Southern California Library Literacy Network: Newport Beach

Showing posts with label Newport Beach. Show all posts

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Newport Beach Library :: 2018 Literacy Volunteer of the Year

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy 2018 Volunteer of the Year

Literally Speaking: Jan/Feb 2019

Ray Johnston has been with the program for six months and has been proactive in suggesting changes to improve NMPL. Ray has been an integral part in creating changes to our Assessment process which will be more user-friendly and accurate so that we can properly identify the needs of those who turn to our program.

For several years, Ray managed the UCLA campus bookstore. He has worked as a design and organizational consultant with an administration and program development background. Ray has brought these skills to NMPL after researching volunteer opportunities in the area and attending many events at the Newport Beach Public Library. Other than his work at NMPL, he has volunteered to raise funds for breast cancer and cervical cancer research, and worked with youth as a counselor in various camp programs in Texas and Colorado.

When Ray is not volunteering, you can find him at long lunches with friends, out and about admiring sculpture and design, or curled up reading some of his favorite authors, Bill Bryson or Roger Lowenstein.

"I volunteer to help the community and to find joy in life. I've also had the good fortune to meet many wonderful people and to make new friends." Ray, on why he volunteers. READ MORE >>

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Newport Beach Library :: Literacy Happy Hour with Aimee Bender

Happy Hour with Aimee Bender

Literally Speaking: Nov/Dec 2018

Bestselling author Aimee Bender joined Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy on October 6th for Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy’s (NMPL) 3rd Annual Happy Hour. Over 100 guests mingled in the Bamboo Courtyard under the evening sky.

Aimee Bender was delightful while chatting with fans of her work. She signed copies of her best-sellers: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, The Color Master and The Girl in the Flammable Skirt. After lively conversations over wine and cheese, guests made their way into the Friends Room for the Author Talk.

Aimee began with her experience living in Newport Beach as she worked on her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of California, Irvine. She continued to speak about her influences, and made it clear that she is a proud proponent of the Fairy Tale.

As a young author, Aimee was reluctant to write her surrealist plots within an industry where realist stories thrived. She was worried her work would not be taken seriously. Upon receiving encouragement at UCI to treat Fairy Tales as significant works of literature, Aimee wrote with confidence. Her short stories and novels are filled with magical realism that intertwines the mundane, everyday acts of life with fantastical, whimsical elements. READ MORE >>

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Carlsbad Library :: California Library Literacy Services Coordinators Gather in Sacramento

California Library Literacy Services Coordinators Gather in Sacramento

Learning Connection: Nov/Dec 2018 by Carrie Scott

I recently had the pleasure of attending the California Library Literacy Services Coordinators Conference at the beautiful Tsakopoulos Library Galleria in Sacramento. Approximately 130 attendees from 107 CLLS literacy programs joined the two-day event on September 25 and 26.

The opening session featured a panel of adult learners who told powerful stories of how their improved literacy skills changed their lives. Next, a panel of library directors expressed the importance of having literacy programs integrated as a core service of the library.

Breakout sessions focused on assessment, tutor recruitment, learning challenges and other topics. I presented on a tutor training panel with two colleagues. There was much interest in our training.

Participants were especially impressed that both our tutors and learners receive book bags, as one way to support the learners’ confidentiality. When tutors and learners both receive book bags, then learners are not automatically identified as learners. Coordinators also praised Carlsbad for its commitment to reusable coffee mugs and water bottles. Finally, Carlsbad was the only program to offer logo pins to celebrate tutors and learners who met the annual instructional hours goal.

A highlight was the Writer to Writer panel featuring 2017 Beginning Writer awardee Nyla H. from Carlsbad. Nyla read her winning letter to an appreciative audience, then joined Huntington Beach coordinator Diane Moseley and Newport Beach coordinator Cherall Weiss to share the benefits of Writer to Writer.

One of the most exciting things about Nyla’s involvement was the fact that this was the first trip where she flew, rode a tram and caught a cab by herself. She credits the literacy program with giving her the skills and confidence to be able to do that. Isn’t that what we are all about?

Nyla added, “My life has opened to so much positive progress. My message to all of us is if the opportunity opens to you, have the courage to take it. You can do it, if you just try! Don’t let your fears stop you from reaching your goals.”

Carlsbad Tutor Orientation Schedule

Please call 760-931-4510 to register.

December 4 , 12-2 pm

December 13, 6-8 pm

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Newport Beach Library :: Career Online High School

Career Online High School

Literally Speaking: Sep/Oct 2018

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.

The State of California made the achievement of this goal a priority and is helping libraries to offer a specialized program called Career Online High School “COHS”. Through a matching award program, students who complete a pre-requisite class are able to apply for a scholarship to complete their High School Diploma and receive certification in one of several career choices.

As COHS is a web-based program, it is a wonderful opportunity to give an adult the chance to get their High School Diploma in the convenience of their own home. Our first graduating class will be honored at International Literacy Day on September 13th at 10AM. Four students have completed the full curriculum which includes; Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science as well as their career training courses.

Congratulations to our graduates:

Angel Oyune

Melinda Luege

Sheryll Pereira

Lilia Stephens

Please join us on International Literacy Day to congratulate these exceptional women. READ MORE >>

Career Online High School

Take a two-week prerequisite course.

Upon completion, you can enroll in the full program

Take classes online.

You will have the flexibility to access classwork 24/7

Be supported by certified instructors and an academic coach.

Earn an accredited high school diploma while preparing for a career in one of 8 high-demand, high-growth fields.

Graduate with the tools to advance in your profession or take the next step in your education.

To apply for a scholarship for Career Online High School, you must:

Live or work in Newport Beach

Be 19 years or older

Possess or register for a NBPL library card

Take the self-assessment

Commit 10 hours per week to study and complete coursework

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Newport Beach Library :: Learner’s Corner: Irvine Museum Highlights

Learner’s Corner: Irvine Museum Highlights

Literally Speaking: May/June 2018

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

Thank you so much for providing us all amazing events and programs such as the Irvine museum field trip. Carolyn, our tour guide, gave us a great tour and tried to simplify general information about different art eras and addressed their distinctive characteristics of each style in the exhibition’s paintings.

It’s always hard to pick one out of several interesting ones. The first painting that caught my eyes turned out to be my favorite. Although it wasn’t a big frame, the interesting oil on canvas painting by William Clapp called Country Road made me frozen for a moment.

It was like watching a garden in spring full of blossom through a rainy window glass. I saw myself sitting in a warm chair and the spring rain had made the scene blurry. The blended colors of the garden’s creatures by using the pointillism technique was so powerful that I could even hear the rain pitter-pattered on the window glass.

I found the museum’s flyers and postcards with the same artwork as a representative of this collection by the entrance door when we were leaving the museum, as if the postcard designers heard the rain melody the way I did and that’s why they chose it too. READ MORE >>

June 27 Adult Learner Orientation 6 pm

July 18 & 25 Adult Literacy Tutor Training 5:30 pm

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy is a program of the Newport Beach Public Library which 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.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Newport Beach Library :: 2017 Annual Holiday Literacy Potluck

@NMProLiteracy

2017 Annual Holiday Potluck

Literally Speaking: Jan/Feb 2018

Saturday December 9, 2017, the Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy family of learners, tutors and volunteers, together with their families, celebrated the holiday season with a morning full of meeting new friends and eating delicious food (as always!) The morning began with a fun Bingo mixer followed by the recognition of tutors who contributed over 100 volunteer hours to NMPL in 2017.

Each year at this event, one tutor is recognized for their work and dedication to the program. This year, Robert Wahrhaftig - with the program since 2014 - received the Tutor of the Year award.

Cherall also presented outgoing Advisory Board President Farah Mozaffar with flowers of appreciation for two terrific years of leadership.

New friendships were forged, stories were shared and laughs were plentiful as everyone indulged in wonderful treats from around the world. We are grateful to our literacy family and appreciate their continued dedication to the program.

Happy New Year! READ MORE >>

Friday, December 22, 2017

Newport Beach Library :: Tutor Snapshot

SNAPSHOT: Tutor - Gigi Spragins

Literally Speaking: Nov/Dec 2017

What first drew you to the Newport Beach Public Library literacy program?

Once upon a time, I was a middle school English teacher but marriage and children put my career on hold for several years. Being an avid Newport Beach Library user, I had heard of the Literacy Program. But it wasn’t until I was at a dinner party with a lovely Japanese woman who waxed so enthusiastically about the program and how it had helped her adjust to life in America that I felt that this could be the perfect outlet for the teacher in me. I called the Literacy office the next day to sign up.

In the past 3 and 1/2 years, I have tutored three learners from Japan, Iran, and South Korea. My current learner has been here from South Korea since 2008 and is a US citizen. She is married with two grown daughters. My learner owns a sushi restaurant where she employs 14 people and where she works seven days a week. She plays the saxophone in an ensemble from her church and often performs for senior living homes. She is also part of a Korean running club and supports her husband who ran in both the Chicago and Boston Marathons this year. As anyone can see, this woman is working hard to be part of the American dream and I am happy to be her champion in reaching that goal through this wonderful program. READ MORE >>

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Newport Beach Library :: America Star Library

National Ranking: Newport Library is a ‘Star’

Newport Beach Indy: 12.08.2017

The Newport Beach Public Library was recently named as a “Star Library” in a national ranking, authorities announced this week.

Board of Library trustees announced Thursday that the city library earned the honor in a list compiled by the Library Journal, in its tenth edition of the Library Journal of Public Library Service.

This year, 7,409 U.S. public libraries were scored on the LJ Index of Public Library Service, explained NBPL Marketing Specialist Katherine Mielke in the press release.

They compared five areas: Total circulation, library visits, program attendance, public access computer use, and circulation of electronic materials.

Of the 259 named as America’s Star Libraries, thirteen are in California with just four in Southern California. Newport Beach Public Library is the highest scoring library in Orange County. This is the fifth year in a row, and ninth time in ten years, that NBPL has been named a Star Library, according to Mielke. READ MORE >>

Other SCLLN “2017 Star” Libraries

Beverly Hills Public Library

Santa Monica Public Library

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Newport Beach Library :: International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day :: Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

Literally Speaking: July/August 2017

@NMProLiteracy

More than 780 million people worldwide (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read and write. International Literacy Day, traditionally observed each year on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs.

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy hosts an International Literacy Day (ILD) event at the Newport Beach Public Library, highlighting the tremendous strides our adult learners have made in reaching their goals. It is a day of celebration as tutors, learners and special guests share dishes from their home countries and come together to honor literacy program participants.

The adult leaner who exemplifies the mission of the program, is honored as the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award winner. This award, established in memory of Rochelle Hoffman, a dedicated tutor who passed away in 2004, is presented each year by Rochelle Hoffman’s daughters, Renee and Risa.

Another special part of the day is the presentation of the book In Our Own Words, which is a collection of stories, essays and poems written by the learners of the program.

It is our way of recognizing the efforts of volunteers and the progress of our adult learners. By improving literacy skills, we strengthen our community, and what better way is there to applaud these dedicated people than by supporting their efforts! READ MORE @

Monday, October 16, 2017

Newport Beach Library :: Literacy FunRaiser :: Happy Hour with Lisi Harrison :: Oct 21

Happy Hour with Lisi Harrison

Best-selling Author of "The Dirty Book Club"

October 21 :: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Central Library Friends Room

1000 Avocado Avenue

Newport Beach

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy invites supporters to enjoy Happy Hour with Lisi Harrison, author of “The Dirty Book Club.”

Scheduled for release on October 10, “The Dirty Book Club” marks the New York Times best-selling author’s debut into adult fiction. The event includes a wine and cheese reception before the program, as well as a Q & A session following it. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Harrison’s novel focuses on four modern-day strangers who mysteriously inherit a dirty book club started in the 1960s. The unlikely friends bond over naughty bestsellers, sharing intimate details of their lives with each other. Inspired by the characters in the novels they read—and the notes passed down by the club's original members—the new members of The Dirty Book Club help each other find the courage to rewrite their own stories and risk it all for a happy ending.

Before becoming a best-selling author, Lisi Harrison was the Senior Director of Development for MTV where she created and developed new shows for the network. She is the author of over 25 books, including many in the very popular young adult fiction series, The Clique. A native of Canada, Harrison now makes her home in Laguna Beach. She has been a proud member of her own dirty book club since 2007.

Tickets for the Happy Hour with Lisi Harrison are available at $25 per person beginning September 1. Space is limited and tickets are expected to sell out quickly, as they did last year. Proceeds from the event fund literacy services for adult learners at the Newport Beach Public Library.

For more information, call (949) 717-3874

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Newport Beach Library :: Nominate :: GreatNonprofits Badge

GreatNonprofits :: Top-Rated Badge :: Nominations

Newport Beach Library/Mesa ProLiteracy

Nonprofits, gather 10 positive reviews (4+ stars) by October 31st to earn your 2017 GreatNonprofits Top-Rated badge.

It's easy! Just take a minute to nominate them for a 2017 Top-Rated Award and you could help them gain tremendous exposure and online promotion worth up to $20,000.

All you have to do is share a new, positive story (4 or 5 start) for your favorite nonprofit. You can also share a new story for a nonprofit you have reviewed before. You can share feedback and stories on as many nonprofits as you like!

hey tacking very personal care to each client . Always satisfied . I am tacking tutor classes weekly there and use library books and CD all the time.

Natalia13: Client Served 08/01/2017

his firm helped me to get a grip in the US. All the tutors giving their best to improve their learners life in the USA. An unique curriculum for each learner! - that's the speciality of all the tutors. The literacy coordinator Cherall doing a great job and she's the backbone of this organization. They are serving learners from more than 10 countries, and thus each learner is improving intercultural skills too. All the management team, Cherall, Victoria, tutors, volunteers, and learners make this firm a perfect place for each newcomer to the USA.

SRJ1: Client Served 08/01/2017

very life has a period of time that has a great impact on it in a distinguishable way. Literacy Program changed my life as an immigrant and gave me a brighter resolution of life. Being with people who help others selflessly is a life changer opportunity for me. All they want is to help others to achieve their personal goals.

Negar: Client Served 08/07/2017

hat a marvelous opportunity for learner and tutor alike! Cheryl Weiss oversees a program whose impact reaches FAR beyond its small office within the Newport Beach Library. Each week hundreds of us work with our students in 2 hour increments to achieve the goals that our adult learners have identified as their priorities. This is individualized learner at its finest!

Joni N: Volunteer 09/07/2017

am grateful and honored to be a volunteer tutor and writing facilitator for the Newport / Mesa ProLiteracy Program of The Newport Beach Library. The invaluable experience I have gained seeing our Learners go from beginners to advanced stages in English Language Development is gratifying and beyond words. I give much of the credit to our Director, Cherall Weiss and staff for developing a program designed to encourage and provide each Learner with the necessary tools to achieve their goals.

Writer: Volunteer 08/05/2017

NOMINATE !

Sunday, September 10, 2017

International Literacy Day :: Newport Beach Library Literacy

International Literacy Day :: Newport Beach Library Literacy

Literally Speaking: July/August 2017

More than 780 million people worldwide (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read and write. International Literacy Day, traditionally observed each year on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs.

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy hosts an International Literacy Day (ILD) event at the Newport Beach Public Library, highlighting the tremendous strides our adult learners have made in reaching their goals. It is a day of celebration as tutors, learners and special guests share dishes from their home countries and come together to honor literacy program participants.

The adult learner who exemplifies the mission of the program, is honored as the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award winner. This award, established in memory of Rochelle Hoffman, a dedicated tutor who passed away in 2004, is presented each year by Rochelle Hoffman’s daughters, Renee and Risa.

Another special part of the day is the presentation of the book In Our Own Words, which is a collection of stories, essays and poems written by the learners of the program. Learner submissions for this special edition must be submitted to the literacy office by July 24. Please join us on September 14, 2017, at 10 a.m. to celebrate International Literacy Day. It is our way of recognizing the efforts of volunteers and the progress of our adult learners. By improving literacy skills, we strengthen our community, and what better way is there to applaud these dedicated people than by supporting their efforts! READ MORE @

Monday, April 17, 2017

Newport Beach Library :: Gift of Literacy Luncheon :: April 21

Gift of Literacy Luncheon

April 21, 2017

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

Newport Beach Library

Guest Speaker: Bestselling Author Lisa See

SOLD OUT

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy invites you to celebrate the "Gift of Literacy" at this very special annual event. This year, our annual fundraising luncheon will feature international bestselling author Lisa See.

Ms. See will be introducing her latest book, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, a moving story about tradition, tea farming, and the enduring connection between mothers and daughters.

If you are unable to attend the luncheon, you can still support literacy by making a donation or becoming sponsor for the event.

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy :: Newport Beach Library

For more information contact: (949) 717-3874

Friday, November 25, 2016

Newport Beach Library :: GreatNonProfits Top-Rated Awards 2016 :: Newport Mesa ProLiteracy

Newport Mesa ProLiteracy

GreatNonProfits Top-Rated Awards 2016

GreatNonProfits: November 23, 2016

Every year, GreatNonprofits highlights the work of outstanding charities that are going above and beyond to provide vital, life-changing services to their communities. The 2016 Top-Rated Awards feature nonprofits that have received the highest scores from the people who work directly with them—volunteers, donors, and clients served. The awards honor charities from cities all over the world working to improve lives by addressing issues in 40+ different categories.

Newport Mesa Proliteracy Community Stories

72 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

“The Newport Mesa Proliteracy program is a joy for both tutors and learners. The support staff is outstanding and does an amazing job to find perfect matches that are enjoyable and enriching for both sides. I know from the learners whom I have worked with that the full range of programs at the library--book clubs and specialized classes--greatly enrich the one on one tutoring project. This program is a gift to the community and to all involved.”

Newport Mesa Proliteracy develops the literacy skills of adults to empower them to achieve greater success in their lives - at home, at work and in the community.

Offers one-on-one tutoring and small group classes in reading, writing, life skills, job skills and more. READ MORE @