Orange Co Library :: READ OC - Honors San Clemente & Heritage Park Libraries

OC READ Honors San Clemente & Heritage Park Libraries

READ WRITES: Summer 2016

OC READ has been grateful to receive the consistent support of all the branches and staff within the OC Public Libraries system, and each year honors a branch that has gone above and beyond in their support of literacy.  When the San Clemente Branch planned its major renovations and reopened last summer, Branch Manager Karen Wahl made sure to set aside space for a comfortable, private literacy center where tutors and learners could work together without worrying about the distractions and awkwardness of meeting in the public eye. Now the space is stocked with literacy materials and available for any tutor and learner who need it.

This year, OC READ also presented our first ever Outstanding Literacy Collection award to Heritage Park Library.  Branch Manager Cheryl Nakaji, Librarian Nadya Mircheva, Office Manager Catherine Clark and the entire branch team are strong supporters of literacy and the growing multicultural community that they serve.  The Irvine Heritage Park team seamlessly fields questions, patiently helps learners access the resources they need, and helps tutoring pairs find more quiet places to work at the busiest branch in the system. Last summer, former IHP librarians Jennifer Johnson and Julia Butler recognized a need to set aside space for a literacy and ESL collection that would be accessible to READ participants and the public.  They contacted READ about what materials would best support adult learners’ goals and lobbied their Friends for the funds to purchase these materials. In January, the nearly 100 book collection became a reality and is now housed in the section of the library that overlooks the charming Heritage Park pond. Many thanks to the entire Heritage Park team for making a refuge for literacy.  READ MORE @

Orange Co Library :: READ OC Dear Paige Turner

Dear Paige Turner, My learner does not seem to be as motivated as she once was. She attends our sessions, but she often cancels, and she never does practice assignments.

READ Writes: Feb/Mar 2016

What can I do?  -- Perplexed

Dear Perplexed, The adult learners in our program are usually motivated by realistic needs in their everyday life. They are here because learning to read and write will make a very material difference for them. 

However, that doesn’t mean that it is easy to stick with reading tutoring. Keep in mind that for a beginning reader, the tasks that a bookworm might find relaxing and enjoyable can feel like climbing a mountain peak where everyone else always seems to be a few steps ahead. One of the best ways that a tutor can help in this sort of situation is to act like a compassionate and understanding trail buddy, who keeps them focused on both the path right before them, and the ultimate peak above.   Below are some tools to help. -- Paige

 Help your learner set realistic short term goals. Be sure to celebrate even small victories.

 Point out how the things they have learned so far relate to their long term goals. (Show them that they are already halfway up the mountain.)

 Make sure that her original goals that you have been working towards are still relevant to her life. In other words, is she losing interest because she is climbing the wrong mountain?

 Identify practical obstacles. Is your learner cancelling her sessions because she has a frequent schedule conflict?  Is she stuck on a particular concept and embarrassed to say so?  Does she have other home and work obligations that prevent her from dedicating her time to reading? Once you know the root of the problem, together you can brainstorm a way to get past it.

 Are there ways that she could combine the difficult aspects of reading and writing with other activities that she enjoys more? Or other activities that she is required to do on a daily basis? Perhaps she could read short magazine articles on the bus during her commute.

 Help her become the master of her own learning. If she doesn’t respond well to the practice assignments that you assign, have her choose her own ways to practice during the week.  Ask her to help you write the lesson plan for your next session. That way, she will feel more empowered and accountable to herself.

 Give each other a break. Just as athletes can’t maintain peak performance 100% of the time, you should expect your tutoring to flow in fits and starts. One example — it’s hard to concentrate on reading when the bills are due.  It’s ok to miss a week or two to allow her to take care of immediate needs, but that should give her the opportunity to return after the break recharged and ready to learn.

Think of a major goal that you worked hard to accomplish in your life. How did you stay motivated?  You can apply those same lessons to coaching your learner to achieve her reading dreams.  READ MORE @

Orange Co Library - NEW READ/OC Literacy Collection at OCPL

NEW READ/OC Literacy Collection at OCPL

READ Writes: 12.2015

More than 500 new adult literacy books have been added to the regular OC Public Libraries circulating collection!

Unlike the materials in the literacy centers (which are still available for tutors and learners to check out via the “honors system”) these new titles are part of the regular OC Public Libraries catalog. That means they can be searched, checked out, requested, or reserved just like any other book in the library!

The new collection will be housed at the following branches:

Aliso Viejo

Costa Mesa

Dana Point

El Toro

Foothill Ranch

Fountain Valley

Garden Grove Regional

Irvine Heritage Park

Irvine Katie Wheeler

La Habra

Ladera Ranch

Laguna Niguel

Rancho Santa Margarita

San Clemente

San Juan Capistrano

Tustin

Westminster

Don’t live near one of these branches? Not to worry! You can place a hold and pick up the book at your nearest OCPL location.

To find books in the literacy collection, go the OCPL catalog  and select “Power Search”. In the “location” field, select “Literacy Materials”, and click “search”. You can then search for specific goal related topics (such as spelling, writing, money, health, parenting, employment, etc.) within the literacy results.

Coming soon: Even more new hi-lo fiction books available for your e-reader!

Health Literacy Month @ SCLLN Member Libraries

Health Literacy Month @ SCLLN Member Libraries

Azusa Library Health Literacy

League of California Cities Shines Spotlight on Library’s Health Literacy Program   SCLLN Blog: 7.26.2015

Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy Links

READ OC Links

SCLLN Health Literacy Resources

GAMES - EXERCISES - LINKS page

Adult Learner LINKS

  Organizations - Blogs - Exercises - Pronunciation & More

Health

Adult Learning Activities - Health & Safety

Provides stories that you can see and hear about various health and safety topics.

Ask Me 3

Activities to study and practice questions before going to a medical appointment. The 3 questions will help you make the most of your time with a health care provider.

Easy-to-Read: a list of easy-to-read materials by condition – MedlinePlus

Healthy Roads: You can read, listen to, or watch the health information here.

MedlinePlus Health Videos

These animated videos show the anatomy of body parts and organ systems and how diseases and conditions affect them

Plain Language Medical Dictionary

Provides plain language translations for high-level medical terms.

Plain Language Thesaurus for Health Communications [pdf] - CDC

Visiting the Doctor

Dialogues to rehearse potential conversations with doctors and activities to increase your health vocabulary. May be useful for ESL students and for native speakers of English.

Orange Co Library :: READ/OC :: Celebration of Lifelong Learning Adventures

Reflections of a Magical Celebration of Lifelong Learning Adventures!

READ Writes: September 2015

Once again, the amazing creative and enthusiastic Friends of READ/ OC brought the magic of literacy, reading, and lifelong learning to life at the Annual Family Picnic and Appreciation Celebration!

Check out the inspiring learning efforts and accomplishments of READ/OC tutors and learners, along with the fantastic family picnic celebration created by the amazing Friends of READ/OC held at Craig Regional Park on June 13. Over the summer learners and tutors were not distracted in the forest of “everyday,” but explored and set goals to continue lifelong learning adventures throughout the year. We want to share some of the amazing learning achievements and celebrations of this amazing summer, especially this day in June of whimsical learning fun with great food, games and prizes, fantastic decorations and magical times with family and READ/OC Friends!

The Annual Family Picnic and Appreciation Celebration on June 13 was indeed a magical celebration of reading, new beginnings, and accomplishments! The extremely creative and dedicated Friends of READ/Orange County (FROC) transformed a group picnic area into a “literacy garden” of lifelong learning for READ/OC learners, tutors, and their families. It was also an opportunity to show appreciation for our literacy partners at OC Public Libraries, OC Community Resources, and many other friends of literacy throughout the Orange County community who have continued to encourage and promote literacy.  READ MORE !

Banned Books Week :: SCLLN Member Libraries

Banned Books Week :: SCLLN Member Libraries

Celebrate and learn about Banned Books Week by attending LAPLs BANNED BOOKS WEEK kickoff event. We will discuss why some books are considered controversial and look at Teen Books that some people think should be censored.

Saturday, September 26, 2015     

2:00pm to 3:00pm     

Donald Bruce Kaufman - Brentwood Branch Library

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

4:00pm to 5:00pm

Eagle Rock Branch Library

Teens

OC Public Libraries celebrates the freedom to read and to seek and express ideas, even those some think are unorthodox or unpopular. Did you know that the following books have been challenged or censored in some parts of the country?

More lists of banned books

More about Banned Books Week from the American Library Association

Altadena Library promotes awareness of challenges to library materials and celebrates freedom of speech during Banned Books Week, September 27 — October 3.

Banned Books Week (Carlsbad Library Learning Center)

Get caught reading banned books and enter to win a prize and treat!

For grades 6-12.

Monday, September 28, 2015

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Library Learning Center, 3368 Eureka Pl, Carlsbad, CA, 92008

Teen Programs

Covina Library

Dates: September 29 - October 3

Celebrate National Banned Books Week by reading a book that has been banned or challenged by libraries or school districts. Books will be on display in the library and a list will be available online.

All-Day Read-Aloud Read-a-Thon

San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Boulevard, San Diego, 92101

Friday, October 2, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. PDT

To help raise awareness regarding the censorship of books, the San Diego Public Library, in partnership with the San Diego Costume Guild, presents the 4th annual All-Day Read-Aloud Read-a-thon on Friday, October 2, 2015 from 12 to 5 p.m. in the Garden Courtyard at the San Diego Central Library at the Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common, located at 330 Park Blvd in downtown San Diego.

The public is invited to read alongside librarians, volunteer and teen readers, and special guests from the Costume Guild, who will appear as costumed characters from many favorite books including Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland.

“It’s important to realize that not every book will be right for every reader,” says library director Misty Jones. “The freedom to choose for ourselves what we want to read is a hard-won right that we must not take for granted. Reading, speaking, thinking and expressing ourselves freely are core American values.”

Orange Co Library :: Congratulations: Anita Taillon READ/OC Honoree :: 2015 Spirit of Volunteerism Award!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANITA TAILLON READ/OC

HONOREE FOR THE 2015 SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM AWARD!

READ Writes: April 2015

The path Anita has taken to becoming READ/OC’s star volunteer for the 2015 Spirit of Volunteerism Award was an unusual one. Most volunteers start out as literacy tutors, but Anita first came to READ/OC in 2006 to assist at a single event, the Annual Family Picnic and Appreciation Celebration.

Since that time, Anita’s dedication to supporting the READ/OC volunteers has steadily grown.  She is now both Vice President and co-Treasurer of the Friends of READ/OC, as well as the Chair of the Friends’ most active committee in charge of recognition activities.  Although she has never been a tutor herself, Anita shows great understanding and enthusiasm in supporting the program, the adult learners, and their tutors.  Her organizational skills and artistic talents have become legendary at the annual Family Picnic and Fall Feast appreciation events.

In addition, she helps ensure the program receives steady material and operational support throughout the year. Anita’s humor, insight, and dedication make her a truly extraordinary volunteer.

On April 14, Anita was honored at the Spirit of Volunteerism awards luncheon for her exceptional volunteer commitment to READ/Orange County and the Friends of READ/OC, as well as her endless enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication for helping other adults and their families grow and thrive through lifelong learning and literacy.

APRIL - A MONTH TO CELEBRATE VOLUNTEERS

We are grateful for each and every READ/OC tutor, adult learner, and the dedicated Friends of READ/OC!  These life-changing literacy services would not be possible without our volunteers: tutors, learners, their family members, along with members of the community, library staff, and staff of other community programs and agencies.  All of them work together to support lifelong learning and encourage adults throughout the county to engage in a learning partnership at home, at work, and within the community.

Many READ/OC volunteers are engaged in several different volunteer efforts in their communities, as well as through their jobs, churches, and other service organizations. With each endeavor, learning, friendships, and a sense of community is shared and celebrated.  If you know someone who is seeking a worthwhile volunteer experience such as yours, encourage them to volunteer with READ/OC and Friends of READ/OC!  If they enjoy reading and learning, tell them about the incredible learning adventures that await them as a tutor/learning partner, as a Friend of READ/OC or as a volunteer at their library. The experience will change lives and communities!

Orange Co Library : : Two READ/OC Learners Honored For Their Writing!

Book & Author Celebration:

Two READ/OC Learners Honored For Their Writing!

READ Writes: April 2015

California State Librarian, Greg Lucas, congratulates READ/OC Learners Karen and Maria for their winning entries in the annual “Writer-to-Writer” competition hosted by the Southern California Library Literacy Network.  Maria and Karen chose books to read with their tutors, Mikelle Fish and Susan Gregory.

Then, with their tutors’ encouragements, each wrote a letter to the author of the book they read.  Then their letters were submitted to the “Writer-to-Writer” competition and were selected by the judging panel to be recognized, along with other learners from Southern California Library Literacy programs.

READ/OC also congratulates all of the READ/OC learners and tutors who participated in this year’s annual “Writer-To-Writer” opportunity. Much appreciation also goes to Friends of READ/OC for their continued support of such encouraging, learning adventures, as “Writer-To-Writer,” to be possible for READ/OC learners and their tutors.

Read Karen's Letter

Hatchet

Read Maria's Letter

Diary of a
Young Girl

March 2 :: Read Across America Celebrations

Read Across America Day :: March 2

Celebrations @ SCLLN Member Libraries

Altadena Library: March 2, 10a-9p

Anaheim Library: Dr. Seuss Storytime @East Anaheim 11a

Carlsbad Library: Read Across America @Dove Library 3:30p

Commerce Library:

Read Across America/Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration

March 2 @Central Library 6p

March 3 @Bandini Library 6p

March 4 @Veterans Library 6p

March 5 @Bristow Library 6p

Downey Library:

Mar 3 Preschool Story Time - Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday 10:30a

Mar 4 Bilingual Story Time - Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday 10:30a

Glendora Library: Dr. Seuss Craft Week: Mar 2 - 7

LAPL:

Mar 1 The Doctor Seuss Show! @Central Library 2p

Mar 2 @Pio Pico-Koreatown Branch 3:30p

Mar 2 @Arroyo Seco 4p

Mar 4 @Vermont Square: Wacky Wednesday! - Dr. Seuss Magic Show 4p

Mar 6 @Pacoima 4p

Orange Co Library: Mar 2 Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! @Irvine Univ Park 3p

Riverside Co Library: Mar 2 Dr. Seuss Day @Grace Mellman Branch

Upland Library: Mar 3 Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! 6:30p

Ventura Co Library: Mar 3 @Avenue Branch 2p-5p

Orange Co Library - READ OC :: reading tips or quotes related to reading

For The Love of Reading and Learning!

READ Writes: Feb 2015

We would like to encourage literacy with reading tips or quotes related to reading and the sheer fun, joy, adventure and pleasure of reading and lifelong learning with READ/OC learners, their volunteer tutors, our Friends of READ/OC, our OCPL Branch partners, OC Community Resources and County of Orange colleagues, and community partners throughout Orange County.

Forward your own reading, writing or lifelong learning tips or share a favorite quote to READ/OC so we can encourage each other to read, write and learn! Send by email to readoc@occr.ocgov.com or forward them through library mail to READ/OC at OCPL Headquarters.

Here are a few learning inspirations from writers who love to read to help get you started:

―When things go right, I read. When things go wrong, I read more.

Sara Nelson :: So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading

―The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Dr. Seuss :: I Can Read With My Eyes Shut

―We read to know we are not alone.”

CS Lewis :: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

―It is not true we have only one life to live. If we can read, we can live as many lives and as many kinds of lives as we wish.”

SI Hiyakawa :: Language in Thought and Action

―A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.”

Chinese Proverb

“Words are the voice of the heart.”

Confucius

Orange Co Library :: Literacy Blast at Craig Regional Park: Mission Success!

Literacy Blast at Craig Regional Park: Mission Success!

READ Orange County

READ Writes: Fall 2014

Starship “AFPAC” (Annual Family Picnic And Celebration) was a “stellar” success!  After a year-long orbit of Reading and Lifelong Learning that took learners and their tutors on amazing  journeys to galaxies unknown, tutors, learners,  families, “Friends of READ/OC,” and some amazing creatures of intelligent life from another universe landed at Craig Regional Park earlier this summer to celebrate what Earthlings call a “picnic.”

Such a celebration as this has not been seen in this galaxy for many moons of Endor! As always, this year’s annual celebration of literacy efforts in the Orange County galaxy was out of this world due to the amazing imagination of the Mission Control Team (aka Friends of READ/OC) and the many READ-lings and their families who enjoyed a delicious BBQ/picnic fare, played “out of this world” games and celebrated the stellar efforts of tutors and learners expanding their learning horizons and achieving life-changing goals.

Enjoy some “astronomical” AFPAC moments and memories within the pages of this newsletter. Then set your sights on more lifelong learning adventures as we continue celebrating the 30th Anniversary of California Library Literacy Services for adult literacy efforts throughout the state with our dedicated library and literacy colleagues, volunteer tutors, adult learners, and community partners.

Don‟t forget to share this special universal truth about literacy and learning with family, friends,  neighbors & co-workers...learning is a lifelong process and the ability to read, write and understand is one of the most precious resources throughout the universe! Encourage them to volunteer as a READ/OC tutor or seek help to read better…and together, discover a world of wonders through literacy and lifelong learning.  READ MORE !

Orange Co Library :: READ/Orange County :: Excellence in Volunteerism Award 2014

Excellence in Volunteerism Award Winner 2014

OC Community Resources

READ/Orange County

Linda Kricfalusi joined READ/Orange County’s (READ/OC) volunteer team in 2005, and over the past nine years, she has served as a literacy tutor, Friends of READ/OC Board Member and general volunteer. READ/OC provides tutoring in basic reading and writing to adult learners throughout Orange County. The Friends of READ/OC is an organization committed to the support of the literacy service of OC Public Libraries, primarily through resource development, public awareness and recognition services for volunteers and learners.

As a Friends of READ/OC Board Member, Linda assumed leadership roles as president, vice president, committee chair and treasurer. Throughout her time with the organization, she consistently stepped forward to lend a helping hand with whatever task or project required attention. One of her most admirable qualities is her knack for sensing what needs to be done, and once she identifies an issue, she quietly addresses the matter without being asked.

Linda’s signature activity has been organizing READ/OC’s largest volunteer recognition event – the Annual Family Picnic and Appreciation Celebration. Under Linda’s exceptional guidance, the picnic has blossomed into a greatly anticipated and well-attended celebration. Each year, a unique theme becomes the event’s centerpiece and is incorporated into every aspect of the program, including elaborate, hand-crafted decorations; specially designed save-the-date cards and invitations; unique set designs; and one-of-kind games. The recognition planning also requires securing donations of awesome door prizes and recruiting a team of dedicated volunteers to work the event.

Orange Co Library - Congratulations to Pat Tonini! READ/OC Honoree for the 2014 Spirit of Volunteerism Award!

Congratulations to Pat Tonini!

READ/OC Honoree for the 2014 Spirit of Volunteerism Award!

READ Writes: Spring 2014

Pat Tonini has been a volunteer with READ/Orange County, since 2008. She started out as a volunteer literacy tutor, helping adult learners reach their reading and writing goals.

As a tutor, she is patient, supportive, and encouraging.  She shared, “My first student was American born, middle-aged and very motivated.  I saw him really blossom more and more each year.  He was brave enough to go on a trip with a friend to Las Vegas because he was finally able to read the signs and know where he was. He had always been too afraid to travel before.”

“My current learner is an ESL student and it is much more difficult because he doesn’t know our culture and idioms.  He works in a gas station and once a customer asked him to “break a hundred‟ and he had no idea what that meant.”  Pat has been able to help both of these learners make great progress towards their learning goals.

As a volunteer, Pat is prompt, reliable, and involved.  Since 2011, she has helped welcome new volunteers into the program through her role as an assistant trainer. At each training, Pat keeps things running smoothly with her efficient attention to setup, check in, and logistics.  She presents training components with an approachable and kindly attitude. Most importantly, she is always ready to share her extensive experience with new volunteers.  Over the years, Pat has shown herself to be a true asset to the cause of adult literacy in Orange County!

Thank you, Pat, for your commitment of supporting lifelong learning and literacy with READ/OC.