National City Library ▬ Our Tutor Of The Year, Cris Mendez !

Our Tutor Of The Year, Cris Mendez !

National City Library
Literacy Services

National City Library Literacy Services Newsletter: April 2021

In 1978, I worked at the International Center for Language Studies in Bogota, as an ESL instructor during an extended stay in Colombia. I found the experience rewarding and the eagerness learners displayed inspiring. On my return to the U.S., I enrolled in college, met my future husband, and life continued. Nonetheless, I remembered with fondness my experience teaching ESL to learners, ranging in age 18 to 60, who were seeking employment as flight attendants, in the field of hospitality and tourism to established corporate executives to retirees, stay-at-home mothers, and other delightful individuals.

An ESL Opening and Literacy Services:

Fast-forward to January 2018. An email I received from the literacy services at the National City Public Library highlighted an opening for a volunteer ESL tutor. On the spot, I applied. After orientation, I was asked to lead a class. I entered the classroom with a flutter of butterflies in my stomach, but instantly, I felt at ease. Soon after, I was assigned to tutor a learner preparing for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. Within a few months, a learner skilled with computers joined, then the third learner, and a wonderful ESL trio was formed. Shortly thereafter, I was offered a group of learners for an evening class followed by another group for a morning class, and the fun amplified.

🔽

Why I Recommend Tutoring:

Whether an individual is a tutor or a learner, everyone has something to contribute. Seek tutoring in math, ESL, computer readiness, writing classes, as well as unconventional classes, such as driver’s license and citizenship test preparation—knowledge is key. I often share with learners: as I am getting older, the more I realize there is still a great deal for me to learn.

Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change.
Learning is more than absorbing facts, it is acquiring understanding.
 William Arthur Ward

 

READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

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)

 

Adult Literacy Services

Helps adults improve their basic reading, spelling, and math skills empowering them to reach their full potential in life.

Are you an adult who needs help with basic reading, math, or computer skills?

Do you need help studying for the GED or citizenship test?

Call to find out if the Library Adult Literacy Program is right for you! 619-470-5860

National City Library ▬ Meet Our Literacy Tutors

Meet Our Tutors: Samuel V -National City Library Tutor

National City
Library Literacy

Literacy Services Newsletter: March 2021

My name is Samuel, I have been tutoring at the National City Public Library for more than 2 years. First a work study tutor from my school and then as a volunteer, proud to say I have absolutely no regrets to have been around this library for this long. The amazing people I have met, both fellow workers and learners are just one of the many reasons why I would not trade this experience for anything.

I have tutored GED, ASVAB & other subjects like general education in high school, middle school, and even elementary school for the Children’s department. Each one of my learners has been special and has led me to not only discover more about them, but it has also led me to discover more about myself.

It is always amazing to see the determination of each learner to take the step forward to do something that could potentially help them improve their lives forever. Ranging from the youth who wish to excel in their classes to adults who know they still have not achieved their full potential and want more out of life.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 12

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 17-18 yrs. old

(Twelfth graders)

 

Sign Up Now To Be A Volunteer

Or Take Our Classes & Tutoring Sessions

APPLY NOW !

Call 619-470-5860 or email

literacy@nationalcitylibrary.org

Literacy Library Jobs – California :: National City :: Oceanside :: Santa Clara :: Contra Costa Co :: Redwood City :: San Mateo Co

Literacy Library Jobs – California

Literacy Coordinator - FT

National City Library

plan, develop and coordinate the Adult Literacy Program

DEADLINE:  NOV 1

Literacy Coordinator – FT

Oceanside Library

provides, coordinates or collaborates on publicity and promotion of literacy activities in the Library, City and community

DEADLINE:  NOV 2

As-Needed Literacy Technology Assistant

Santa Clara City Library

help adult learners and tutors learn how to use the literacy program's technology resources effectively and support those who need help strengthening their basic digital literacy skills

DEADLINE:  OCT 15

Adult Literacy Program Manager - FT

Contra Costa Co Library

responsible for; ensuring successful implementation of volunteer trainings, student and tutor recruitment campaigns; developing programs to maximize the success of students and tutors; establishing networking partnerships with other literacy program providers in the Bay Area

DEADLINE: OCT 15

Educational & Literacy Recreation Leader - PT

Redwood City Library

support and assist our Literacy Student Tutor Coordinators and Literacy Staff

offering educational activities, tutoring and performing clerical tasks

DEADLINE: OPEN

Quest Program Aide (2) - Spanish Speaking Preferred – PT

San Mateo Co Library

improve students' literacy skills to help them become part of a literate, confident, and creative community of life-long learners. We offer literacy enrichment, homework help, and mentoring in a safe after school environment

DEADLINE:  OPEN

BayNet Library and Information Network

CalOpps

Library Jobs in California

Southern California Library Cooperative

National City Library :: Work Readiness Workshops

Work Readiness Workshops

National City Community Calendar

Literacy Services helps adults improve their basic reading, spelling, and math skills empowering them to reach their full potential in life. We match adult

learners with trained tutors for one-on-one or small group sessions.

Services:

Reading, Writing, Spelling and Math Tutoring

Computer Readiness Classes (Basic and Intermediate)

GED, Citizenship Test Prep, Driver's License Test Prep

Literacy Computer Lab

The Literacy Computer Lab is a special computer lab for adult literacy learners. The lab includes access to Mavis Beacon Typing, Lexia Strategies, Ultimate Phonics, Rosetta Stone, Math Tutor, and Learning Express. The lab is open during Literacy Office hours.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Literacy Services staff.

All services are free and confidential! 619-470-5860

National City Library :: Library Helps Would-be Citizens Prep for the Big Exam

Library helps would-be citizens prep for the big exam

Star News: 7.01.2017 by Robert Moreno

The National City Public Library provides many resources for the community: from use of a computer for library members to a summer reading program that keeps students actively reading while they are out of school during summer break.

But a recent partnership with the Jewish Family Service of San Diego has put the library’s free U.S. Citizenship Classes as one of the most popular programs the library has to offer.

Two separate classes are offered, one for individuals wanting one-on-one tutoring, and another for people who prefer multi-student interaction in a classroom setting.

Currently 10 people are taking a 10-week, two-hour, twice a week citizenship class. A new session starts July 15 which is already filled to capacity. The library has their own tutors with the Jewish Family Service of San Diego also provides an instructor.

National City Library literacy coordinator Matt Boatman said the demographic of people taking citizenship classes at the National City Library are mainly Hispanic and some Filipino, reflective of the National City community.

“There’s been a very  steady demand for citizenship, for people taking a step from being legal residents to getting full citizenship,” he said “So we’re doing our best to meet that demand.” READ MORE @

Literacy Library Jobs – California :: National City :: San Mateo :: Camarillo

Literacy Jobs – California

Literacy Program Coordinator - FT

San Mateo Public 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: DEC 28

Literacy Coordinator - FT

National City Library

plan, organize, and supervise the Library's Literacy Services Program for adult learners and their pre-school children.

DEADLINE: JAN 4

Adult Literacy Center Coordinator - PT

Library Jobs in California

Get Library Jobs :: Literacy

Other Literacy Related Jobs

Literacy Library Jobs - California - National City

Literacy Coordinator (Senior Library Technician)
National City Library
Application Deadline: Open

Under direction, to perform technical and paraprofessional duties in the library, including supervision of lower-level staff; oversee activities of assigned function; and perform related duties as required.

Literacy duties may include preparing grant application; grants recordkeeping; organizing literacy services; assessing literacy skills for program placement; selecting material and teaching aides; and assisting in the preparation of the budget.

Literacy Research Contractor: KOREH L.A.
Application Deadline: Feb 1, 2012
Start date: Feb 15, 2012

The Literacy Research Contractor is a time-limited, grant-funded independent contractor for The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Working in coordination with the Director of Programs for the Community Engagement Department and KOREH L.A. staff members, the Research Contractor will conduct and analyze research on the current state of literacy work in Los Angeles County.

Education Manager: Children's Creativity Museum
Start Date: Feb 1, 2012

3Cs of 21st-century literacy - Creativity, Collaboration and Communication - inspire new ideas and innovative solutions.

The Education Manager leads a team of Educators, Education Interns, and Volunteers to implement and evaluate all of CCM’s education and public programs. These programs include school field trips, early childhood programming, and weekend workshops. In addition, the Education Manger works closely with the Youth Program Manager, the Exhibits Manager, and the Visitor Services Manager to ensure that all of CCM’s education and programs support and/or enhance the general admission experience. The Education Manger ensures that CCM’s educational approach consistently fosters creativity, collaboration, and communication throughout its entire exhibit and program experiences.

Literacy in Libraries Around California - Read For the Record: October 8

Read For the Record: October 8

Join Jumpstart and read Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Pledge to read today to help us set a world record. Celebrate the joy of reading all over the globe !

Some SCLLN members Reading For the Record:

Bob Lucas Branch Library Read for the Record: Altadena

Read for the Record

WOWmobile: National City

Adult Literacy Awareness Month - National City Library - Newport Beach Library

Adult Literacy Awareness Month

September Spotlight

on SCLLN Literacy Programs

National City Public Library

The WINGS After School Program is provided by the National City Public Library at each of the National School District’s ten elementary schools. National School District students in grades Kinder through 6th are invited to attend. The WINGS program provides a safe place for students to experience academic enrichment, homework help, and recreational activities during the hours when most parents work. Registration forms are available in each school's auditorium everyday after school.

The WOWmobile (Words on Wheels) Literacy Program is for families with children ages 0-5 years old. Books and materials for children and parents are available as well as crafts; games; puppet shows; stories; health referral services; and family literacy workshops.

Newport Beach Public Library Literacy Services

Provides free literacy instruction to adults who live or work in the Newport Beach area. Our dedicated volunteers have helped hundreds of people improve their English skills. In doing so, these volunteers have helped change lives. Literacy is a concern for everyone in our community as it affects not only the learner, but employers, healthcare providers, schools and more.

For many in our population, English is their second language. All second language learners benefit from learning better English skills. Job opportunities improve with English proficiency, children perform better in school if their parents are able to help them and healthcare providers can more easily care for their patient if they are proficient in English. NBPL Literacy Services is dedicated to achieving literacy for all members of our society. Literacy does change lives!

Newsletter

National City Library - The WOWmobile (Words on Wheels)

The WOWmobile (Words on Wheels)

The WOWmobile Literacy Program delivers family literacy services to hard to reach families & care providers with children ages 0-5 years old. Books and materials for children and parents are available as well as crafts; games; puppet shows; stories; health referral services; and family literacy workshops.

It's an outreach program of the California Family and Children's Commission, the California State Library, and National City Public Library.

Project Partners

National City Collaborative
National School District
Children's Hospital
San Diego County Children and Families Commission
San Diego County Health and Human Services

Project Highlights

Workshops have been presented on parenting skills, lead poisoning, immunization requirements, school readiness preparation, health care enrollment and asthma.

Workshop presenters have included Parents As Teachers educators, Children's Hospital Nurse Practitioners, County Health Nurse Practitioners and Community Outreach Workers, American Lung Association Health Educators, and National School District staff.

National City Library - Book lover retires after 26 years as city librarian

Book lover retires after 26 years as city librarian
San Diego Union-Tribune: July 6, 07: by Tanya Sierra

Anne Campbell always knew she wanted to be a librarian. Her passion for books started as a young girl, when she would lock herself in her bedroom and journey into the worlds depicted on the pages she read.

The addiction was so strong that her mother restricted the number of books she could check out from the city library to five per week. “I would stay up until 3 or 4 in the morning reading,” she said. “In seventh grade I wrote a letter to the American Library Association and asked, 'How do I become a librarian?' ”

Campbell, National City's head librarian, retired this week after 26 years of forging a relationship with the city's readers.

The 59-year-old, who grew up in Denver, didn't deviate from the path the library association outlined for her in its response. Even during her teen years, when rebellion can sometimes set in, Campbell never strayed far from the library.

“The library was where I was meant to be,” Campbell said.

Just as Campbell knew her career path, she knew National City needed a strong library program for its many students and illiterate adults.

In the working-class city, 36 percent of the population – the highest rate in the county – is illiterate and more than 40 percent didn't finish high school.

Campbell arrived at the National City Public Library in 1981.

“You could have rolled a bowling ball in the library because no one came in,” she said. “They were running the library like it was the 1960s.”

Although National City has always been diverse, a large immigrant population began settling in the city during the '70s and early '80s, Campbell said. Many families weren't aware the library was a place where they could check out books for free or get literacy services.

She began with an adult reading program, which expanded to a family program. Soon a Words on Wheels mobile library service was sent into neighborhoods to entice children to read.

“If you raise the literacy rate of a community, then you raise the socioeconomic status of the community,” Campbell said.

Perhaps her biggest feat was getting overwhelming community support for a bond in 2002 for a new, $17 million library.

At the time, city officials applied for a state grant, but first needed local funding in place. They had to move fast to get a $6 million bond measure on the ballot for March 2002, three months before the state application was due.

In an extremely competitive process, National City was the only city in the county to win a library grant in the first selection round. The grant provided $11.1 million. Private donations added $1.3 million.

The 50,000-square-foot library opened in August 2005. It's so popular that a line of people is often waiting at the door when it opens.

Running a busy library takes work, and Campbell is a serious woman with high expectations – sometimes too high, say those who have worked with her.

Some union employees felt uncomfortable because they were asked to work community events off the clock, and felt Campbell didn't support their union activities, said James Slade, the Municipal Employees Union president.

“I just know she was a difficult person to work with and our municipal employees always had an issue,” he said, adding that the union has filed a grievance against her.

When asked about Slade's comments, Campbell said she didn't know of any conflicts.

Councilman Luis Natividad, who credits Campbell with running a top-notch city library, said he would have liked a closer City Hall-library relationship.

“There was a distance between the library and the City Council,” he said, adding, “She's very passionate about the library.”

Campbell admits to giving her all to the library, even tearing up when she described what it means to the community.

“It's free, it's open, it nourishes the mind but also the soul,” she said.

Campbell, who is also a National School District trustee, plans to continue her elected work, volunteer at the library and spend time with family during the next phase of her life. She is married and has a grown son.

“Retirement looks fabulous,” she said. “I worked really hard.”

National City Library - West has high stake in finding cure for illiteracy

West has high stake in finding cure for illiteracy
San Diego Union: September 29, 1985 by Richard Louv
read complete article @ NewsBank
IS AMERICA, particularly the West, endangered by illiteracy?

Jonathan Kozol thinks so. A mild-mannered Boston writer and grade-school teacher, Kozol has become the leader of a national campaign against illiteracy. According to his statistics, one out of three Americans cannot effectively read a newspaper, or a housing contract, or the sedative warnings on non-prescription drugs. Some 60 million Americans cannot read the Bible or the Constitution.

. . . Continued
According to Kozol's figures, approximately 30 million Americans read at the fourth-grade level or below, and another 30 million are "functionally illiterate," reading between the fifth- and eighth-grade levels.

Kozol has drawn fire from some conservatives who contend he uses inflated figures. Nonetheless, President Reagan's former secretary of education, Terrel Bell, targeted 27 million Americans as hard-core illiterates -- people who read at or below an eighth-grade level. That corresponds roughly to Kozol's figures. Whatever the numbers, illiteracy is becoming a hot political topic.

. . . Continued
Two years ago, the California state library began an ambitious literacy program, largely because of the leadership of Gary Strong, the system's director. "He's an unusual man," says Kozol. "He likes books. That in itself sets him almost alone among high-ranking officials." Strong has assembled a broad-based coalition of concerned groups. These include business people, community activists, and such traditional volunteer literacy programs as the Laubach Literary Council and Literacy Volunteers of America.

"Using libraries instead of schools as the main focus of the campaign is a stroke of genius," says Kozol. "Libraries are one of the few institutions in America that nobody hates.

. . . Continued
California's campaign is the most ambitious state program in the United States. But as pioneering as the 2-year-old effort is, it's not enough. Of the 5 million illiterate Californians, only 5,000 to 10,000 people are being reached. The state's literacy campaign spends less than $3 million per year on the entire program -- about 50 cents a year on each illiterate.

LOCAL EFFORTS are a mixed bag. The Laubauch organization and Literacy Volunteers of America have been toiling for years here. But San Diego's City Council has failed to finance a formal literacy program in the city library system. Nor does the city library participate in the state's library literacy campaign. That fact puzzles Carlos Batara, director of the National City Public Library's Project Read -- which has challenged every city in the county and the nation to a race toward literacy.

. . . Continued
The county library system's Project SURE (Strongly United for Reading), a year-and-a-half old, has recruited 97 volunteer tutors. Director Margaret Trivison estimates that there are "400,000 adult illiterates in San Diego County, people reading at or below the fifth-grade level."

NewsBank is the leading provider of the complete electronic editions of newspapers globally. With NewsBank resources, libraries can provide patrons with unlimited, 24/7 Web-based access to not only their local newspaper, but also titles across the state or region, the entire U.S. or countries worldwide.

National City Library - California State Librarian Gary Strong at Luncheon

Librarian at luncheon
San Diego Union: August 13, 1985

California State Librarian Gary Strong will speak at a noon luncheon sponsored by PROJECT READ, the National City Public Libraries adult literacy program.

Strong will describe statewide efforts to enlist libraries in a new campaign to increase the adult literacy rate in California. Currently, 45 libraries, including National City's, are receiving state funds to develop and mobilize community resources to expand reading services to adults.

"The point of the campaign is to help adults who cannot read out of their isolation and enable them to succeed," Strong said. "Libraries are natural agencies for this."

Strong will speak at Palmer Way Elementary School, 2900 Palmer St. His talk is part of a day-long conference at the school. The conference is sponsored by PROJECT READ.