2018 SCLLN Writer To Writer Challenge Brunch :: March 16

2018 SCLLN Writer To Writer Challenge Brunch :: March 16

SCLLN is excited to announce the winners and runners-up for the 2018 Writer to Writer Challenge!  We had a great response—112 entries—and the quality of the letters was amazing!  We are so proud of all the learners who wrote letters.  

Huntington Beach Library

714 . 375 . 5102

Please join SCLLN’s writers, tutors, coordinators and their guests at our awards brunch on Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m., at the Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport, located at 18800 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine.

The winners and runners-up will each receive a cash prize and a certificate, and all letter writers will receive a certificate of participation.  We encourage all coordinators to invite and sponsor all your writers and their tutors for this special event.

The registration fees are only $20 for tutors, learners and staff of SCLLN member programs and $40 for everyone else.  (The fees for the winners and runners-up are waived.)  Inviting your Writer to Writer participants would be an excellent way to recognize our writers and their tutors.  Congratulations to all of our letter writers!

Emerging Category :: Winner

David D, Upland Library

Life without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life, Nick Vujicic

Runners-Up

Kenny B, READ San Diego

Just for Today, Tana Reiff

Rosa S, Corona Library

I Moved Your Cheese, Deepak Malhotra

Beginning Category :: Winner

Angelica I, Santa Fe Springs Library

Enrique’s Journey, Sonia Nazario

Runners-Up

Yolanda G, Los Angeles Public Library

Inspiring Words from the Psalms for Moms, Blue Sky Ink

Martha L, Imperial County Free Library

The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros

Intermediate Category :: Winner

Elaheh K, Los Angeles Public Library

The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck

Runners-Up

Tanya J, A.K. Smiley Library

A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman, Joan Anderson

Lita S, Santa Monica Library

The Black Heralds, a poem, César Vallejo

Advanced Category :: Winner

Hye O, Los Angeles Public Library

The Little Prince, Antoine De Saint-Exupéry

Runners-Up

Anonymous, Carlsbad City Library

Healing the Gerson Way, Charlotte Gerson

Hyunjung J, Newport Beach Library

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation, Daniel J. Siegel

If you would like to Sponsor the Writer To Writer Challenge or support SCLLN, please contact: Diane Moseley

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

California Library Literacy Services Coordinators Gather in Sacramento

Learning Connection: Nov/Dec 2018 by Carrie Scott

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carlsbad Tutor Orientation Schedule

Please call 760-931-4510 to register.

December 4 , 12-2 pm

December 13, 6-8 pm

Los Angeles Public Library :: Writer To Writer 2017

Writer to Writer

READ:  Summer 2018

Writer to Writer is a statewide writing challenge for adult learners in public library literacy programs. Adult learners are invited to read a book of their choice and then write a personal letter to the author of that book, sharing with the author their thoughts and opinions as to how the book affected them.

This year, 86 learners participated in the Writer to Writer challenge. Out of those 86, two learners from the Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy Program were recognized for their courageous and inspiring letters: Level 2 Runner-Up Magdalena Ortega and Level 3 Winner Elaheh Kazempour. Here are their award winning submissions!

Magdalena’s letter to Mr. Keyes Dear Mr. Keyes, Your book Flowers for Algernon was brought to my attention by my daughter who is reading it in middle school. She told me the main character named Charlie wanted to be smart. And I can relate to the character because I feel this way also. So as I began to read the story I felt as if it was me you were writing about. I always feel dumb. I decided to read the book because I wanted to know if Charlie had a good outcome. I can relate to Charlie because I struggle with wanting to be smart and I avoid having conversations with people because I am afraid I won’t understand what they might be talking about.

Elaheh’s letter to Charlotte Bronte Dear Charlotte, When I was a teenager, I remember well that I was reading your book Jane Eyre on a cold winter night. I was standing at the window watching snowflakes falling slowly on the ground. Everyone was sleeping. I opened the door and went to the yard. I lay down on the ground with snow sitting on my body and face. It was midnight, and I was very scared. I was wet, cold, and hungry too. Jane, Helen, and all other orphans at Lowood must have felt the same. Through darkness and snow, I saw a figure. It looked like the ghost of a woman. I thought it was you Charlotte. Was it really you or was I imagining things? Were you trying to tell me something? I ran back to my room, and hid under the blanket.  READ MORE >>

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

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

2017 Writer To Writer Challenge :: Award Presentation :: April 14

2017 Writer To Writer Challenge !

SCLLN is excited to announce the winners and runners-up for the 2017 Writer to Writer Challenge !

We had a great response—86 entries—and the quality of the letters was amazing!  We are so proud of all of the learners who wrote letters.  Each letter was a beautiful expression of the learner’s thoughts and feelings.  The ones selected as winners and runners-up most closely met the contest criteria, but as one coordinator said, every letter had its own “pizzazz.” 

Please join SCLLN’s

adult learners, tutors and coordinators at the upcoming 

2018 Southern California Library Literacy

Network (SCLLN) Conference,

to be held at the Buena Park Holiday Inn on Saturday, April 14th.

We hope you will join us for the Writer to Writer lunch, if not for the entire conference, and listen as the winner from each category reads their amazing letter!

The winners and runners-up will each receive a cash prize and a certificate, and all letter writers will receive a certificate of participation.  We encourage all coordinators to invite and sponsor all of your writers and their tutors for this special event.  The registration fees are only $15 for learners and $35 for tutors/staff (early bird, SCLLN member) and are an appropriate use of CLLS grant funding.  Inviting your Writer to Writer participants would be an excellent way to recognize our writers and their tutors.  Congratulations to all of our letter writers!

Emerging Category :: Winner

Carmen C, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

Runners-Up

Angella V, Huntington Beach Central Library

Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, Kay Warren

Rowshon A, Placentia Library

Eleanor Everywhere The Life of Eleanor Roosevelt, Monica Kulling

Beginning Category :: Winner

Nyla H, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

First Grave on the Right, Darynda Jones

Runners-Up

Mohammad M, Santa Monica Public Library

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

Magdalena O, Los Angeles Public Library

Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes

Intermediate Category :: Winner

Elaheh K, Los Angeles Public Library

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte

Runners-Up

Ella K, Riverside Public Library

The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros

Maria A, READ San Diego - Central Library

The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway

Advanced Category :: Winner

Juliana B, Huntington Beach Central Library

I am Malala, Malala Yousafzai

Runners-Up

Angelica G, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

Like Water for Chocolate, Laura Esquivel

Anonymous, Santa Monica Public Library

Unlimited Power, Anthony Robbins

Early Bird Registration Fee

$35.00:  Volunteer or Staff

$15.00:  Adult Learner

Lunch only; $35.00 by early-bird for members

Early Bird :: DEADLINE :: March 30, 2018

After Mar 30 or @ Conference

$ 50.00: SCLLN Member Tutors and Staff

$ 20.00: SCLLN Adult Learners

Non-Members - $ 75.00

NO REFUNDS AFTER APRIL 9

If you would like to Sponsor the

Conference

Writer To Writer Challenge

or support SCLLN, please contact: Diane Moseley

SCLLN Literacy Conference :: Writer To Writer Award Presentation :: April 14

SCLLN Literacy Conference 

& Writer To Writer Presentation

April 14, 2018

Holiday Inn Buena Park

Early Bird Registration Fee

$35.00:  Volunteer or Staff

$15.00:  Adult Learner

Lunch only; $35.00 by early-bird for members

Early Bird :: DEADLINE :: March 30, 2018

After Mar 30 or @ Conference

$ 50.00: SCLLN Member Tutors and Staff

$ 20.00: SCLLN Adult Learners

Non-Members - $ 75.00

NO REFUNDS AFTER APRIL 9

If you would like to Sponsor the

Conference

Writer To Writer Challenge

or support SCLLN, please contact: Diane Moseley

Check in and Continental Breakfast:  8:00 - 9:00

Strand 1:   9:00 am — 10:15 am

Strand 2:   10:30 am — 11:45 am

Lunch & Writer To Writer Presentations

Strand 3:   2:00 pm — 3:15 pm

Workshops

 W2W Panel; a how-to workshop for staff

 USCIS, The Naturalization Process

 Technology – How to get the best use out of apps

 Roles & Goals

 Tutor Panel – tips and tricks to get out of one’s comfort zone

 Writing workshop (repeated if needed)

 Pronunciation Practice (repeated)

 Setting Goals in a Visual Way, Learner Strand

 W2W Panel. Workshop on writing and entering the Challenge,

Learner Strand

 Additional topic TBD, Learner Strand

Los Angeles Public Library :: Writer to Writer 2017

Writer to Writer 2017 Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy

READ - A newsletter written by students and tutors: Spring 2017

Wonderfully inspiring letters were submitted by nineteen learners from the Los Angeles Public Library Adult Literacy Program who participated in the Southern California Writer to Writer Challenge.

The “easy” part was to read or listen to a novel, work of non-fiction, or magazine article. Writing can be intimidating for anyone but these writers met the challenge and responded to an author’s words – thereby becoming authors themselves.

You are sure to enjoy these letters from three authors who were honored in their category.

Runner-Up Emerging Writer

Albert Short

The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank

Runner-Up Intermediate Writer

Frank Marfetan

Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

Runner-Up Advanced Writer

Hee Min Yim

Ariadne’s Story, Joyce Hannam

Huntington Beach Library :: "Writer to Writer" Awards Brunch

"Writer to Writer" Awards Brunch 

Literacy Volunteers-HBPL News: Spring 2017

The 17th annual "Writer to Writer Challenge" Awards event took place on February 25, 2017, at the beautiful Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach. Learners from 16 southern California library literacy programs submitted letters they had written to the author of a book they'd read. Of those 85 entries, winners were chosen by peer-judges and the top 4 were invited to read their stories to the audience, who hung on every word. Their courage and sincerity won everybody over and not many dry eyes were left. "This 'competition' is a full-on-tutoring bonanza," stated SCLLN Treasurer and Committee Lead Carrie Scott. She pointed out the often year-long preparation can include reading, writing and-the mother of all challenges-speaking in front of a large crowd.

The inspirational and enthusiastic California State Librarian, Greg Lucas, spoke of his passion and dedication to libraries and literacy programs. SCLLN president Diane Moseley commented that the organization was thrilled he attended, proving the event worthy of statewide recognition. We all agreed that the spectacular brunch served included everything from the best breakfast fare to a heavenly lunch.

Entrees from Huntington Beach included:

Central: Chan Park, Patricia Zapata, Frieda Huang, Jenna Moon and Loretta Bui.

Oak View: Elizabeth Perez

A booklet containing the winning letters was given to the attendees, and can be found in the Literacy Office. Stop by to read and experience these open and sincere letters, which will melt your heart and give you a reason to believe there's hope for the world.  READ MORE @

Carlsbad Library :: 17th Annual Writer to Writer Challenge

17th Annual Writer to Writer Challenge :: Carlsbad Library

Learning Connection: Mar/Apr 2017

The Way it Works

William Kowalski

Congratulations to Carlsbad Library learner, Nyla H., for having her letter selected as a Runner-up for the Writer to Writer Beginning Writer category!

The Writer to Writer Challenge is an annual competition for adult learners in public library literacy programs. Learners write a letter to an author of a book or magazine telling them how their lives were influenced by what they read.

The competition is sponsored by the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN).

The winners and runners-up were recognized at an awards ceremony on February 25 during a brunch sponsored by SCLLN and the California State Library. Winners in each category had an opportunity to read their letters during the ceremony, and all winners and runners-up received a copy of a book that has been published with their letters.

All learners who submitted a letter received a certificate for their participation. There were 85 entries from 11 libraries throughout Southern California.  READ MORE @

Redlands Library :: SCLLN Writer To Writer Award Winner

Friends of A.K. Smiley Public Library

Facebook: 3.09.2017

Saturday, February 25th SCLLN Southern California Library Literacy Network held their 17th Annual Writer to Writer Awards brunch.

The Adult Literacy Program is proud that so many learners and tutors took part in the contest. Recognized at the event was Rosio Perez, First Place Winner in the Beginning Writer category. She read the book “Who Was Harriet Tubman” and wrote a letter to the author describing how the book influenced her life.

Also recognized with participant certificates were Willaim Acuna, Sonia Gutierrez, Lastenia Rozo, and Monica Sanchez. We were also honored to have four judges selected from our program – Martha Romo, Ana Alcantar, Wensung Hsu, and Tanya Kaufman.

Congratulations to Rosio and all our participants.