Simple English Wikipedia

Simple English Wikipedia

Just about everyone has heard about Wikipedia.
Did you know there is a ' Simple English Wikipedia ? '
It has over 34,000 articles written in plain, basic English.

Here is a sample from the article on the violin:

The violin is a string instrument that is played with a bow. The violin has four strings which are tuned to the notes G, D, A, and E. The violin is held between the left collar bone (near the shoulder) and the chin. Different notes are made by fingering with the left hand while bowing with the right. It has no frets or other markers, so players have to learn the exact place to put the fingers of the left hand by memory alone.

The violin is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the string family. The other instruments in the family are: viola, cello and double bass. A person who plays the violin is called a violinist. A person who makes or repairs a violin is called a luthier.

Library volunteer shares love of books with adult literacy program

Library volunteer shares love of books with adult literacy program
Lodi News-Sentinel: July 24, 2008 by Pam Bauserman

After Bev Cornelius retired from teaching 13 years ago, she began looking for something to keep herself occupied. A fan of books, the 78-year-old felt the library was the place for her to be. Four to five times a month Cornelius volunteers her time selling books for the Friends of the Lodi Public Library and for two to three days a week, she helps out with the adult literacy program.

Q: What do you enjoy about it?
A: Just to see people come and buy books so I know they're reading and to help adults with their reading.

Q: What has been the most memorable moment for you?
A: With the tutoring, my last student was an Indian woman. It was fun to be introduced to a new food and learn something about the culture in India. I also jjust started tutoring a Hispanic girl, Alicia. She is doing so well. She is so motiviated.

Q: What do you never tire of?
A: Probably reading.

Q: What goals do you hope to accomplish for the library?
A: In my tutoring program, I help those people become better readers and have a better connection to the English language. And, just sell books.

Q: What has been the weirdest thing that has happened since you have been volunteering here?
A: Shortly after we moved into this room, we had all the books on the shelves and overnight they all fell onto the floor. The books were too heavy for the shelves.

Q: Do you see a lot of books that you want?
A: Oh yes. Everytime I'm on duty I buy one or two books and then I get hints from people saying, "You should read that book."

Q: What is the last book you read?
A: "Three Cups of Tea." READ MORE

Carlsbad Library - Library Learning Center OPENING CELEBRATION

Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

OPENING CELEBRATION

Carlsbad CL Newsletter: June/July 2008

Join us for the Learning Center's grand opening celebration on Saturday, August 23. The ceremony begins at 10 am, followed by the ribbon cutting, tours, children's activities including crafts and story-times, entertainment by the Mariachi Divas and refreshments until 3 pm. Admission is free @ 3368 Eureka Place.

The new Library Learning Center will provide a library collection for all ages; literacy tutoring; homework assistance and study rooms; public computer access and computer classes; bilingual (English/Spanish) services; and programs for children and families.

Can’t make the August opening? Join us for events in September to celebrate National Literacy and Hispanic Heritage Month. For more information, call: 760 . 931 . 4500

San Diego Co Library - Pure Persistence

Pure Persistence
Learn Alive Newsletter: June/July 2008

When I came to America, I had some goals in my mind. To have a job, buy a home, have my family. And one of the most important goals was to read and write English, to communicate to anybody and not feel embarrassed.

I think I could do much better in my job and have a better opportunity to go a step up. My wife told me that there is a program in the library where they teach one on one.

It’s been almost 35 years that I’ve lived in America. I have gotten some of my goals. I have a great family, a great job. My job is almost my second home. I spend half of my life or more working there.

After these many years, I can read a magazine or newspaper, but I still have a problem with the writing. This is part of my life, some of the things I remember. I remember when I was a child. I liked to play with my bike. When my bike broke, I fixed it or asked my friends to do it for me. One time I built a bike from parts that I borrowed from my friends. When you have a problem in life, there is always a solution. Never stop in life for what you want.

I’m from Guatemala. I lived in Mexico City for almost three years. After that time, I moved to the USA. When I came to the USA, I was 17 years old. I had lots of ideas in my mind. I started working in landscaping and restaurants. I like restaurants because I like to cook and I like the environment. I have been working for The Fish Market almost 27 years. I meet lots of people.
Adolfo Salazar