Ventura Co Library ▬ New Year, New Team !

New Year, New Team ! 

Ventura County Library
READ Program

Ventura County READER: Winter 2022

VCL’s READ Adult Literacy program is welcoming 2022 with a team of new tutors who are ready to partner with adults wanting to improve reading and writing skills. READ’s dedicated staff will work to connect you to the right resource that’s perfect for your needs. If you, or someone in your community, wants to practice reading and writing, call (805) 677-7160 and share your literacy goals. Tutoring is free, fun, and totally online.

Did you know that you can finish high school for free though VCL’s Career Online High School (COHS)? COHS offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online. A limited number of scholarships are available to qualified adults looking to advance their careers, prepare for workforce entry, or continue their education — apply online today: vencolibrary.org /adults/career-online-high-school.

READ is welcoming a new manager in 2022. Antonio Apodaca is now heading the program as Education, Outreach, and Literacy Manager. He is taking over for Carol Chapman, who retired after 17 years of providing excellent educational services to the community. Antonio looks forward to continuing to share the love of reading—contact him anytime by email Antonio.Apodaca@ventura.org or phone (805) 218-3821. READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 11

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 15-17 yrs. old

(Tenth to Eleventh graders)

 

 

Carlsbad Library ▬ Graphic Novel: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words for Learners

Keep It Together: Words on Inclusion, Equity and Diversity

Carlsbad Library Literacy

Learning Connection: May/June 2021 by Sandra Riggins

Graphic Novel: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words for Learners

Want to try something new with your reading? Graphic novels are a great resource for learners. Some people think that graphic novels are just comic books for kids, but they are so much more.

What Are Graphic Novels?

Today’s graphic novels are works of art that teach. Graphic novels have artwork on every page that help tell the story.

This is what makes it great for learners. There are many details of the story and setting that are shown with the pictures. It helps learners to understand the story because they can see details of the setting and situation without reading. This makes it easier to concentrate on the words and to understand the story better.

Great Graphic Novels in Our Collection

March

March by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin
Illustrated by Nate Powell

This is the story of the life of John Lewis and his work for civil rights. This three-book series gives you his firsthand account of peacefully working for civil rights. You will understand the civil rights movement in ways you never did before.

Good Talk

Good Talk by Mira Jacob

This novel was written by the author about raising a son who is half Jewish and half Indian. It’s an interesting story about how she handles the challenges of his duel identities. Reader warning: There are adult situations, brief nudity and sexuality in this graphic novel.

When Stars
Are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Illustrated by Victoria Jamieson

This is the story of a young boy and his non-verbal brother living in a refugee camp in Kenya. Their father was killed and they were accidentally separated from their mother in Somalia. Although the story sounds sad, it is filled with tremendous hope. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. It is an amazing true story.   READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 8

Reading Level: standard / average.

Reader's Age: 12-14 yrs. old

(Seventh and Eighth graders)

Carlsbad Library Literacy

Building skills, changing lives

Read to a child or read better at work.

Literacy Services provides tutoring to English-speaking adults who want to improve their basic reading and writing skills.

Learners are provided a friendly, supportive environment, where their needs and goals are valued. Each learner studies with a trained volunteer tutor. All services are free and confidential.

For more information, call 760-931-4510

Newport Beach Library ▬ A Tutor and Learner Interview

A Tutor and Learner Interview
Meet Tutor Carloyn and Learner Il Jeon

Newport/Mesa
ProLiteracy

Literally Speaking: May 2021

Carolyn Cosgrove spent 40+ years in advertising when she and her business partner decided to sell their agency and retire. She wanted to volunteer with an organization that was close to her heart with reading and writing. After 10+ years of tutoring, NMPL still holds that place. When a friend recommended the program to Il Jeong Choi, she registered for New Learner Orientation and got an assessment. From there she participated in several classes before being matched with Carolyn for one on one tutoring.

Il Jeong, did you feel nervous about the program when you started?

IJ: Yes, I was very nervous because my English was not perfect then, and my writing and speaking were horrible. Thus, I didn’t know how to communicate and explain my goals. The one thing only I had then was passionate and brave about learning English.

Carolyn, how do you get ideas for what to work on during sessions?

C: Various. Great support from the Literacy Office and their many resources, current events/articles I think my Learner would enjoy discussing and writing about, etc. Each session is different.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 8

Reading Level: standard / average.

Reader's Age: 12-14 yrs. old

(Seventh and Eighth graders)

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

949.717.3874

 

New Learner Orientation – Online

June 23 – 10 am – 11 am

 

Tutor Orientation and Training

Tutors are required to complete online orientation and attend tutor training. Orientation must be completed before attending the training sessions.

Online orientations can be taken at any time.

Please be aware that when you take the Online Tutor Orientation (approximately 20 minutes), you must complete and submit the online application at the end of the orientation in order to be scheduled for one of our Tutor Training sessions.

July 7 & 14

10:00am - 12:30pm

October 6 & 13

10:00am - 12:30pm

Camarena Library ▬ Tutor Spotlight: Kimberly Valenzuela

Camarena Library ▬ Tutor Spotlight: Kimberly Valenzuela

Camarena Library
Adult Literacy 

THE LITERACY CIRCLE: May 2021

Q: How has your experience been so far as a tutor?

A:  My experience so far has been really good. I enjoy helping people learn new skills that they can use to achieve their personal goals. Itis also a very rewarding experience being part of a learner's progress through the ALS program. It is such a good feeling hearing back from my learners on how they implement the skills they learned in their daily lives.

Q: Give three reasons why being a tutor might influence an adult member in your community struggling with literacy skills.

A:  Whether it is reading the morning newspaper, applying for a job, or communicating with doctors, a tutor can help a learner achieve these goals. Another reason is by prioritizing their needs in a one-to-one setting. Sometimes it is difficult to keep up in a class with 20 other students with different goals, while working with a tutor focuses on the learner’s individual goals, level, and pace.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 9

Reading Level: standard / average.

Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old

(Eighth and Ninth graders)

Adult Literacy Services

These services are offered to adults, 16 years or older who are not enrolled in school, who would like to improve their English reading skills. One-on-one tutoring is available upon enrollment in the program. Volunteers from the community help other improve their English reading and writing skills in this program.

Call the library at (760) 768-2170 or email us at to set up an appointment.

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

Placentia Library Adult Literacy ▬ Meet Our Learners and Tutors

Placentia Library Adult Literacy ▬ Meet Our Learners and Tutors

Placentia Library Adult Literacy

Literacy eXPLORE: Spring/Summer 2021

Isha shares her experience tutoring her learner, Marisela:

As a college student involved in creative writing, poetry, and teaching English literacy, I strive to make every meeting with my student Maricela very engaging and inspiring.

When Maricela first joined the library’s literacy program, she was eager and ready to dive straight into goal-oriented lessons, go page by page in the workbook, and learn flashcards. Though this progressed well, I realized that introducing her to some light reading, poetry, and current events could be a major breakthrough for her understanding of English. With this in mind, we started planning out all the activities we could do together on Zoom all while staying safe at home.

While preparing for her citizenship exam and interview, Maricela has been especially interested in the current issues regarding the US election and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the topics that made headlines this past year were not always uplifting. Together, Maricela and I chose to balance this by splitting our time between reading the news, and reading a short story or poem that reflects a positive outlook on life and learning.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 14

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 21-22 yrs. old

(college level)

For more information about Placentia Library Adult Literacy online Orientations, please contact: 714-528-1906 x 234

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

Newport Beach Library ▬ Tutor’s Corner: A Focus On Poetry

Tutor’s Corner: A Focus On Poetry

Newport/Mesa 
ProLiteracy

Literally Speaking: March 2021

With the renewed interest in poetry thanks to Amanda Gorman, now is a great time to examine how you can use poetry in your literacy lessons. Some students – and teachers - tend to shy away from poetry, but poetry is a great medium to teach adult learners at varying reading levels.

Without getting lost in a poet’s intended purpose for writing the poem, Nancy Padak’s “Poetry in the Adult Literacy Classroom” outlines how you can use poetry to aid in reading and writing instruction.

Focus on these four areas:

➧ Comprehension

➧ Fluency

➧ Phonics

➧ Writing

READ MORE ➤➤

 

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

VIRTUAL Adult Literacy Learner Orientation 

March 24 @ 10 am

VIRTUAL Adult Literacy Tutor Training 

April 7 and 14

10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Prospective tutors must attend both sessions to complete training. 

Reservations for this training are required.

Online Orientation must be completed before attending Training. 

       For more information, please contact literacy@newportbeachca.gov

Telephone: 949 . 717 . 3800 

Carlsbad Library ▬ An Evening with Tara Westover ▬ April 8

Pick Up the Carlsbad Reads Together Selection

An Evening with
Tara Westover

Learning Connection: March/April 2021

Carlsbad is revisiting last year’s Carlsbad Reads Together selection Educated by Tara Westover.

We are offering this book free to those who would like to participate! Learners receive a matching audiobook. Give us a call and we will get your book ready for curbside pickup. Curbside pickup is available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho and isolated from mainstream society, Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Lacking a formal education, she began to educate herself. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Cambridge, Harvard and beyond. “

An Evening with Tara Westover
Virtual Event
Thursday, April 8, 5:30 p.m.
Tara Westover will discuss her book Educated followed by an audience Q&A.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Literacy Volunteering

You can change a life by becoming a volunteer literacy tutor!

Orientations are currently on hold.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, call Literacy Services at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center at 760-931-4510.

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 8

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 12-14 yrs. old

(Seventh and Eighth graders)

Azusa Library ▬ Cathay Reta Discusses Her Career In Adult Literacy

Cathay Reta Discusses Her Career In Adult Literacy

Azusa Adult Literacy 

Literacy Update: Winter 2020

Cathay managed the Adult Literacy program for 5 years at the Azusa City Library. She has left a mark on our program with the addition of the Grassroots ESL and Inspired Citizenship programs. Cathay was the catalyst of the Grassroots ESL partnership. Along with Azusa Hispanic Foursquare Church, Canyon Christian Fellowship, Dalton Elementary School, Foothill Family Service, Lee Elementary School and Neighborhood Homework House they began providing ESL tutoring sessions around the community. Use the link below to listen to our conversation about her expansive work in literacy.  LISTEN 13:50

The Azusa Adult Literacy program offers four programs our Adult Basic Literacy program, Grassroots ESL, Leamos and Inspired Citizenship.

If you would like to become a volunteer or are in need of our services please contact Arlene Calderon acalderon@azusaca.gov or call 626-812-5266.  

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 13

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 18-19 yrs. old

(college level entry)

Ventura Co Library ▬ READ Literacy Remote Learning

READ Literacy ▬ Remote Learning

@vencolibrary

VC READER:  Winter 2021 by Carol Chapman, Program Coordinator

READ tutors will continue to meet remotely with their learners for the duration of this pandemic. Some tutors are tutoring via telephone, others are having text-materials mailed directly to their homes. Internet conferencing sites like Zoom, Skype, and Google Classroom are favored by many tutoring partners.

Special materials, designed to use on these computer platforms, have been purchased and will be available from site supervisors in 2021.

VOLUNTEER

We are also pleased to announce that many READ learners, including several who earned citizenship through our program, voted for the first time in November’s election. New tutor training sessions will begin online in February.

If you are interested in becoming a tutor (or want to find a tutor to help you with your reading), call our office at 805-677-7160 or 805-677-7159.  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 ▬ 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)

Azusa Library ▬ Inspired Citizenship

Citizenship: Martha Zamora

Azusa Library Literacy

Azusa Literacy Updates: Fall 2020

Our Inspired Citizenship program has seen 200 new citizens of the United States of America. Inspired Citizenship offers a Civic classes and one on one tutoring.

Martha is one of the learners in our Inspired Citizenship program at the moment. Martha also participates in our Gr ESL program. I talk with Martha about what Citizenship means to her. To listen to our short discussion please click the link below.  LISTEN 03:01

The Literacy Program of the Azusa City Library is committed to providing experiences for adults to change their lives and move 1 step closer to fulfilling their potential and reaching their dreams. We offer 2 basic programs:

➤ Free, 1-to-1 and small group tutoring for adults who speak English and want to improve their basic reading, writing and math skills. Trained volunteers tutor students once or twice a week, at a time convenient for both.

➤ Leamos, a free computer-based program for adults who speak Spanish but cannot read and write in Spanish. It is appropriate for adults who have 2 years or less of formal education. Volunteers assist students with their learning. This program is offered in partnership with Proliteracy.

Please call 626-812-5266

to find out when the next training is scheduled.

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 ▬ 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)

Carlsbad Library ▬ The Benefits of Reading in Difficult Times

The Benefits of Reading in Difficult Times

Carlsbad Library
Literacy Services

Learning Connection: Oct/Nov 2020

Let’s face it— times are tough, and many of us may struggle to find a healthy coping mechanism to reduce our stress. The good news is, there are proven, research backed benefits that show reading may help!

Reading has been found to:

• Strengthen connectivity in our brains

• Increase our ability for empathy

• Increase vocabulary

• Fight age-related cognitive decline

• Reduce stress

• Promote a good night’s sleep

• Provide a healthy escape that may alleviate depression

• Increase life expectancy up to two years

So next time you’re feeling a little “blue,” grab a book and take your mind to a healthier space.

Introducing News Crew

Join us at our weekly News Crew meeting, Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. Here, with Library Assistant Sandra, we will discuss current events and articles from News for You, a publication with easy-to read news stories.

We encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity for reading practice with Learning Center staff.

Literacy Services, formerly Adult Learning Program, provides a friendly, supportive atmosphere in which every learner’s needs and goals are valued. Learners receive one-to-one tutoring, set to their own pace. All services are confidential and free.

We believe that:

We all learn from each other.

Learners and tutors are learning partners.

Learning is fun and exciting.

Learners and tutors have individual learning styles and goals.

Each tutor and learner has a unique life history.

How something is taught is as important as what is taught

You can change a life by becoming a volunteer literacy tutor!

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, call Literacy Services at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center at 760-931-4510 to learn about upcoming tutor orientations and to register. 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)