San Bernardino County Library :: Literacy Can Lift Lives Out Of Poverty

Literacy Can Lift Lives Out Of Poverty

Highland Community News: 3.06.2019 by James Folmer

Half-a-million adults living in the San Bernardino County can’t read.

That’s according to county Librarian Michael Jimenez, who reports this disturbing number in his application for a $10,000 federal Community Development Block Grant from the city of Highland. He cited the most recent U.S. National Assessment Report, which says one in seven Americans have difficulty reading anything more challenging than children’s picture book.

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Jimenez says adult illiteracy contributes to unemployment and incarceration.

Jestina Sunwabe, a 25-year-old Highland resident, has been coming to the library since September for reading lessons.

Her tutor is Greg Vojtko, a former Press-Enterprise photographer and lover of libraries.  READ MORE >>

Career Online High School Diploma :: SCLLN Libraries

Opportunity Knocking At Beaumont Library: Career Online H.S.

An innovative program allows adults over 19 to earn an accredited high school diploma, a career certificate, and prepare for college.

Patch: 1.29.2018 by Renee Schiavone

Opportunity knocked when Edwin Romero visited his hometown library. As his daughters sat quietly reading, Romero spotted a brochure about 'Career Online High School.'

"I'm 46 years old," Romero thought to himself. "But it's never too late to start."

Ten months later, Romero had earned a scholarship and become the first graduate of the Career Online High School program through the Beaumont Library.

Since graduating in 2017, Romero, a cable company installer, has set his sights on becoming a cybersecurity expert.

The Career Online High School program is also offered across the Inland Empire at branches of the Riverside County Library System and the San Bernardino County Library.

The innovative program allows adults over 19 years of age with a library card to earn an accredited high school diploma, a career certificate, and prepare for college.

Students learn in an online environment available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They're paired with an academic coach and a coordinator at the Beaumont Library.

Students may enroll year-round, scholarships are available, and while students work at their own pace, the program must be completed in 18 months.  READ MORE >>

For other SCLLN libraries offering the Career Online HS program,

check the member list on the SCLLN Blog

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Verizon Check Into Literacy: Text-to-Vote

Vote for Literacy: Sep 28 - Oct 5
Verizon Check Into Literacy

SCLLN has 2 member libraries among the 9 finalists in Verizon's Check Into Literacy "Vote for Literacy text-to-vote Campaign".

VOTE FOR BOTH

:::

Send a Text Message to the keyword:
CHECK and assigned code.

Barstow Literacy Coalition

Inland Library System - San Bernardino County Library System
Provide new library resources (Reading Horizons software, GED Practice, E-Readers, and other electronic literacy material) to the 20 percent of the Barstow population with limited reading, math and computer skills and therefore limited workforce job opportunities.

Friends of the Santa Barbara Public LibraryAdult and Family Literacy Services for English Language Learners
1: hold bilingual family literacy programs with trained library staff

2: help the underserved adult population build the vital literacy skills needed for work, home, and civic participation by providing free, confidential one-to-one tutoring and computer assistance, supported by outreach, tutor training, and investment in appropriate learning materials.

~ Verizon will count up to 20 votes maximum per mobile number.
~ Any vote above 20 will not be counted as valid.
~ Voters will receive a confirmation message for each valid vote.
~ Voters may incur text message charges through your wireless carrier
~ No personal data will be shared or used.
~ Verizon employees (and family) not eligible to participate.

Votes will be cast by sending a text message to the keyword "Check," with a code assigned to each finalist. The finalist with the most votes will receive a $25,000 grant. Four runners-up will each be awarded grants of $9,700.

Literacy in Libraries Around California - International Literacy Day 2010

September 8, 2010
International Literacy Day

California Celebrations

Newport Beach Public Library
Event:International Literacy Day
Join us for this annual celebration and awards ceremony that recognizes the accomplishments of the dedicated learners and volunteer tutors in our Literacy Program.
September 16, 2010 10am – 1pm

Mendocino County Public Library
Bammer: Thoughts about International Literacy Day
The Reporter: September 8, 2010
Today is International Literacy Day, and it has always been somewhat shocking to know that 1 in 7 adults in the United States is functionally illiterate. That is, they have reading and writing skills that are inadequate to cope with the demands of everyday life.

One of my first stories as a professional journalist was writing a feature story about the literacy program at the Mendocino County Public Library. The program's coordinator introduced me to four of her clients and it opened my eyes to the problem, made so clear in books by writers and social activists such as Jonathan Kozol, author of "Death at an Early Age" (1967).

Monterey County Free Library
Monterey County set to celebrate fourth annual Literacy Week
Although it officially starts on Wednesday, Literacy Week will begin a day early with a Literacy Open House today at the Monterey County Free Libraries' Seaside branch, 550 Harcourt Ave.
The event will give tutors and interested learners to find out more about the free "READ with MCFL" service. It includes a free book giveaway.

Napa City-County Library
September is International Literacy Month
In an effort to celebrate and raise awareness for International Literacy Month, the Napa City-County Library‘s Literacy Center will host a number of events throughout September.
The festivities begin on Wed., Sept. 8, International Literacy Day, with exhibits, food and reading selections from around the world, featuring voices from Iranian authors moderated by published writer Soudabeh Ashrafi. The readings begin at 6 p.m., with short selections read in a variety of languages, followed by the evening’s highlight, "Of Writing and Seeking: Iranian Women Share Their Work." There will be international refreshments for all to enjoy during this multicultural event.

San Bernardino County Library
Sam J Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center
Highland literacy coalition brings children’s author to library. International Literacy Day is September 8, 2010 and to celebrate the Highland Literacy Coalition is hosting Mary Skillings Prigger, a local children’s author who is also a professor at California State University San Bernardino. She has written two beloved books by children titled “Aunt Minnie McGranahan” and “Aunt Minnie and the Twister”.

San Mateo County Library
Visit your local San Mateo County Library branch, pick up a free International Literacy Day bookmark, and attend a Haiku Writing Workshop. The Haiku workshop will be hands on and interactive, providing a basic introduction to "haiku," an ancient poetic form originating in Japan and now practice all over the world. Participants will be introduced to many different examples, discuss the basic characteristics of the form, learn to write their own and come away with references for their future pursuits. No previous experience with "haiku" or poetry is required to enjoy this session.

Stanislaus County Free Library
Strapped finances make literacy volunteers vital
Community Voices
Modesto Bee: September 7, 2010 by Karen Williams
The Stanislaus Literacy Center, for instance, served 1,400 adults in 2009-10. But because many programs elsewhere have been eliminated, the waiting list for our programs continues to grow.

With ever-increasing needs and shrinking finances, I encourage people to think about volunteering to help with classes and tutoring to help our adults gain the skills they need.

Today's Bee contains a supplement, "Literacy More Essential Now," that is being published in conjunction with International Literacy Day. It is filled with success stories of students who have attended adult education programs. It also has contacts for adult education programs offered by nonprofits and school districts.

I hope you will read it and be inspired to support literacy by volunteering or donating so others will be able to read what you are reading now.

Woodland Public Library
International Literacy Day
The Woodland Public Library Literacy Service will join the world on September 8th for International Literacy Day as we recognize literacy as a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development.

Sacramento: Capitol Events this week
Sacramento Press: September 7, 2010 by Chris Fryer

Wednesday, Sept. 8
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Training Toward Self-Reliance will be hosting “Celebration of International Literacy Day” at the new rose garden, where volunteers will distribute information from various educational groups and feature on-site book reading. About 40 people are expected to attend.

San Bernardino County Library - When he lost his job, he found a passion

When he lost his job, he found a passion
Press Enterprise: April 27, 2010 by Linda Lou

When the company that Ricardo Tamayo worked for went under in 2008, he spent many hours looking for work on the computers at the Lewis Library and Technology Center in Fontana and was intrigued at how some Latinos toiled over how to use computers.

Tamayo, who is bilingual, helped translate. After securing work as an insurance sales agent, Tamayo started volunteering as a literacy tutor in 2009.

Two months later, he was asked to teach a computer class in Spanish.

The volunteer position spoke to Tamayo.

He said he has a background in computers and is a Certified Microsoft Systems Engineer. For the past year, he has been teaching basic Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. His teaches in English on Mondays and on Tuesdays in Spanish. Each session is five weeks.

"He brings terrific enthusiasm," said Lisa Llewellyn, a literacy coordinator for the San Bernardino County Library System. "He is one of the best volunteers."

Tamayo, 50, said he enjoys teaching.

"It's just something that's in me," he said. "I like to help people. It's a wonderful feeling, a great sensation. At the end of class, everyone says, 'Thank you, Ricardo.' I feel good."

6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Tamayo said he plans to volunteer at the Fontana library, which is near his home, as long as he has the time. He recently started studying Microsoft Office Publisher and hopes to offer a course in that as well.

Volunteering at the library has given him a new passion. Tamayo said he plans to find out what he needs to do to get a paid job in the classroom.

"My goal is to become a computer instructor at an adult school in Fontana," he said.

For more information about computer classes at the Lewis Library and Technology Center, call 909-574-4540 or 909-574-4560. READ MORE !

Adult Literacy Awareness Month - Riverside Public Library - San Bernardino Co Library

Adult Literacy Awareness Month

September Spotlight

on SCLLN Literacy Programs

Riverside Public Library
Literacy Program

Through RPL's Literacy Program, trained volunteer tutors provide one-on-one tutoring to English-speaking adults who want to improve their reading, writing and computer skills. Adults with young children are encouraged to participate in our Families for Literacy program.

The Literacy Program is for English speakers. The library does not offer ESL courses. If you are looking for ESL courses, contact the Riverside Adult School at (951) 788-7185. RAS programs include high school diploma, GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), a variety of vocational programs, older adult classes, basic skills instruction, and independent study (for diploma courses).

San Bernardino County Library

Adult Literacy Program

Adults can improve their reading, writing and computer skills through our Adult Literacy Program. Adults are carefully matched with trained volunteers and usually meet with their tutors weekly to improve their reading skills. English-speaking adults that read below high-school level should call us at (951) 779-9204 or visit our office for more information. We strongly recommend that participants meet weekly with a tutor, and set aside additional time to practice at home.

The Mission is to support the San Bernardino County Library. This is accomplished by providing free, individualized literacy services and materials to our patrons, community members and their families in a non-threatening, confidential, student-centered environment, in order to equip participants with life long learning skills and prepare them for personal, family, career and community success.

The Literacy program is in its 21st year and is funded in part by the California State Library and through Community Development Block Grants.

San Bernardino Co Library - Walmart donates $1,500 to Hi Desert Adult Reading program

Walmart donates $1,500 to Hi Desert Adult Reading program
Hesperia Star: January 19, 2009 by Peter Day

One of the area's most generous donors, Walmart, made another
local gift last week. This time, Renee Jimenez, the human resources manager for Walmart Distribution Center 7833 in Apple Valley, presented $1,500 to the Hi Desert Adult Reading Experience.

Known as Hi-D.A.R.E., the program is based in the Hesperia Branch Library and provides services to help people learn or improve their reading skills.

Receiving the donation was Gerry Yniguez, a literacy specialist who runs the Hesperia program. Walmart's gift will help pay for books and special reading material.

Hi-D.A.R.E. provides free one-on-one tutoring to adults who are currently unable
to adequately use printed and written information. According to Yniguez, "learners," as they are referred, come from all walks of life.

"We have people with dyslexia, people from different countries and even some professionals," she said.

"Sometimes they get passed through," added Theresa Young, the vice-president of the coalition and herself a tutor.

Hi-D.A.R.E. is always looking for tutors who volunteer around five hours a week. After being paired with learners, they will tutor the learn two to three times a week.

Before being assigned to a learner, each tutor is assessed and trained.

"You get so much personal satisfaction," Yniguez said. "It's a wonderful program."

For more information on Hi-D.A.R.E., call Gerry Yniguez at 947-9727.

San Bernardino Co Library - Give the gift of literacy at Yucaipa Branch Library

Give the gift of literacy at Yucaipa Branch Library
SB Sun: December 19, 2008 by Bob Otto

There are the tangible gifts that people give during the holiday season. They may last a day, a week, maybe a year - or be forgotten as soon as the wrapping paper is ripped off.

But the gift that keeps on giving, now that's the gift that really matters. And the Yucaipa Branch Library has such a gift: The gift a tutor gives a student when they help them learn how to read.

Debbie Seawright, Literacy Specialist at the library says that tutors are special and very giving people. "Our literacy tutors have the desire and willingness to give of their time," she said.

For the tutor, the reward comes in helping a student grow in confidence and reading ability. And Seawright has seen friendships and bonds form that last for years.

"We have some tutors and students who have built a strong rapport and have been together for years," Seawright said. "Tutors help students better themselves; some go on to college, and for grandparents who have never learned to read, they can now read to their grandchildren." READ MORE !

In Memoriam :: Mary Miller 1955-2008 Glendale Library

Mary Louise Miller 1955 - 2008

Legacy: 2008

Mary Miller, the Library’s Literacy Coordinator passed away this Saturday after a relatively short battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, two daughters and six beloved grandchildren. A service is planned for Sunday in Victorville.

Mary came to Glendale in 1996 from the San Bernardino County Library. Under Mary’s leadership the Glendale Library Literacy program grew and served the needs of our changing community. She started a Family Reading Program that targeted adult literacy learners with small children.

She helped develop literacy partnerships with local public schools, and businesses such as hospitals, restaurants and convalescent homes. Wherever Mary found a need for adult literacy she found a way for the Library to help.

Mary’s reach went beyond the Library. She was a GCEA Representative who was an active participant for Relay for Life and the Community Alliance Committee. She was a past president of the Glendale Community Coordinating Council. She also served on the Executive Board of the Workforce Investment Board and chaired its Resource Mapping Committee.

Mary was active in the State Library’s California Library Literacy Services organization as well as the Southern California Library Literacy Network. She was recognized as a top “trainer of trainers” in her field, and in 2004, she was the only literacy professional selected from Los Angeles County as a MEDALS Fellow, funded by the S. Mark Taper Foundation.

In this program Mary traveled around the United States observing innovative literacy programs. As a result of that experience she developed workshops for many California literacy providers and incorporated innovative ideas into the Glendale Library program.

The benefits of Mary’s hard work are easy to see in the numbers of volunteers and students that participate in the Literacy program. There are many success stories of Mary’s Literacy program changing lives by giving people the ability to read.read.

Mary will be dearly missed by her family, by Library and City staff, and by the Glendale community who came to know her as a fun-loving, energetic, and passionate leader for literacy, reading and the Library.

In Lieu of Flowers

The family has asked that donations be made to the Glendale Public Library Literacy Program. Checks payable to the Friends of the Glendale Public Library. Donations should indicate that they are intended for the Mary Miller Literacy Fund.

San Bernardino County Library: Fontana Branch Library has a lot to offer

Library has a lot to offer

What does the new Lewis Library and Technology Center offer for Fontanans?
Fontana Herald News: April 24, 2008

Step inside and you are greeted by an entrance hall, the Paul A. Biane Great Hall. Named for the San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor and current chair of the Board of Supervisors, it runs the length of the building and soars 30 feet high with clerestory windows to let in the abundant Southern California light. Biane was instrumental in securing the county portion of funds that are used to stock the library's collection and staff it with 63 people who do the day-in, day-out work of keeping everything humming along.

Light and airy is an apt description for this patron-friendly library with computerized self-checkout, RFID tagged books and other materials, and more than 200 public-access computers that provide online access to a collection of more than 2-1/2 million volumes. San Bernardino and Riverside counties, along with municipal public libraries in Moreno Valley, Murietta and Victorville and the College of the Desert, provide mutually shared access to their collections.

The new Fontana branch library also now houses the headquarters for the county library's literacy program, with a special-purpose literacy study room and computer lab. The Verizon Foundation provided funds for eight specialized literacy computer stations. READ MORE

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar - December 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Event Calendar: December 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Dec 4: Tutor Training - Newport Beach Public LibraryAlso: Dec 6, 11 and 13 949 . 717 . 3875. Ticket Phone: 949.717.3875. Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Central Library 1000 Avocado Ave. Newport Beach, CA 92660. For more info visit
Newport Beach PL Literacy

Dec 15: Tutor Training - Escondido Public LibraryVolunteer - Help an adult improve reading and writing skills. 760 . 747 . 2233. Presenter: Escondido PL Literacy Services. Ticket Phone: 760.747.2233. Saturday, December 15, 2007, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. For more info visit

Escondido Public Library 

Dec 15: Tutor Training - Los Angeles Public Library
All Volunteers must be Interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Ticket Phone: (213)228-7037. Contact: Literacy Office. Saturday, December 15, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Lincoln Heights Branch 2530 Workman St LA CA 90031. For more info visit
LAPL Literacy

Literacy program helps adults

Daily Press:

Dec 2, 07: by Rachel Byrd

APPLE VALLEY — Alejandrina Roldan has been in the United States for 10 years, but it has taken years for her to gain the confidence to speak English.

Roldan, 31, born in Mexico, has been participating in the Hi-D.A.R.E. literacy program through the Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library for the past three years. With the help of tutor Margaret Goldman, Roldan has improved her reading and writing skills, and she recently was one of three winners in a statewide literacy contest.

Contestants read Ernest Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea” and wrote a letter to Hemingway. Roldan received $150, a plaque and a journal for her submission.

“I’m more confident, especially with Margaret telling me that I just had to talk,” Roldan said. “I was extremely shy. The hardest thing has always been speaking.”

Hi-D.A.R.E. offers free one-on-one tutoring for adults in the Victor Valley. The program has been around since the mid-1980s, and right now there are 60 tutors and 75 learners, said Larry Weisz, literacy specialist for the Apple Valley Library.

Tutors help adults with reading, writing, math, basic computer skills, and to prepare for the GED, Weisz said. Most learners are English-speaking, and perform at a third- or fourth-grade level.

“Many people come in here in tears,” Weisz said.

Roldan has taken classes at Victor Valley College, but when her third child was born three years ago, she was too busy to enroll. She continued to study English on her own at home, until she visited the library and learned about the tutoring program.

Goldman told Roldan that she could bring her daughter with her to their sessions. The two have been meeting about twice a week for the past three years, and Roldan now plans on enrolling at VVC full-time for the Spring semester.

In her spare time, Roldan said that she likes to read and write poetry and short stories in English.

Roldan wants to be a teacher some day, to help others who are struggling as she has with the English language, and she is interested in tutoring for the GED. Roldan said that when she is ready, she would like to volunteer as a tutor in the Hi-D.A.R.E. program

San Bernardino Co Library - Volunteer of the month makes a difference

Volunteer of the month makes a difference
Dailybulletin.com: Aug 23, 2007

Janet Wirtz was named Chino Hills volunteer of the month for August.

Question: Why did you start volunteering in Chino Hills?
Answer: I have been volunteering whereever I've lived since I was about 21 years old. So it wasn't if I was going to volunteer, but what I was going to do. I believe in making other peoples' lives easier. One of the ways I can do this is by volunteering.

Q: What programs have you volunteered with? What kind of work do you do with those programs?
A: Helped coordinate events at a museum in St. Paul, Minn.; ushered at a theater in Phoenix; Helped out with the Boy Scouts by picking up their awards and badges; delivered bread to Hillview Acres through St. Vincent de Paul; worked at a food pantry and helped fill food boxes for needy families during Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons; taught a religion class; ushered and typed up usher schedule for a local church; taught a student English, through the Library Literacy Program; mentored an inmate at California Institution for Women through Match 2; delivered meals to inbound residents through Caring for the Hills; helped out at my son's schools; scrapbooked for the Inland Hills Church "Prayer Quilt Program"; and processed utility bills for the city of Chino Hills.

Q: You mentored an inmate at California Institution for Women. What was that experience like?
A: It was very educational. I hope I was able to make a difference in someone else's life.

Q: What were you honored for at the Chino Hills City Council meeting?
A: I was selected as the city's Highlighted Volunteer for August 2007. Since March 2007, I have been assisting in the finance department, opening water bills every Monday and Tuesday.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a volunteer?
A: The latest is being honored by the city for my time. But all of my experiences are great because I enjoy meeting the nicest people and feeling more connected to my community.

Q: What kind of work did you do before you became a volunteer?
A: My last paying job, for 10 years, was as an Intelligence Research Specialist for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, in Washington, D.C., and Phoenix.

San Bernardino County Library - Teaching adults survival literacy returns

Teaching adults survival literacy returnsThe Sun: July 27, 2006 by Andrea Bennett

The revitalization of a program that helps area adults learn to read and which lost the wind in its sails for almost a year, rests in the youthful but capable hands of Cesar Lara, 24.

As the new literacy specialist at the Highland Branch Library, Lara appears to be just the right man for the job.

"I recruit adult learners who don't know how to read or write and I recruit tutors, and I match them up and they just kind of work on their own," Lara said.

The library's Adult Literacy Program faced a period of relative dormancy in September 2005, when then-literacy specialist Pat Purcio fell ill but retained the position until March.

Elizabeth Castillo, library assistant at the Highland Branch, said the program, and the many people it helped, suffered as a result.

"It stopped everything because the tutors we had didn't know where to go or what to do. There was no one to guide them," Castillo said. "Also there were people asking for tutors and we didn't have any."

Lara had been working as a library page for a year and a half when he was promoted to his current position, and already he has had an impact.

"I've got a handful of tutors and learners now," Lara said. "There are actually more learners than tutors, because a lot of people out there are illiterate. But hopefully -- little by little -- I can bring the program back to what it was."

His objective is to find at least 20 people in the community, with both a high school education and a desire to help others, who can volunteer at least once a week as a tutor.

Though Lara promotes the free tutoring through word-of- mouth, he said there is no real shortage of adult learners in the community.

"Actually a lot of people come in and ask for tutors, so the word gets out there," Lara said. "A lot of times, they come in here to learn the little things first. They want to set up an e-mail account or they want to be able to write checks."

Harriet Foucher, Highland Branch librarian, said illiteracy is a rampant reality in the community and the program works to amend the social epidemic.

"The statistics keep showing us that 1 in 5 people need help reading," Foucher said. "They can't read things like prescriptions, they lack survival literacy, and these people fall through the cracks. They don't do well with group education situations, so we do one-on-one tutoring, where the tutor and new reader set goals together and work to achieve those goals."

Foucher said there are multiple things that push adults to finally seek literacy.

"Some need a GED for a job, or a driver's license. Many parents need it when their children start school. I think some want to read the Bible," she said. "There is a segment of the population that wants to be able to read. With the changes in welfare, they have to get some kind of job, and reading is so important to every job you do."

It's Lara's job to find an appropriate tutor to match with the individual and assist him or her in reaching set goals.

Due to the shortage of volunteer tutors, however, a surplus of adult learners -- Spanish speaking, or not -- who want to learn to read and write are forced to sit on a waiting list, he said.

The act of seeking help itself can be daunting for people who cannot read, so Lara said he does his best to ease their fears.

"It's difficult for some people because they're so intimidated when they come in," he said. "But the first step is to get in here and ask for help, and I've just got to reassure them they are going to get help."

His easygoing and nonjudgmental attitude makes Lara approachable to learners and the fact that he is bilingual helps calm nervous English learners.

As one who relishes reading and has devoted the past four years to libraries, Lara serves as a prime example of the joys of literacy.

"I like to read nonfiction. I figure if it's not true, why bother?" said Lara, whose favorite book is "The Motorcycle Diaries" and current read is "The Valachi Papers." "I love to read and I love the people who come in and out of the library. They have the same interests as I do -- reading and learning."

At only 24, Lara has already done some serious life learning after getting married at age 20. He and his wife, Virginia, 24, met their first semester at San Bernardino Valley College, and as Lara said, "It just felt right."

"When you're young and in love, you don't know any better," Lara said. "It's hard when you marry young, and you're still in school, with a part-time job, and struggling with money. We matured a lot and learned a lot about each other during that time."

Presently, Lara and his wife live in San Bernardino with their white Pomeranian, Q-Tip. Lara also works part-time as a bilingual tutor for Yucaipa School District, while Virginia works as a special education tutor for Pacific High School.

Lara returned to Valley College last fall, as waiting until his wife graduated from Cal State San Bernardino, was more financially feasible for the young couple. He said he plans to teach elementary school in the future, but the library will still likely be part of his life.

"I want to be here as long as possible, especially next year when we move to the new library," Lara said. "Hopefully, I can start English improvement classes there. Also, we'll have a literacy lab there."

The Adult Literacy Program is up and running under Lara, but there is still much to do in order to meet the literacy needs of the community effectively.

"We have a lot of low-income people in the area who want to improve their lives, but they don't have the time or money to go to college, especially when they have 3 jobs, but they want something better," Castillo said. "I think this program will help them a lot."

Lara is acutely aware of the struggle for self-improvement, and the library staff say his patience, passion and personable nature are certain to breathe new life into a program that makes a real difference in the lives of those in the community.

"Over the 21 years I've been here, I have seen a number of people get that little boost with tutoring to go on and do better things with their lives," Foucher said. "You have to overcome the attitude, 'I can't do it.' In a way, we're just being cheerleaders and encouraging people to use the skills they already have."

For more information about the Adult Literacy Program, contact Cesar Lara, literacy specialist, at the Highland Branch Library at (909) 862-6469 or visit 27167 Base Line in Highland.

San Bernardino County Library - Light the lamp of literacy

Light the lamp of literacy
Redlands Daily Facts: Jan 16, 2007 by C. L. Lopez

Cesar Lara, a literacy specialist at the Highland Branch Library, pairs up tutors with students in the adult literacy program. Cesar Lara makes literacy a reality one person at a time. Lara is one of 11 literacy specialists in the county. At the Highland Branch Library, Lara pairs up tutors with students in the adult literacy program.

"I just want to help people with their goals of reading, writing and learning English," Lara said. "Even though I do not do the teaching, I still feel like I am helping them."

The volunteer tutors then help their students learn to read and write.

The program currently has seven students and five tutors, but Lara is optimistic those numbers will go up when the library moves to its new location in the

Sam Racadio Learning Center in a few months.

"Hopefully the new library will encourage a lot more people to come in," he said.

Lara was a tutor at the library for a few months before he became a page and then a literacy specialist.

He also is a tutor with the Yuciapa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District.

Once in the new library, there are plans to add English language improvement classes.

The library's literacy lab will have five computers for the students and their tutors to use. Once paired up students and tutors make their own schedules to meet in the library. Tutors must be at least 18 years old. Most of the tutors are former teachers.

"You just have to have the motivation to help somebody," Lara said.

Susan Ponce, a former elementary school teacher's assistant, has tutored at the library for four months.

"It is very rewarding," Ponce said. "The reward for me is when you see a light in someone's eyes because something is understood."

Three nights a week, Ponce meets with her student, Martha Villar.

"We started out with English comprehension and word knowledge," Ponce recalled. "There has been a change for the better with her vocabulary."

Ponce says Villar "wants to better herself so that she might acquire a better job or career than what she is doing at the present time."

"I want to advance myself," said Villar, an elementary school recreational aide. "I will keep going to tutoring until I am confident in myself."

Villar admits she struggled in college because of her English skills. Now, she says she wants to be able to help elementary school students.

"The work they have now is a lot harder than when I was in school," she said.

Villar encourages other adults to go to the library for tutoring.

"Don't be embarrassed to go to the library for help," she said. "It is better to learn than not know."