CLA 2018 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award :: Stacey Costello Colusa Co :: John Szabo LAPL

2018 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award

CLA Net: 6.29.2018

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.

Two awards will be given out in 2018.  The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipients will each receive $1,000 and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.

The award is sponsored by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and the California Center for the Book.

2018 Award Recipients

Stacey Costello, Colusa County Free Library

Stacey Zwald Costello returned home to Colusa County after more than fifteen years in the Bay Area, where she worked as a Curatorial Assistant in the history department of the Oakland Museum of California, and later as Assistant Editor at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University.

Costello started her official tenure on the centennial anniversary of the Colusa County Free Library, and has since worked to broaden services and programming, update collections and take the library system into its second hundred years with the ability to meet the evolving needs of the community. Working with library staff, patrons, and community organizations, the library has been able to expand service hours, build collections more reflective of our community, revitalize branch locations and improve the overall health of the library.

Unfortunately, Colusa County currently has an illiteracy rate of 34%.  In just under 3 years of Costello taking the helm, she has supported the Colusa County Free Library Literacy Program in the creation of a digital literacy program, U.S. citizenship seminars, an adult learner book and conversation clubs, and the recruitment and retention of adult tutors and learners alike. In addition, Costello was awarded a grant from the California State Library for access to the Career Online High School program. In support of developing and fostering early literacy skills and a love of reading, Costello has introduced weekly family story time to all seven branch locations, as well as provided programming in Spanish and for children with special needs, supported the expansion of the Raising a Reader program and hosted Growing Start Playgroups in our most rural outposts.

Her commitment to literacy services is a reflection of her commitment to the community at large, and her belief that literacy is an integral aspect to being a productive and happy person.

John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library

John F. Szabo is the City Librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library, which serves over four million people—the largest population of any public library in the United States.  He oversees the Central Library, 72 branches and the library’s $182 million budget.

Under his leadership, the Library’s major initiatives include those related to immigrant integration and citizenship, improving financial literacy and providing health resources and programs.  He has expanded the library’s reach into the city’s diverse communities through partnerships with several community-based organizations.

He has more than 25 years of leadership experience in public libraries, previously serving as the director of four libraries including the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of OCLC and on the Board of Directors for California Humanities and the University of Southern California Center for Library Leadership and Management.  He has previously served on the Executive Board of the Urban Libraries Council and as president of the Florida Library Association.

Past Winners:

2017: Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library

2016: Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library

2015: Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries

2014: Natasha Casteel, City Librarian, Roseville Public Library

2013: Patricia Noa, Regional Services Manager, Orange County Public Library

2012: Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library

2011: Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library District

2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library

2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library

2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library

2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library

2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library

2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library

2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

Los Angeles Public Library :: Writer To Writer 2017

Writer to Writer

READ:  Summer 2018

Writer to Writer is a statewide writing challenge for adult learners in public library literacy programs. Adult learners are invited to read a book of their choice and then write a personal letter to the author of that book, sharing with the author their thoughts and opinions as to how the book affected them.

This year, 86 learners participated in the Writer to Writer challenge. Out of those 86, two learners from the Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy Program were recognized for their courageous and inspiring letters: Level 2 Runner-Up Magdalena Ortega and Level 3 Winner Elaheh Kazempour. Here are their award winning submissions!

Magdalena’s letter to Mr. Keyes Dear Mr. Keyes, Your book Flowers for Algernon was brought to my attention by my daughter who is reading it in middle school. She told me the main character named Charlie wanted to be smart. And I can relate to the character because I feel this way also. So as I began to read the story I felt as if it was me you were writing about. I always feel dumb. I decided to read the book because I wanted to know if Charlie had a good outcome. I can relate to Charlie because I struggle with wanting to be smart and I avoid having conversations with people because I am afraid I won’t understand what they might be talking about.

Elaheh’s letter to Charlotte Bronte Dear Charlotte, When I was a teenager, I remember well that I was reading your book Jane Eyre on a cold winter night. I was standing at the window watching snowflakes falling slowly on the ground. Everyone was sleeping. I opened the door and went to the yard. I lay down on the ground with snow sitting on my body and face. It was midnight, and I was very scared. I was wet, cold, and hungry too. Jane, Helen, and all other orphans at Lowood must have felt the same. Through darkness and snow, I saw a figure. It looked like the ghost of a woman. I thought it was you Charlotte. Was it really you or was I imagining things? Were you trying to tell me something? I ran back to my room, and hid under the blanket.  READ MORE >>

Los Angeles Public Library :: September Spotlight on Adult Literacy

September Spotlight on Adult Literacy

LAPL Blog: 9.21.2018 by Kelly Tyler, Senior Librarian, Lifelong Learning

September is National Literacy Month and we want to thank all of our volunteers for the amazing and selfless work they do in support of adult literacy. Every day, all across Los Angeles, they take time out of their busy lives to help other Angelenos learn to read.

While the adult literacy program has many different resources, from self-study tools like Cell-Ed and group conversation classes for English language learners, the foundation of our program is the special relationship between a tutor and learner in one-on-one tutoring. Meeting twice a week over months or years, our pairs develop a mutually rewarding bond that allows adult learners to succeed in their literacy pursuits.

The story of Carmen and Lorena is a perfect example of this bond. In their own words, they tell us about their experience:

My name is Lorena Lordanic, I am 25 years old, and a proud adult literacy tutor. I have had the pleasure of being an adult literacy tutor for an entire year. Last February 2017, I was looking for a way to give my time in order to help someone else.

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Carmen Chavez. I'm 67 years old. I'm unemployed now, and I decided to join the adult literacy program at Wilmington Branch Library because I want to get a better job.  READ MORE >>

Los Angeles Public Library :: The New Americans Initiative Provides Free Citizenship Help

The New Americans Initiative Provides Free Citizenship Help

HS Insider LA Times: 7.25.2018 by Madina Safdari

Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles sits Central Library, competing with the grandeur of banks and skyscrapers. Well established in comparison to other Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) branches, Central library serves as the hub for all services and resources imaginable.

“A lot of us, we go to the library to search for information, so I think it’s nice to know that the library provides additional services” Rita Orantes of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) said.

Since its inception in 1872, LAPL has grown to offer more than just book borrowing and a quiet place to study. Their free and extensive programs target community needs such as tutoring, financial guidance, veterans support, and recently an immigration and citizenship service.

Librarian Madeline Peña used the resources at the LAPL to pave her own path to citizenship. With the help of the library’s citizenship materials that preceded the new expanded program, she became naturalized in 2009.

“I checked out study materials, I studied all my civics questions. We all drive here in Los Angeles, so I used to put my CD in and listen to all the questions in both English and Spanish. Having those free resources really made things easy for me,” Peña said.

Peña said the LAPL has always aimed to serve their diverse communities.

With the launch of the New Americans Initiative (NAI) in January, the LAPL sought to support L.A.’s immigrant population with six New Americans Centers and welcome stations at all 73 branches. Their resources include, but are not limited to, second language resources, family services, “know your rights” cards, financial coaching, job opportunities and citizenship classes.  READ MORE >>

Los Angeles Public Library :: Walk-In Tutoring for Adults :: Arroyo Seco Branch

Walk-In Tutoring for Adults

Arroyo Seco Branch

Every Other Thursday ::  5:30 pm - 7:30pm

Adult Learners

Work one on one with an adult tutor to improve your reading and literacy skills. Tutors meet with students in any branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. This service is free. They meet twice a week for 1 to 1½ hours at a time for a minimum of six months

Tutors work another adult by teaching basic reading, writing and functional literacy skills at a time and a Los Angeles Public Library branch convenient for both tutor and student. The Library requires a minimum commitment of six months. To learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor, contact the literacy coordinator at one of the Library Literacy Centers.

Los Angeles Public Library :: Adult Learner Leadership Institute Success Story By Veronica Torres

Adult Learner Leadership Institute Success Story By Veronica Torres

READ: A newsletter written by students and tutors: Winter 2018

I came to Los Angeles with my mother when I was 12 years old. Since I lived in a Latino neighborhood where everyone spoke Spanish, I never learned to speak or read well. I thought then that it wasn’t important. When I got to be an adult, I realized that you need three things to live well in this country: to read, to speak and to drive, but at that time I could not read or write an email. I might recognize two words out of every sentence. I would have to ask my niece or a friend to read them to me and then I had no privacy. As an adult, I knew that this wasn’t normal and I got sick of it. I felt depressed, low - on the floor.

I have been attending Adult Literacy Tutoring programs at the Washington Irving Library Branch, since 2016, where I had the pleasure to meet Julie Christenson, the coordinator. When she suggested that I attend the ALLI leadership program, I didn’t hesitate to submit the application. A few weeks after I applied, my application was approved, and in April 2017 I had the opportunity to attend the three-day weekend program in Carlsbad, Ca.

It was my first train ride. I was given a nice room at the Holiday Inn with other learners. Both learners and staff were surprised to see someone from LA as I was the first person from LA to attend. I met other adult learners from other regions and together we learned about the role of leadership in Adult literacy. We learned about goal setting, building self-esteem and how to get along with other people. These are important skills for leaders to have. The conference gave me the confidence that I need to accomplish my goals, to advocate for the literacy program, and to become a mentor in my community.

In October, I was invited to return to the ALLI conference in 2018 being held in the City of Redlands to make a presentation to this years’ learners.

I’m excited and looking forward! None of this would be possible without Julie’s love, encouragement and belief in my potential, and I also consider myself lucky to have Melinda Ratlif, my wonderful tutor.  READ MORE >>

Adult Learner Leadership Institute

April 27 – 29

A K Smiley Library

Redlands

Los Angeles Public Library :: Summer Reading in Adult Literacy STEAM at the Library

Summer Reading in Adult Literacy

STEAM at the Library

READ: LAPL Adult Literacy Services: Fall 2017

By Beverly Pichardo, Jefferson Branch Literacy Coordinator

“Ready, set, fun!” was the simple implied directive that propelled a fun-filled hour and a half on Thursday, July 6^th.  The meeting room at the Jefferson Branch became a workshop where adult patrons built small bridges, picnic tables, lemonade stands, and bus stops.

This was the last in a series of STEAM workshops co-hosted by Adult Literacy and Jonathan Most, an adult librarian at the Jefferson Branch. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math and is an ongoing educational program at the library that fosters creativity and learning in these fields.

Jonathan and I selected a workshop called Keva Brain Builders. Colleague Xochitl Hughes assisted us as we attacked the E in STEAM. Keva Brain Builders are inter-connecting wooden pieces called planks. Each nylon pouch contains 20 planks and 30 mini double-sided colored cards. One side displays a photo of final structure, and the reverse shows color-coded directions on how to build it.

A total of 28 adult attended, including the English Conversation class and students from a local adult school.  READ MORE >>

Los Angeles Public Library :: It's a Match - Adult Literacy

It’s a Match

READ-A Newsletter written by students and tutors: Summer 2017

My name is Carmen Munoz, I am a tutor with LAPL’s Adult Literacy Program.

I’ve been with my student Maria Murillo since February 12, 2016. Maria approached me at a Senior Center in East Los Angeles. She told me about her desire to read English before she died. With much surprise I found that Maria at 87 years old did not know how to read or write; and was never able to attend school. She lived in Mexico with her mother. She helped care for her younger siblings and was never given opportunity to attend school.

Maria is currently reading Laubach Volume 3. Maria struggled with reading but she never gave up. In the following weeks I recognized Maria was not only able to read the words but also understand and explain what she had just read. Maria told me “the books talk to me!” Puzzled by her comment, I realized that was her way of telling me she could read.

Maria’s goal is to be able to read and write with no difficulty. She also stated she would like to attend college in the near future. I believe this goal was brought by the Helen Keller story, she identified her handicap and Helen’s at about the same capacity in her eyes.

Just like Maria anyone can achieve their goals. Age or disability does not determine how far you learn, grow, and achieve any dreams or goals in one’s life.  READ MORE @

Los Angeles Public Library :: Writer to Writer 2017

Writer to Writer 2017 Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy

READ - A newsletter written by students and tutors: Spring 2017

Wonderfully inspiring letters were submitted by nineteen learners from the Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy Program who participated in the Southern California Writer to Writer Challenge.

The “easy” part was to read or listen to a novel, work of non-fiction, or magazine article. Writing can be intimidating for anyone but these writers met the challenge and responded to an author’s words – thereby becoming authors themselves.

You are sure to enjoy these letters from three authors who were honored in their category.

Runner-Up Emerging Writer

Albert Short

The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank

Runner-Up Intermediate Writer

Frank Marfetan

Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

Runner-Up Advanced Writer

Hee Min Yim

Ariadne’s Story, Joyce Hannam

Los Angeles Public Library :: Tutor Recognition :: September National Literacy Month

September National Literacy Month

READ: Winter 2017

September was National Literacy Month, the perfect occasion to celebrate the volunteers and learners who make the Los Angeles Public Library literacy program thrive.

Throughout the month, Literacy Coordinators hosted parties across Los Angeles. We had over 300 attendees at 19 events! Here are some photos that capture great partnerships, incredible enthusiasm, impressive displays, and some nice library swag.  READ MORE @

Literacy Library Jobs :: California :: CLLS | Lincoln | San Mateo | Beaumont | LAPL | Camarillo | Yolo | Xprize

Literacy Library Jobs – California

Library Literacy Programs Consultant

California State Library CLLS

Develops, implements, and monitors complex statewide library literacy grant programs

DEADLINE:  FEB 27

Storyteller – Early Literacy Outreach, Library Assistant

Beaumont Library

Delivers outreach services to childcare providers and drive the Ready to Read van.

DEADLINE: MAR 1

Adult Literacy Coordinator - PT

Los Angeles Public Library

Recruit, interview, train, and mentor volunteer tutors and teachers in adult literacy methods.

DEADLINE: MAR 6

Literacy Program Coordinator - FT

San Mateo Library

plans, implements, coordinates and evaluates the Library's adult literary programs as well as programs for adults who speak little or no English

DEADLINE:  MAR 6

Volunteer & Literacy Center Coordinator - FT

Camarillo Library Library Systems & Services, LLC (LS&S)

oversees and administrates the Library Volunteer Program, including those working with adult learners in the well-established Literacy Center.

DEADLINE:  MAR 8

Literacy Coordinator-Library Assistant – PT

Lincoln Library

develop, execute, and manage the new Adult and Family Literacy Programs, funded through the California Library Literacy Services program

DEADLINE:  MAR 10

Project Coordinator, Adult Literacy

XPRIZE, Culver City

ensure the successful, smooth, and timely execution of competition and field operations for the Adult Literacy XPRIZE by monitoring and controlling project plans, schedules, budget, quality, and scope.

DEADLINE: OPEN

Extra Help, Bilingual Spanish Library Associate: Adult and Family Literacy Coordinator – PT

Yolo Reads - Yolo County Library

volunteer intake and management, contact and resource for tutors and learners, curriculum development and literacy assessments, trainings, orientations, marketing and publicity, and grant management including data analysis and recording, budget spending, statistics, and demographics.

DEADLINE:  OPEN

BayNet Library and Information Network

CalOpps

Library Jobs in California

UCLA Department of Information Studies

Literacy Library Jobs :: Los Angeles Public Library :: XPrize :: Beaumont :: Camarillo :: Yolo Co

Literacy Library Jobs – California

Adult Literacy Coordinator - PT

Los Angeles Public Library

Recruit, interview, train, and mentor volunteer tutors and teachers in adult literacy methods.

DEADLINE: MAR 6

Project Coordinator, Adult Literacy

XPRIZE, Culver City

ensure the successful, smooth, and timely execution of competition and field operations for the Adult Literacy XPRIZE by monitoring and controlling project plans, schedules, budget, quality, and scope.

DEADLINE: OPEN

Volunteer & Literacy Center Coordinator - FT

Camarillo Library Library Systems & Services, LLC (LS&S)

oversees and administrates the Library Volunteer Program, including those working with adult learners in the well-established Literacy Center.

DEADLINE: FEB 17

Storyteller – Early Literacy Outreach, Library Assistant

Beaumont Library

Delivers outreach services to childcare providers and drive the Ready to Read van.

DEADLINE: MAR 1

Extra Help, Bilingual Spanish Library Associate: Adult and Family Literacy Coordinator – PT

Yolo Reads - Yolo County Library

volunteer intake and management, contact and resource for tutors and learners, curriculum development and literacy assessments, trainings, orientations, marketing and publicity, and grant management including data analysis and recording, budget spending, statistics, and demographics.

DEADLINE:  OPEN

BayNet Library and Information Network

CalOpps

Library Jobs in California

UCLA Department of Information Studies

ProLiteracy Celebrates Longtime LAPL Literacy Volunteer Mary Anne Nelson

ProLiteracy Celebrates Longtime Literacy Volunteer Mary Anne Nelson

READ: Fall 2016 by Literacy Manager Kelly Tyler

A newsletter written by students  and tutors

Literacy Coordinator Carolyn Barelli and I attended a luncheon this July to celebrate the contributions of longtime literacy volunteer Mary Anne Nelson. Nelson was a longtime trainer and supervising trainer for California Literacy, a statewide coordinating office for community-based and library-based programs. Mary Anne was active in state and national conferences for many years.

After Nelson retired from actively training, she remained an active tutor in the Los Angeles Public Library until spring of this year. She was an active tutor with the Los Angeles Public Library since the program began in 1984.

Nelson’s continued commitment to literacy was most recently evident when she established the Mary Anne Nelson Training Fund with ProLiteracy, a national organization that promotes adult literacy. This permanent scholarship will be used to help tutor trainers with professional development materials, travel, and other support.  READ MORE @