Southern California Library Literacy Network: SCLLN

Showing posts with label SCLLN. Show all posts

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Ventura Co Library ▬ New Year, New Team !

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)

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Huntington Beach Library ▬ National Library Workers Day

National Library Workers Day

Literacy Volunteers
Huntington Beach

Literacy Volunteers HBPL: 4.06.2021

April 6, 2021, is National Library Workers Day (NLWD), a time to recognize library professionals for their expertise and leadership skills in transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning. The day also reminds the public that library workers serve as community compasses that lead users to endless opportunities for engagement, enrichment, and development

For #NationalLibraryWorkersDay, we're highlighting the incredible humans who work at Huntington Beach Public Library. This post features one of our librarians, Amy Crepeau!

When I was a child, some of my favorite books involved libraries and librarians and I think that is where my interest began. I remember reading All of a Kind Family and how important library books were to the sisters and the chapter when Sarah lost her library book--the librarian was so compassionate. There were so many examples like this and some, unfortunately, where librarians were the opposite of compassionate but people telling how important libraries were to them inspired me. Beyond that, I love libraries! Programs, storytimes, books, computers, literacy, study space, free to use, people from infants to seniors coming through our doors everday…sign me up! In 2009, I finally decided to go to graduate school to earn my MLIS and the feeling of accomplishment I had in May 2016 when I walked across that virtual stage was far more than earning either my high school or college diplomas.

I have worked at HBPL since April 15, 1997.

I have worked in literacy until March 2021 and the best part was working with amazing learners and volunteers from Huntington Beach and seeing people accomplish important things like reading with their children, getting a better job, passing the driver’s test or becoming U.S. Citizens. It was constantly inspiring and people were so grateful to the library. READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:
Grade Level: 13
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 18-19 yrs. old
(college level entry)

Literacy Volunteers Huntington Beach

Becoming a Literacy tutor at either Central or Oak View starts with the successful completion of Tutor Orientation. Learn all about our program, adults who come to us, and much more.

There will be three (3) places to submit answers.

Once we receive notice you have completed orientation, we will contact you with the next training dates.

If you have questions call the Central office at 714.375.5102, or Oak View at 714.375.5104.

Sunday, March 7, 2021

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)

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Chula Vista Library ▬ Susan Vega: Exploring a Library Professionals Journey to Provide Literacy for All

Exploring a Library Professionals Journey to Provide Literacy for All, and How Chula Vista Library Serves the City

@ChulaVistaLib

Literacy for All: Feb 2021 with Jose L Cruz, San Diego Council on Literacy

Susan Empizo Vega has a diverse 25-year history of providing library and literacy services in Southern California. The more we talked, the more we re-discovered the many hats that Susan has worn in her literacy professional journey, serving public libraries in Chula Vista, National City, San Diego, Carlsbad, and San Jose. Another discovery were the many community services that are being provided to the residents of Chula Vista through the library…especially given social-distancing. Join us we take this the journey from the past, to the present, of Susan’s amazing, meaningful, and informative adventures in library and literacy services. LISTEN 57:46

Monday, December 14, 2020

Brawley Library ▬ Library Director Marjo Mello Retires After 33 Years With The City

Brawley Library Director Marjo Mello Retires After 33 Years With The City

Desert Review: 12.10.2020 Katherine Ramos

The Brawley City Council announced the retirement of the long-time, beloved Library Director, Marjo Mello. She will retire after 33 years with the City on December 29, 2020.

Marjo Mello, Brawley Library Director

According to the press release, Mello’s contributions to the City of Brawley have enhanced the lives of many who live in Brawley. Although her accomplishments are too numerous to list, the following are a few highlights.

Mello has acquired grants totaling about $7 million over her 33 years. These include the addition of the children’s wing, a library branch at the Del Rio School, and two remodeling projects of the main library. Her pride and joy has been working with Imperial First Five since 2000 for Literacy And Mobile Book Services project (LAMBS). The 32-foot LAMBS bus travels all over Imperial County presenting pre-literacy story times to daycare centers and preschools. The project earned the California School Boards Association Bell Award for outstanding early childhood education along with Riverside County Office of Education Head Start.

Adult and early learning literacy programs are an integral part of library services at Brawley. Free adult one-on-one tutoring and separate classes for emerging English readers/speakers have been offered. LISTEN 02:70

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus
Based on 7 readability formulas:
Grade Level: 12
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 17-18 yrs. old
(Twelfth graders)

Friday, September 4, 2020

Writer to Writer Celebration Event ▬ International Literacy Day ▬ September 8 @ 1 PM

Writer to Writer Celebration Event

International Literacy Day

September 8 - 1 PM

National Literacy Month

Writer to Writer Celebration Event

CLA Calendar: 9.8.2020

Join adult literacy learners and State Librarian Greg Lucas in honoring the winners of the annual Writer to Writer Challenge! Writer to Writer is an annual writing contest held in literacy programs in Southern California Library Literacy Network libraries and Monterey County Free Library.

Learners read a book, then write a letter to the author about the impact the book had on their life.

Hear the learners read their letters and get inspired to create your own Writer to Writer letter.

Monday, January 13, 2020

In Memoriam: Pat King

In Memoriam: Pat King

Burbank Library: Jan 2020 by Bonnie Yee

The Library recently learned that former Burbank Literacy library clerk and union steward, Pat King, has died. She had been in the hospital for pneumonia earlier last week and was doing well, so had gone home. She was 77. Pat was known for her deep devotion to Literacy clients and workers’ rights and was a strong advocate for the library. She was Literacy Clerk from the beginning of the program in 1992 until she retired in July 2012. Pat will be missed.

Burbank Public Library Literacy - first group of tutors, 1992:

Anahid Haroutounian, Lee Harner, Pat King (Clerk), Patricia Smart (Coor.),

Millie Engel, Donna Tramell and Susan Spears

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Carlsbad Library ◯ Remembering Lynda L. Jones

Remembering Lynda L. Jones

Learning Connection: Sep/Oct 2019

With sadness, I share the news that retired Senior Librarian Lynda Jones passed away earlier this month. Lynda established our original Adult Literacy Program and, together with Director Cliff Lange and Assistant Director Geoff Armour, conceived of and launched the Centro de Información.

Later, Lynda presented to Cliff the vision for combining these two programs into one lifelong learning concept which became the Library Learning Center.

Lynda Louise Jones October 4, 1947 - July 15, 2019

Legacy

Lynda L. Jones, age 72, of Oceanside, recently passed peacefully. Fourth generation Californian, born to Sid and Dorothy (Pierce) Jones, she and her sister, Debbie, enjoyed time at the beach. Lynda graduated with honors from the family alma mater, Occidental College. Later, she earned her Master's degree of Library Science at Simmons University. In Botswana, she worked at the Secondary School Library. She became the Founding Coordinator of the Adult Learning Program and the Centro de Informacin, after returning to California. READ MORE >>

Monday, September 16, 2019

Newport Beach Library :: Meet Cherall Weiss, Literacy Coordinator

@NMProLiteracy

Meet Cherall Weiss, Literacy Coordinator

Stu News Newport: 9.13.2019 by Amy Senk

Each year, Newport Beach celebrates Literacy Day with a party that honors its learners and celebrates their native cultures with a potluck feast, speeches, awards and more at an event held at the Central Library. (This year’s event will take place September 12.) But literacy in Newport Beach is a year-round concern, and since 1986, Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy has offered free tutoring to adults who live or work in the Newport Beach area. I caught up with Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy’s Literacy Coordinator Cherall Weiss to find out more.

Q: Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy began in 1986 and offers free tutoring, one-on-one and in small classes. Can you share more information about the history and organization of the program?

A: The program started in the home of Carol Hazelwood, a local woman with a good heart and passion for literacy. Carol struggled to keep the program alive, but in 1988 she heard about a literacy grant from the state and applied for it with the support of the Newport Beach library director. After winning the grant, the program was relaunched and gradually gained traction. From this shaky beginning, we have continued to grow and currently work with around 200 learners each year.

Q: How many learners have come through the program over the years, and can you tell me about a specific learner’s story that was inspirational to you?

A: We don’t have early records, so the total numbers of people that have come through the program are hard to calculate. As mentioned before, for the past five years or so, we have been seeing approximately 200 people per year. READ MORE >>

Next Tutor Training

Oct 17 & 24

9:15 am – 12:30 pm

Online Orientation

must be completed before attending Training

Reservations for this training are required

For more information, please contact

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

or call 949-717-3874

Monday, May 21, 2018

Carlsbad Library :: Carlsbad Learners Rise to the Challenge :: Writer to Writer

Carlsbad Learners Rise to the Challenge!

Learning Connection: May/June 2018

The Writer to Writer Challenge winners were recognized at the Southern California Library Literacy Network Conference in Buena Park on April 14. Seven Carlsbad learners entered the challenge this year. A total of 86 letters were entered from 14 literacy programs in Southern California. Carlsbad learners Carmen C. and Nyla H. won the Emerging and Beginning Writers categories, respectively. Angelica G. was a runner-up in the Advanced category.

Thanks to the tutors and learners for their participation. It’s not too early to pick your book and plan for next year’s Writer to Writer Challenge!

Library Learning Center staff, tutors and learners attended SCLLN Conference workshops, including a Writer to Writer Panel—Learner Workshop presented by learners Carmen C. and Nyla H. and a Writer to Writer Tips for Tutors workshop presented by Carrie Scott, Community Outreach Supervisor. READ MORE >>

Emerging Category :: Winner

Carmen C, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

Beginning Category :: Winner

Nyla H, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

First Grave on the Right, Darynda Jones

Advanced Category :: Runner-Up

Angelica G, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

Like Water for Chocolate, Laura Esquivel

Monday, May 14, 2018

Santa Monica Library :: Congrats to LEAF Program Participants :: Writer to Writer

Congrats to LEAF Program Participants

The Library: May 2018

On April 14, two of the Library’s adult literacy learners were presented awards for their Writer to Writer submissions at the Southern California Library Literacy Network Conference.

Bella Grib and Mohammad Mousavi were honored for the letters they wrote to authors whose books inspired them.

A big congratulations to them and their tutors, Glenna Dumey and Laura Buhl!

Beginning Category

Runner-Up

Mohammad Mousavi, Santa Monica Public Library

Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman!, Richard P. Feyman

Advanced Category

Runner-Up

Anonymous, Santa Monica Public Library

Unlimited Power, Anthony Robbins

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Imperial County Library :: Connie Barrington 1951-2018

Mary Constance ‘Connie’ Barrington 1951-2018

Legacy: 2.09.2018

Mary Constance "Connie" Barrington, of El Centro died at her home January 22, 2018. Upon moving to the valley, Connie pursued teaching as a career, receiving an award for Student Teacher of the Year from San Diego State University. She went on to teach at Westmorland Elementary and Brawley Union High School.

Her extensive volunteer work in literacy inspired her to pursue her Masters of Library Science from the University of Arizona. She worked at Brawley Public Library and Camrena Memorial Library, before becoming the Head Librarian for the Imperial County Library. During her tenure as County Librarian, she received numerous awards for her work, including the Celebrate Literacy Award awarded by the International Reading Association. After her retirement in 2016, her passion for reading led her to continue her work as a volunteer.

County Librarian set to retire after 15 years

Imperial Valley Press: 2.11.2016 by Edwin Delgado

After serving Imperial Valley for more than 20 years, the last 15 as the County Librarian, Connie Barrington is now set to retire. The new county librarian will begin on March 4.

“It was hard to make the decision, I really enjoyed it,” Barrington said. “It’s time for someone young with a new vision to continue to expand on what we have.”

Barrington who is from Chicago came into the valley with her husband in the 1980s after he convinced her to come and experience living in the Valley.

She held several positions early in her career, before getting appointed as the county librarian Barrington was an assistant to the director of the Brawley Library where she began to get involved with the Adult Literacy Program in 1989.

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Winter Reading Challenge :: Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban Pledges $35,000 To Global Reading Challenge For First Book and Libraries and Their Communities

First Book: 11.15.2017 by Melanie Boyer

Billionaire investor and Shark Tank personality Mark Cuban has announced his sponsorship of the inaugural Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge in support of local libraries. Cuban has challenged close to 100 libraries all over the country and South Korea, to meet a collective goal of reading at least 1.3 million minutes and 55,000 books during the month of January. If achieved, Cuban pledges to donate $25,000 to First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need. He will also give $10,000 for top-performing libraries to use for their community programs or donate to nonprofit organizations in their area.

Participating libraries will use Beanstack, an innovative software that facilitates reading programs for schools and libraries, and makes it easy to track the amount of time and books read. “After doing a storytime for my local library, Dallas Public Library, I became increasingly inspired by the work libraries do for their communities,” says Cuban. “Growing up, my mom used to give me a quarter for every book I read. Through reading programs libraries run with Beanstack, they are providing these kinds of incentives for readers throughout the community. I love the idea that we will encourage readers through a shared, ambitious goal, and that the prize for everyone will be to pay it forward to an awesome organization focused on literacy and access to books.”

SCLLN Libraries

Commerce Library
Huntington Beach Library
Los Angeles Public Library

Monrovia Library
Placentia Library

Thursday, March 9, 2017

In Memoriam :: Jamie Watson :: 1948-2017 :: Literacy Coordinator, Santa Monica Library

Jamie Watson, 1948-2017: Civic volunteer, planning commissioner loved Torrance history

Daily Breeze: 1.24.2017 by Nick Green

A city resident for 54 years, Watson is believed to have died of natural causes at her house on Arlington Avenue in Old Torrance, authorities said.

Watson, the stepdaughter of the city’s first full-time municipal attorney, Stanley Remelmeyer, had served on a trio of volunteer commissions in the last two decades, including the Library and Environmental Quality commissions.

She was a former librarian with the Santa Monica Public Library system for 24 years before retiring in 2008.

═════════►

Celia Carroll, who worked with Watson at the Ocean Park Branch, remembered Watson as possessing a “well-furnished mind.”

“She excelled at library programming, beginning with her oversight of ‘Tuesdays with Books,’ one of the most successful book discussions in LA County,” Carroll said in an email. “As literacy coordinator, she was dedicated to drawing participants, both as tutors and students. At Ocean Park Branch, she created the most interesting programs out of local history, global personalities, and scholars. People flocked to her presentations.” READ MORE @

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

SCLLN :: Adult Literacy Leadership Institute 2017 :: Carlsbad Library

Adult Literacy Leadership Institute :: ALLI

The Southern California Adult Literacy Leadership Institute for 2017 will be held on March 10-12, 2017 at the Carlsbad City Library.

This statewide training program for learners is an amazing opportunity to develop leadership, communication, advocacy, and presentation skills. The program is totally free including meals, materials, and transportation. Accommodations are available for those traveling from outside the more immediate area.

Please encourage all of your qualifying adult learners to apply.

The deadline for applications is January 6, 2017