Los Angeles Public Library ▬ Learning Circles Are A New Kind Of Class For Adults

Learning Circles Are A New Kind Of Class For Adults At The Los Angeles Public Library!

READ

READ: Fall 2020

Learning circles are basically study groups for adults who want to take online courses together. The online courses can come from many places, including colleges, news-papers, YouTube, or databases on the LAPL website.

There is almost no limit to the kinds of courses you can take in a learning circle! So far, we’ve had learning circles on basic computer skills, acrylic painting, American sign language, interview skills, knitting, and much more!

Learning circles make online courses more interesting and fun, because instead of taking the class all by yourself, you take it with other people! You can make new friends and help one another learn as you study. Learning circles are as much about building a community of learners as they are about the subject being studied.

Just recently, two of our literacy coordinators, Abel and Priscilla, helped lead learning circles. Below, they tell us what it was like!

Priscilla Rojas Naiman:  Angi Brzycki, adult librarian at the Hollywood Branch, and I recently concluded a six week learning circle on the 1619 Project.

For those unfamiliar with it, the 1619 Project was a massive effort by The New York Times Magazine to detail the history of slavery, its lasting effects within our culture, and to celebrate the often-suppressed role of formerly enslaved peoples in making American democracy manifest. Its aim was to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.

The 1619 Project Learning Circle was difficult to get through but highly needed in light of today’s climate. An average of 15 people joined us each week on Zoom from all over the country. They came prepared by having read the essays the NY Times collected and heard the podcasts assigned so that the discussion would be fruitful. There were participants who came to this country not knowing that the Black community had so many trials over the centuries.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 11

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 15-17 yrs. old

(Tenth to Eleventh graders)

Los Angeles Public Library ▬ Summer Reading Poetry Series

Summer Reading Poetry Series

READ
Newsletter 

READ: Fall 2020

A newsletter written by the adult learners and tutors in Adult Literacy Services

For many learners, the Summer Reading Challenge poetry series was their first time learning about, writing, and reading poetry. Through the four-week course, their poetic language grew, and along with it their confidence in expressing themselves poetically. Even conversations became a perfect place to “speak in poetry.” As Laurie Lew, the poetry class teacher, puts it, “The great discovery for me in teaching this class is how naturally we all use the language of metaphor.”

Perhaps this was why our learners connected with each other and the class from the beginning. As English language learners, they were all discovering how to express themselves in an unfamiliar language – one notorious for its complex rules. Perhaps the freedom which poetry allows the poet gave each of our participants the chance to express themselves, gracefully and thoughtfully, without having to worry about those rules. The poetic voice was in them already. All they needed was the freedom Laurie provided and a space to comfortably share their thoughts and feelings.

Student Poems

Super Moon and Grandson

Found super moon, On Venice street.
On the way home from work.
In Autumn night.
Staring, following bright yellow moon,
Slowing down wheels & handle under neon.
Let Moon Walk in my yard.
«Good Night to the moon on the tree top of lemon. »
Closing wooden gate with sleepy hand.
Opening the mail from daughter.
Hi from universe heard.
Holding breath, Staring ultrasound.
Waving tiny fingers, Praying curved posture.
Jumping heart with joy. Thinking round forehead.
Found super moon, On my daughter.
On the way from journey.
At the Autumn of life.
-By Donna Kim

READ MORE ➤➤

 

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: 7

Reading Level: fairly easy to read.

Reader's Age: 11-13 yrs. old

(Sixth and Seventh graders)

Los Angeles Public Library ▬ Ballot Measures Discussion with the League of Women Voters

Ballot Measures Discussion with the League of Women Voters

Easy Voter Guide

LA Public Library: 10.14.2020

Mona Field, Co-President of the Los Angeles League of Women Voters, helps us understand the 12 statewide measures, and some local measures, on the November 3, 2020 ballot.

Mona Field is a notable expert in state and local politics. In addition to her role with the League, she is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Glendale Community College and the author of California Government and Politics Today (15th Edition).

The discussion will focus on the pros and cons of the following:

➧ Property taxes

➧ Rent control

➧ Parolee voting sentence changes

➧ Approving or rejecting cash bail

➧ Funding for stem cell research                                  

➧ Reinstituting affirmative action

➧ Voting rights for some 17-year-olds

➧ Governing kidney dialysis clinics

➧ Special workplace rules for app-based companies like Uber and Lyft

➧ New consumer privacy rules

This event is being organized through Teens Leading Change at the Eagle Rock Branch Library.  WATCH 1:09:02

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 14

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 21-22 yrs. old

(college level)

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)

Los Angeles Public Library ─ It’s a Match ─ Adult Literacy Services

It’s a Match

Adult Literacy Services Spring 2020 Newsletter

READ: Spring 2020

About It’s a Match A special relationship is created when a tutor and learner are successfully matched together. It’s A Match allows tutors and learners to express how they feel about their match in their own words.

Marleny Moreno By Tutor Jonathan Lesser

As a tutor, I have been working with Marleny for 2 years and I continue to be impressed with her dedication and her progress every time we meet. What is most impressive to me about Marleny is her continued dedication to improving her reading, writing, and speaking skills. In addition to our tutoring sessions, she has also attended English language classes at a local adult school, and is always looking for additional opportunities to learn and to practice.

Marleny also writes pieces in her spare time to practice her English on topics of interest to her, and proudly submits her work to any writing challenge or call for articles that she sees. I am fortunate for the opportunity to hear about her life and to see how she expresses herself on things that are meaningful to her.

═════════►

Thank You Jonathan By Learner Marleny Moreno

It’s my turn.

It is time to talk about my amazing tutor Jonathan Lesser. I’ll always be very grateful to Jonathan for all he has taught me since March 10, 2018 until now.

I have learned a lot from him. He is a very good teacher. I admire him because he is active and also has a lot of energy to teach me after his job. When I started to meet him I did not have the ability to talk and write in English like today. In our meeting we have conversations. If I make a mistake he corrects me. In addition, he teaches me how to pronounce and write words that I write incorrectly. When I read to him, he asks me questions about what I read. Also I have to write about what I read. I always see him happy. In his spare time, he plays guitar and plays very well.   READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 7

Reading Level: fairly easy to read.

Reader's Age: 11-13 yrs. old

(Sixth and Seventh graders)

Los Angeles Public Library ◯ April Volunteers & Tutors of the Month ◯ America Learns News

@americalearns

April Volunteers & Tutors of the Month

Los Angeles Public Library News

America Learns 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!

April Volunteers of the Month

Timothy B nominated by Yvette C and Karen H

In grateful recognition of your service as an Adult Literacy Program volunteer at the Singleton Adult Literacy Center of the Los Angeles Public Library

Yvette says, “Tim is an incredible walk-in-tutor! He moved here recently and has been volunteering with us since June 2019. Our patrons really enjoy working with him. He comes in twice a week and subs when needed.

Karen R nominated by Ulises C

In grateful recognition of your service as an Adult Literacy Program volunteer at the Junipero Serra Branch Literacy Center of the Los Angeles Public Library

Ulises says, “Karen is a new walk-in tutor at the Junipero Serra Literacy Center. On her first day as a walk-in tutor, she assisted four patrons.

April Learners of the Month

Chaquante H nominated by Karen H

In recognition of your inspiring commitment to your literacy goals at the Singleton Adult Literacy Center of the Los Angeles Public Library

Karen says, “Chaquante is a native English speaker and she has been with the program for about 3 years. She qualified to be part of the One-on-One program, but due to her work schedule it was hard to match her with a tutor. I recommended for Chaquante to work with a Walk-In-Tutor.

Alexandra V nominated by Priscilla R

In recognition of your commitment to your literacy goals at the Singleton Adult Literacy Center of the Los Angeles Public Library

Priscilla says, “Alexandra came to us as a really shy individual with special needs. Her family as well as she wanted her to be independent. Her family used to bring her to the lab once a week from outside the city. She then took Access Services Paratransit. Now she is taking public transportation on her own! She has been so confident and independent. She has really bloomed with her success with Reading Horizons.”  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on (7) readability formulas:

Grade Level: 10

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 14-15 yrs. old

(Ninth to Tenth graders)

Los Angeles Public Library ◯ Your Guide To The Massive Cuts Proposed For The LA City Budget ◯ LAist

Your Guide To The Massive Cuts Proposed For The LA City Budget

LAist: 4.20.2020

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti has released his proposed budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The city is facing a massive loss of tax revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic, causing the mayor to declare "a state of fiscal emergency as part of the 2020-2021 budget."  

Garcetti had already signaled that there will be furloughs for the city's civilian workforce. The mayor estimated city workers are expected to forego about 10% of their salaries. The city's hiring freeze is also continuing.

In a briefing this morning, city staff said the mayor has broad powers to order furloughs in an emergency like this, but they'd rather work with unions. Corral Itzcalli with SEIU Local 721, which represents the largest chunk of civilian public workers in town, said the city should find other solutions instead of furloughs.

═════════►

The L.A. city library system is protected by Measure L, so its funding is required to be kept at a certain level. Their budget actually rises from $194 million to $205 million next fiscal year. But the libraries are closed until further notice.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on (7) readability formulas:

Grade Level: 8

Reading Level: standard / average.

Reader's Age: 12-14 yrs. Old

(Seventh and Eighth 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.

═════════►

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

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 >>

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.

Los Angeles Public Library :: Spotlight on Literacy: A Dream Come True

Spotlight on Literacy: A Dream Come True

LAPL Blog: 7.31.2019 by Luisa Latham, Adult Literacy Tutor

Randall Hinson, Librarian, Office of Education and Literacy

Last July, three students began a journey toward literacy via Leamos, a computer-based literacy program, at the Pacoima Branch Library. Leamos teaches Spanish speaking adults, who may not have had the opportunity for formative education, to begin working toward competency in reading and writing in their native language. It also equips them with basic computer skills. It can serve as a pre-ESL(English as a Second Language) course as well.

Nine months after beginning their study, two dedicated and hardworking students have stayed the course and continued their journey toward literacy. Ana Teresa Batrez and Silvia Barahona Garcia come to the library each Monday for two hours to reinforce and extend their reading and writing skills. To date, they have succeeded in reading a wide variety of texts including children’s books, newspaper headlines, employment applications, food and prescription labels, crossword puzzle clues, horoscopes, riddles and the reflections of previous students who completed Leamos.  READ MORE >>

Los Angeles Public Library :: Spring Spotlight On Adult Literacy

Spring Spotlight on

Adult Literacy

LAPL Literacy Blog: 2.06.2019 by Megan Katz, Librarian, Office of Education and Literacy

Looking for a way to contribute to your community? Consider becoming an adult literacy volunteer with the Los Angeles Public Library! Statistics show that an estimated 33% of the adult residents of Los Angeles lack basic prose literacy skills. This means that, at best, they may be “able to locate easily identifiable information in short, commonplace prose text, but nothing more advanced” (National Center forEducation Statistics, 2003). Of course, many of these people cannot read at all.

Los Angeles Public Library tutor Luisa Latham says of her students: As a result of being illiterate, these individuals have felt isolated and alienated and not able to function fully within their communities… [They] have expressed to me their fear and hesitancy around any experience where they would be asked to read—to fill out a job application, to vote, to do so many things that we take for granted and that they cannot participate in. You can help alleviate literacy inequality by becoming a volunteer. We have many different opportunities, including teaching classes, working one-on-one with a student, and more.

Tutor Claire Chandler decided to use her time to help others, “When I retired, I thought about volunteer opportunities and about how to work toward changes I would like to see in the world. Even though I had no experience teaching anyone how to read, I applied to be a tutor at the Adult Literacy Program.”

Adult literacy volunteers change lives, but the most inspiring thing about volunteering may be what you will gain from it. Tutor Lorena Lordanic tells us, “Tutoring Carmen this past year has benefited my life in so many ways. Not only do I get to think of innovative ways to help her reach her goals, but Carmen also inspires me to continue learning.”

Are you ready to have your life changed by becoming an adult literacy volunteer?

Contact us today! Call 213-228-7037 or find the Literacy Center closest to you.  READ MORE >>

Los Angeles Public Library :: Spotlight on Adult Literacy: Dreams Achieved

Spotlight on Adult Literacy: Dreams Achieved

LAPL BLOG: 4.03.2019 by Randall Hinson, Librarian, Office of Education and Literacy

Adult literacy learner Gregory Hill at the Exposition Park Branch Library

WATCH 01:36

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. Gregory Hill is one of our inspiring learners.

Gregory was passed from grade to grade throughout his elementary, middle, and high school years even though he couldn’t read or write. He graduated from high school, but was unable to fill out forms or applications, and found applying for jobs difficult. Gregory tried numerous programs and classes to improve his situation, but always found himself back where he began, unable to read or write.

Then one day, while in the Exposition Park Regional Library, Gregory saw a sign over a door that read, “Adult Literacy Center – Read, Learn, Help”. Inside, he met dedicated former literacy coordinator June Brandon, who reassured him that he was in the right place. She promised him that regardless of what happened in the past, she was going to do everything in her power to help him learn to read and write. From that day forward, Gregory was on the path to literacy—not in a school, but at his local library.  WATCH 01:36

Los Angeles Public Library :: Meet Michelle, One Of Our Adult Literacy Tutors

Meet Michelle, One Of Our Adult Literacy Tutors        

And Hear Her Story

Los Angeles Public Library

Every day, for 35 years, we have helped adults just like you meet their literacy goals. Some goals include learning to vote, reading a newspaper, helping children with homework, and getting a better job.

Los Angeles Public Library

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:

➧ Change a life - teach an adult to read!

➧ ¿Sabe español? Ayude a un hispanohablante a leerlo y escribirlo.

➧ Are you great in English? Become a walk-in tutor for adults!

➧ Do you enjoy public speaking? Become a conversation class teacher!

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

When you volunteer with the Adult Literacy Program, you get as much as you give.