Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Burbank Library - Tutor Recognition Luncheon

Supporting cancer research, new readers.
Burbank Leader: 10.30.07
On The Town by David Laurell


Halloween may be billed as the most terrifying day of the year (with the exception of April 15), and tutors are helping to make learning less terrifying for those who cannot read or write.

Tutors who have changed the lives of others by giving the gift of literacy were honored Saturday at the Buena Vista Branch Library.

In her remarks to the honorees, Reinke related a story about her late grandfather, Augustine Gonzalez, who came to the United States from Mexico at the age of 13 but did not learn to read or write until he was in his 30s.

“Even in his 90s, he never forgot those people who taught him to read and write,” Reinke said. “You have done the same thing for the people whose lives you have impacted. They will never forget you.”

Among those in attendance for the recognition luncheon were City Manager Mary Alvord, library services director Sharon Cohen, library board of trustees member Dorie Beaumont and library staff including Helen Wang, Pat King, Lorraine Corona, Louise Paziak and Bill Byrne, who serves as the literacy services coordinator.

Special guests on hand included Patricia Smart, who founded the literacy program in Burbank in 1992 with the help of Millie Engel, Donna Tramell and Susan Spears. Among those honored for their volunteer work with the literacy program were Robyn Anderson, Jo Andreae, Liana Augustinus, Donna Bandiera, Michelle Butler, Anahid Haroutounian, Lee Harner, Susan Borders, Linda Chapple, Sukanya Chinawongskul, Jessica Corona, Karissa Corona, Jeanell Dennis, Micheal Ferrel, Pat Gafford, Karen Galich, Rachel Garcia, Pam Jerome, Irene Kunze, Judith Pawlek, Roxanne Pergola, Judith Rosso-Diaz, Jeff Rothenbach, David Saltman, Bill Stafford, Victoria Uvas, Eula Warren, Barbara Weiss and Mary Zaghikian.  READ ON

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Oceanside Library - Celebrates 10th Anniversary !

Oceanside READS
Celebrates 10th Anniversary !Newsletter: Fall 2007 by Suzanne McGowan,
Youth Services and Literacy Supv.

As we move forward in our day to day routines, we don’t always take the time to stop and look at our accomplishments. Milestone years are great for taking the time to reflect on the changes and happenings over a period of time. As Oceanside READS celebrates ten years of service, I am honored to reflect on its many success stories.

Oceanside READS began as an adult literacy program in July 1997. The inaugural year served thirty-two learners with thirty-three active tutors. Ten years later, READS is a busy center that provides literacy services for adults as well as for children. This past year, Oceanside READS served ninety-one children and adult learners, with over seventy active tutors. The tutors display incredible commitment, as they not only work one-on-one with learners, meeting weekly for a minimum of six months, but they also prepare lessons, review materials, research and implement current trends and methodology, and take part in outreach programs. In 2006/2007, the topnotch tutors of Oceanside READS dedicated over four thousand volunteer hours. Although we can measure their hours of service, the value of those hours is priceless.

It is impossible to share the success stories of the READS program without mentioning Sandy Phillips and Corrie Miles. Humbly, they work with a dedication that is unrivaled. Their styles balance one another perfectly and they are a phenomenal team. Together they work to assess the needs of every learner that walks through the door. They recruit, train, schedule, match, and supervise tutors. They review materials and resources to assist the tutors with a variety of educational needs. Books & Bagels, the literacy book discussion group, is in its fifth year. READS partnered with Starbucks for three years of Sipping Stories. They host brown bag lunches and volunteer trainings as well as provide access to state and regional workshops and conferences.

The program has produced three scholarship winners, Writer to Writer award winners, and hundreds of success stories. Thank you to all of the people who have contributed to the success of Oceanside READS over the last ten years. If you would like to be a part of a first-rate literacy organization, please do not hesitate to contact Oceanside READS to find out how you can help.

Changing Lives One Word At A Time

Saturday, October 27, 2007

SCLLN Literacy Tutor Calendar - November 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshop Calendar: November 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Nov 1: Burbank Public Library
Register for the first session of a 15-hour workshop: also Nov 3 and 17. Help an adult improve reading, spelling and writing skills. Learn how to use Discover Intensive Phonics. 818 . 238 . 5577. Presenter: Burbank Public Library. Ticket Phone: (818)238-5577. Contact: Literacy Office. Thursday, November 1, 2007, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Burbank Public Library Auditorium 110 N Glenoaks Burbank CA 91502.
For more info visit
http://www.burbanklibrary.com/

Nov 10: San Diego County Library
Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, November 10, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. El Cajon Branch El Cajon CA. For more info visit
http://www.sdcl.org/Literacy_Main.html

Nov 17: Los Angeles Public Library
All Volunteers must be Interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Presenter: Los Angeles Public Library. Ticket Phone: (213)228-7037. Contact: Literacy Office. Saturday, November 17, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Robertson Branch 1719 S Robertson Blvd LA CA 90035. For more info visit
http://www.lapl.org/literacy/intro.html

Nov 29: READ/San Diego
1st Session; also Nov 29; Dec 4, 6 and 11 619 . 527 . 5475. Presenter: READ/San Diego. Ticket Phone: (619)527-5475. Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Malcolm X Branch Library 5148 Market St San Diego CA 92114. For more info visit
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services/read.shtml