berry

In recognition of your inspiring commitment to your literacy goals at the Junipero Serra Branch Literacy Center of the Los Angeles Public Library

Fabiola Garcia nominated by Alicia Chavarin

In recognition of your commitment to your literacy goals at the Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Literacy Center of the Los Angeles Public Library

The Los Angeles Public Library has 21 literacy centers that offer service at all 73 libraries across the City of Los Angeles.

Services provided by the Adult Literacy Program include:

- Matching volunteer tutors with adults learning how to read and write English. Learners are both native and non-native speakers of English.

- Conversation classes that cover grammar, writing, and practice of conversational English.

- Walk-in tutoring to provide service at the point of need.

- Print and online materials that enhance tutoring and independent learning for adults at all levels of literacy.

Newport Beach Library :: 2019 Gift of Literacy Luncheon

2019 Gift of Literacy Luncheon

Literally Speaking: May/June 2019

@NMProLiteracy

Over 200 people attended the 12th annual Gift of Literacy Luncheon held at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach on April 5, 2019. This year’s keynote speaker, Lisa See, spoke about her newly-released (and bestselling) novel, The Island of Sea Women. Each guest received a copy that Ms. See was happy to personalize. Attendees perused the many silent auction and raffle items before being seated and welcomed by professional emcee, Michael Villani. Mr. Villani introduced Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy (NMPL) Event Committee Chair, Helene Chaban who "got things rolling.”

Helene introduced some special guests and spoke movingly about how much the program means to her. She then introduced literacy coordinator, Cherall Weiss, who talked about how having literacy issues makes life a struggle, citing the real life example of a diabetic male who couldn’t read his insulin dosage and how the program has grown with the help of so many generous donors. Then, Ms. Weiss introduced the Learner Speaker, Candace Kirby.

Candace came to NMPL because, even though she was born and raised right here in California, she could not read well enough to help her own two children. She spoke of how she struggled through school and then struggled with the realization that her boys struggled because she could not help them. That is going to change! The Gift of Literacy luncheon is the largest fundraiser of the year for NMPL. This year, the event raised funds to support the ongoing needs of the program.  READ MORE >>

Happy Hour with Author Steven Rowley

October 26 :: 6 pm

Newport Beach Public Library

Camarena Library :: Why Is Literacy Important?

Why Is Literacy Important?

The Literacy Place: Sep 2019

Literacy is important because it is the foundation upon which people are able to interact with the world, educate themselves, and thus contribute to society as well as their own well being.

This is a brief interview from one of our tutors, Mark Hurych. He is a retired teacher who is very passionate about helping others improve their literacy skills.

1. Why do you volunteer your time to help adults with their literacy skills?

“Personally I find that when I have the opportunity to support someone in meeting their needs for being able to speak their mind I feel grateful. I feel I am a better person for it.”

2. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a literacy tutor?

“I guess if your head is in it and your heart is in it, your head and your heart sort of get paid like this: I tell my students they have to SPEND time and PAY attention to improve their skill sets. In the end I feel like I'm paid in full.”

“In conclusion, adult learners, and the need for improved adult literacy, deserve our attention and efforts because these people deserve the opportunity not just to survive, but to flourish!

Monrovia Library :: Team Up! Dream Up! For Literacy Fundraiser :: Sep 29

Team Up! Dream Up! For Literacy Fundraiser

With A Literacy Heroes Scavenger Hunt

Sunday, Sept. 29th

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Monrovia Library

Participate in the Community Feud, bid in the Silent and Live Auction and enjoy a delicious dessert bar.  The ticket price includes the cost of the game.

Escape from Vietnam, Van's Story

Written by literacy learner Mabel Ngo.

Book Signing & Purchase $10.00

Please note these books will be available for pick up at the library.

The library's Literacy Services program provides resources and help so people can transform their lives for the better.

Last year, volunteer tutors provided 2,357 hours of instruction to learners who were able to complete amazing goals, including: completing their GED, receiving a promotion at work, reading a bedtime story to their grandchildren, or even writing a book. Our learner-turned-author, Mabel Ngo, will be signing copies of her book at the fundraiser this year, with all proceeds from book sales and the event going to support literacy services in Monrovia.

Writing Club

Improve grammar and writing skills, and have fun learning to write better!

Book Club

Gain an understanding of classic and contemporary writings in a small group setting. Become an active reader and learn how to talk better about books.

Culture and Conversation

Practice speaking English by discussing and reading the 'News for You' weekly newspaper in a friendly and relaxed setting.

Speak Easy

Join us for round-table talking and practice speaking English in a friendly and relaxed setting. New topics weekly, including: popular culture, work and jobs, health, and more. Build confidence in your work, school, family, and social life.