Library event brings parents, kids together to enjoy booksDesert Sun: August 26, 2003 Xochitl Pena
INDIO - With 24 percent of adults in California functioning at the lowest literacy level, reading advocates say it is important to have programs that help instill a love of reading.
At the Indio Library, that is what Victoria Jimenez is trying to do through Family Storytime.
The program runs every other Monday and is intended to instill an enjoyment of reading in parents and their children.
Parents learn techniques on how to read to their children, and children have fun being read to and making crafts.
"It's really important that the families get involved so they can take the experience back home with them," Jimenez said. "The way I engage (children) in the book is what we want parents to experience, so when they sit down and read with their child they can engage their child as well."
Family Storytime will run through December.
Monday's event revolved around a back-to-school theme.
Every child received a free book.
The group talked about going back to school to get the kids excited about staring the new school year.
The next story time will be Sept. 8.
During each event, Jimenez reads about 2 to 3 books, uses finger puppets and ends the evening with crafts.
"I make it really fun, we joke a lot ... but nonetheless it's a learning experience," she said.
Donna McCune, the Indio Library branch manager, said she loves what Jimenez is doing with the program.
"She's been doing a wonderful job. It's been terrific, there has been an increase in the youth coming and using the facility," she said.
The Family Storytime program was made possible through a Families for Literacy grant through the California State Library.
Jimenez runs similar programs in Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms and Mecca.
Her Indio program attracts between 40 to 50 parents and children each night.
Children attending range from toddlers to teenagers, she said.
Jimenez encourages parents participating in the Adult Literacy Program to participate in the Family Storytime nights as well.
"The whole family is the focus because we want to break the cycle of illiteracy," she said
Monday, September 1, 2003
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Hemet Library - Tutors teach adults ABCs
Tutors teach adults ABCs:
Anyone, including children, can get free assistance in reading and math at the library.
Press-Enterprise: July 2, 2002 by Marilee Reyes
When Ernie Acosta was laid off from her job more than three months ago, she discovered that job hunting held an almost insurmountable challenge for her.
She had a problem filling out job applications because she had difficulty reading.
"I don't spell very well, and I mix up my letters. They get reversed," Acosta said, describing a symptom of dyslexia.
She experienced the reading problem all the way through school but it was never addressed, so she was advanced every year along with her classmates. Being a nonreader wasn't a problem with the job she'd held for many years, but when she realized that her inability to read was inhibiting her search for a new job, she decided she'd better get some help.
Acosta's daughters suggested she check with the library for information about tutoring. She called the Hemet Public Library and was told about the library's free adult tutoring program.
That was three months ago.
When Acosta started the program she was matched with volunteer tutor Elaine Twamley. She's been working with Twamley and has reached the level where she's checking adult books out of the library for recreational reading.
"She has brought up her reading three grade levels in three months," Twamley said. "It's phenomenal."
Acosta smiled at Twamley's words. "Now I read for fun, too."
Twamley, too, has been rewarded.
"Like any good volunteer program, the volunteers achieve as much as those they help. We get to see life-transforming events. Once a person can read at an adult level, they can participate more fully in life," she said.
Robert Kriesten, who started volunteering 11 years ago after he retired, echoed Twamley's thoughts.
He'd had no experience teaching, but says he has discovered a knack for it and teaches math to small groups.
"I sometimes get tired and ask myself why I'm doing it. Then when I get there and see how they are learning, there's my answer. I know why I'm doing it."
Doris Anderson has been a volunteer tutor for 15 years. "I saw the need and thought this was something I could do to help. I'm kind of proud. One of my first students was able to get their GED and is now a driver for the RTA."
Twamley, Kriesten, Anderson and Dorothy McCann were present at a tutor/learner awards ceremony at the James Simpson Senior Center in Hemet last week.
Lori Eastman, literacy supervisor at the Hemet Public Library, coordinated the ceremony. She praised the tutors and learners for their hard work. Thirty learners and 27 tutors received certificates.
Receiving special recognition for tutoring were Kriesten with 11 years of volunteering, Anderson with 15 years and McCann, 17 years. Kriesten and Terry Oxenham were also honored as math tutors and Gloria Prieto was recognized for her support of the Families for Literacy program, which involves children and adults.
For information about the Hemet Library literacy programs, call the library at (909) 765-3856. All tutoring programs are free.
Anyone, including children, can get free assistance in reading and math at the library.
Press-Enterprise: July 2, 2002 by Marilee Reyes
When Ernie Acosta was laid off from her job more than three months ago, she discovered that job hunting held an almost insurmountable challenge for her.
She had a problem filling out job applications because she had difficulty reading.
"I don't spell very well, and I mix up my letters. They get reversed," Acosta said, describing a symptom of dyslexia.
She experienced the reading problem all the way through school but it was never addressed, so she was advanced every year along with her classmates. Being a nonreader wasn't a problem with the job she'd held for many years, but when she realized that her inability to read was inhibiting her search for a new job, she decided she'd better get some help.
Acosta's daughters suggested she check with the library for information about tutoring. She called the Hemet Public Library and was told about the library's free adult tutoring program.
That was three months ago.
When Acosta started the program she was matched with volunteer tutor Elaine Twamley. She's been working with Twamley and has reached the level where she's checking adult books out of the library for recreational reading.
"She has brought up her reading three grade levels in three months," Twamley said. "It's phenomenal."
Acosta smiled at Twamley's words. "Now I read for fun, too."
Twamley, too, has been rewarded.
"Like any good volunteer program, the volunteers achieve as much as those they help. We get to see life-transforming events. Once a person can read at an adult level, they can participate more fully in life," she said.
Robert Kriesten, who started volunteering 11 years ago after he retired, echoed Twamley's thoughts.
He'd had no experience teaching, but says he has discovered a knack for it and teaches math to small groups.
"I sometimes get tired and ask myself why I'm doing it. Then when I get there and see how they are learning, there's my answer. I know why I'm doing it."
Doris Anderson has been a volunteer tutor for 15 years. "I saw the need and thought this was something I could do to help. I'm kind of proud. One of my first students was able to get their GED and is now a driver for the RTA."
Twamley, Kriesten, Anderson and Dorothy McCann were present at a tutor/learner awards ceremony at the James Simpson Senior Center in Hemet last week.
Lori Eastman, literacy supervisor at the Hemet Public Library, coordinated the ceremony. She praised the tutors and learners for their hard work. Thirty learners and 27 tutors received certificates.
Receiving special recognition for tutoring were Kriesten with 11 years of volunteering, Anderson with 15 years and McCann, 17 years. Kriesten and Terry Oxenham were also honored as math tutors and Gloria Prieto was recognized for her support of the Families for Literacy program, which involves children and adults.
For information about the Hemet Library literacy programs, call the library at (909) 765-3856. All tutoring programs are free.
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