2013 SCLLN Literacy Conference: March 9

SCLLN Literacy Conference 2013
March 9
Buena Park Holiday Inn
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Lunch: Writer To Writer Awards Ceremony

Early Bird Registration: Feb 24, 2013

Click Here to Register

$ 40.00: SCLLN Member Tutors and Staff
$ 15.00: SCLLN Adult Learners

After Feb 24 and At Conference:
$ 75.00: SCLLN Member Tutors and Staff

Non-Members - $ 75.00
NO REFUNDS AFTER FEBRUARY 24
Strand 1: 9am - 10:15am
Reading Comprehension Made Simple: Carol Chapman, Ventura County Library
Learn why research suggests that improving your reading comprehension begins BEFORE you start reading. Tutors & Learners.
Teaching Strategies for Improved Fluency: LINCS What is fluency and how does it affect a learner's reading success? Come find tools you can use with your learner today!
Using eBook Readers and Google Chromebooks: Susan Vega
In this workshop we will examine how to use tools such as e-readers and Chromebooks and the differences between these devices vs tablets and laptops.
Sounds to Syllables to Spelling: Marcia Tungate, Literacy Consultant
Help your students sound out and spell words more effectively. Get tips and learn techniques from mulitple programs!
LEARNER WORKSHOP
Basics of Financial Literacy: Tony Crabb
Learn about basic financial skills to deal with every day life.
Strand #2 - 10:30am-11:45am
The Naturalization Process: U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
An overview of the naturalization process and the requirements for naturalization: such as good moral character, physical presence and knowledge of English and civics. Tutors & Learners.
Vocabulary-The Cornerstone of Reading Achievement: LINCS
Strategies you can use to strengthen your learner's vocabulary to improve reading skills.
Paragraph Writing 101: Victor Castellanos, Covina Library
Help your learners write an effective paragraph! Learn the function and anatomy of paragraphs and tips for success.
Learning 2.0: Amy Crepeau,Huntington Beach Library
Would you like to know more about web-based tools like blogs, pinterest, and tumblr?
LEARNER WORKSHOP
Tips for Getting a Job: Patrice Mariscal
Looking for a job? Know someone looking for a job? Come to this workshop for tips for success!
Strand #3 - 1:45pm-3:00pm
Be A Reading Partner with Your Child & Learn Together: Barbara Neder, READ OC
This interactive workshop will encourage adult learners to be learning partners with their families and children. Tutors & Learners.
Grammar Games: AmyCrepeau, Huntington Beach Library
Need some easy activities to help your ESL students practice tricky aspects of basic English grammar? 10+ activities that are fun.
What you Need to Know About the New GED: Cherall Weiss, Newport Beach Library
Find out about the new 2014 changes to the GED. Find out how best to prepare for the changes.
Tutor in Your Pajamas! Google Docs: Peter Wexler
Ever wish you could tutor from your couch? Learn how you can connect with your learner online.
LEARNER WORKSHOP
Setting Goals That Stick!: ALLI Graduates, Carlsbad Library
What do you want to achieve in 2013? Learn to set goals for success!

Sponsor & Support Literacy

2013 SCLLN Literacy Conference

Writer to Writer Challenge

SCLLN Writer To Writer Awards: 2012

2012 Writer To Writer Awards

Southern California Library Literacy Network
2013 Literacy Conference - Lunch Ceremony
March 9 – Holiday Inn Buena Park

Adult Learners read or listened to a book that inspired them and wrote a letter to the author describing how the book influenced their lives. There were 62 entries this year.

Four panels of Adult Learners are judging the finalists in each category:
Emerging category (dictate a letter to tutor or staff)
Beginning category (write a basic, simple letter independently)
Intermediate category (write a more complex letter with larger vocabulary)
Advanced category (write independently with little support from tutor or staff)

SCLLN will announce the winning letters in February. Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony during the lunchtime program at the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN) Literacy Conference, March 9 - Registration Coming Soon !

The winners in each category receive $100, a certificate, a journal and a pen.
The runners-up receive a certificate, a journal and a pen.
The winning letters will be published in a book.

Click here for Last Year’s Winners.

Sponsor

Writer to Writer Challenge

2013 SCLLN Literacy Conference

Whittier Area Literacy Council - Welcome to SCLLN's Newest Member:

Welcome to SCLLN's Newest Member:
Whittier Area Literacy Council

WALC is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to teaching people to read, write, and speak the English language (for free). WALC has served Whittier and adjacent communities since 1962.

8th Annual Soup & A Good Book "Reading makes Sense"
Saturday, March 16th, 2013 from 12:00pm - 2:30pm

Tutor Training (Spring Session)
April 13th, 20th & 27th, 2013 - 9:00am-12:00pm

Board Installation
Saturday, June 1st, 2013 - 9:00am

Annual Student Recognition Awards
Saturday, June 1st, 2013 - 11:30am
@ Uptown YMCA 12510 E. Hadley Street, Whittier 9060

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE AND BECOME A VOLUNTEER TUTOR

Visit WALC on Facebook

Whittier Area Literacy Council
12911 E. Hadley Street
Whittier CA 90601
562 . 698 . 6598

Literacy Jobs: California

Literacy Jobs: California

Hourly Literacy Clerk - PT
Carlsbad Library Literacy Services
Application Deadline: Jan 29, 2013
Registering patrons; Answering phones; Checking materials in and out; Shelving and sorting library materials;
Transporting students to and from Carlsbad High School and the Learning Center in a City vehicle; Other duties as assigned.

Adult Education Instructor/Trainee
Application Deadline: Jan 25, 2013
Owens Valley Career Development Center
Porterville
Under the supervision of the Family Literacy Coordinator, or designee, employees in this class will administer the instruction of the Adult Education Component of the Family Literacy Program.


AmeriCorps - 3
Schools of Hope Literacy Coord’s.
Application Deadline: Feb 25, 2013
United Way Wine Country
SF/Oakland/San Jose
Bilingual Spanish required. The Literacy Coordinators will: 1. increase the use of and enhance the effectiveness of volunteers in area schools and 2. improve school and family partnership efforts in largely mono-lingual or bi-lingual Spanish-speaking neighborhoods. Individuals with experience working in Latino/Hispanic communities strongly encouraged to apply.

Literacy Library Jobs: California :: Burbank

Literacy Jobs - California

Literacy Clerk - PT
Burbank Library Literacy Services
Application Deadline: Jan 18, 2013

Please call William Byrne, Literacy Coor., for more information: 818 . 238 . 5577

LITERACY LIBRARY CLERK - Grant Funded Position
Salary: $13.90 - $19.16 Hourly
Part-Time, approximately 25-30 hours per week. Required to work a flexible schedule, this includes evenings and Saturdays, in support of Literacy Services’ hours.
This is a non-benefited, grant-funded position through June 2013.
Background Check required.

Definition
Under general supervision, to provide basic library services in Literacy Services; to perform a variety of clerical tasks; and to do related work as required (including Intake/Assessment/Support; and assist with Outreach and Fundraising).

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:
Knowledge of - telephone etiquette; basic mathematics; basic alphabetizing and filing; simple decimal numbers.

Education/Training:
High school graduation or equivalent. Ability to type 35 net words per minute. NOTE: Clerical experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis for a maximum of one year.

Supplemental Information:
A valid California Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent may be required at time of appointment.

CA & National Literacy / Library Event Calendar: January 2013

California Literacy & Library Events:
January 2013

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

California Literacy Events: January 2013
Jan. 4 RAIN: Beatles Tribute - San Diego Council on Literacy
Jan. 5 Sensory Friendly Films - MONSTERS INC in 2D – 10a
Jan. 10+ Orton Gillingham Level 1 Certificate – Cyberspace
Jan. 12 LD Adult Support Group Providence Tarzana Med Ctr – 10a
Jan. 18+ Asilomar Reading Conference, Pacific Grove CA
Jan. 18+ California Kindergarten Conference, Santa Clara CA

National & International Literacy Events: January 2013
Jan. 5 Autism Sensory Friendly Films: MONSTERS INC in 2D – 10a
Jan. 6+ Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu
Jan. 19 Early Literacy Conference, Rice Univ
Jan. 27 Family Literacy Day - Canada
Jan. 28+ National Literacy Action Week
Jan. 30+ Assistive Technology Industry Assn Conference, Orlando FL

SAVE THE DATE

Literacy Conference

March 9, 2013

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame

SCLLN Tutor Training Calendar: January 2013

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar: January 2013

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

Tutor Orientations and Workshops

Jan. 8 Literacy Tutor Training = READ/San Diego – 6p
Jan. 9 Literacy Learner Training = READ/San Diego – 5:45p
Jan. 10 Literacy Tutor Training = Burbank Library – 6p
Jan. 12 ESL Tutor Training - San Gabriel VLC Pasadena – 9a
Jan. 12 Literacy Tutor Training = Whittier Area Literacy – 9a
Jan. 14 Literacy Learner Training - READ/San Diego – 9:45a
Jan. 15 Youth Literacy Training = Santa Fe Springs Library – 6p
Jan. 19 ESL Tutor Training = San Diego County Library – 9:30a
Jan. 23 Literacy Tutor Orientation - READ OC – 1p
Jan. 23 Literacy Tutor Orientation - Ventura County Library – 5p
Jan. 23 Literacy Tutor Orientation - READ OC – 6p
Jan. 26 ESL Tutor Training - Laubach Literacy, Ventura – 8a
Jan. 27 Literacy Learner Orientation = Newport Beach Library – 6p

SAVE  THE  DATE

Literacy Conference

March 9, 2013

Happy Holidays

Holiday Light Show - NBC News

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Literacy Jobs - California

Literacy Jobs - California

Fresno County Family Literacy Coordinator - FT
Owens Valley Career Development Center
Application Deadline: Dec 28
Oversee the design and provision of individualized courses given to Native Adults, including, but not limited to: Adult Education Services, Early Childhood Education Services, Parenting Education, Family Formation Activities

Education – Instructor
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles - PT
Application Deadline: Open

Under the supervision of the Area Manager or designated Coordinator, assumes responsibility for providing educational, competency and career development services to clients.

Conduct assessment of participants using the CASAS Employability Competency System, including the ECS appraisal and appropriate level test. Conduct instruction in individual and group settings in work readiness, life skills and basic skills.

Los Angeles Public Library - READ Newsletter Fall 2012

Los Angeles Public Library
READ Newsletter: Fall 2012

Judy’s Story
by Tutor: Judy Meyers

I started working with the literacy program 4 years ago. I loved working with my first student so much that when she moved out of town, I wanted to repeat the experience. However, when I received information on my new student, my enthusiasm waned. Apparently, she needed help with her English. She was a college graduate and had a job. How much could I really help her?

Working with my first student had been so exciting. She learned how to read at 37 years old which opened up an entire new world for her, including going for her college degree. Working with this new student didn’t sound like it was going to be nearly as satisfying. So, I called Peggy, our literacy coordinator and explained my ambivalence. She responded that helping someone improve their English can also change their life. I thought, okay, I guess I’ll give it a try.

The “try” has lasted for more then a year. My student, Monserrat, is a new challenge. When we first met it was immediately apparent that pronunciation was her huge issue. It is often very hard to understand what she is saying in English, even though she has a fairly extensive vocabulary. We discovered that she has difficulty hearing the difference between certain letter sounds and when she finally can decipher them, the issue becomes how to pronounce them. READ MORE !

LAPL Literacy has a new web page !

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar: December 2012

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar:
December 2012

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

Tutor Orientations and Workshops
Dec 4 Literacy Tutor Orientation = Carlsbad Library 12p
Dec 8 Literacy Tutor Training = LAPL 10a
Dec 15 Literacy Tutor Orientation = South Bay LC @ Torrance Library 10a
Dec 20 Literacy Tutor Orientation = Carlsbad Library 6p

Southern California and California Literacy Events: December 2012
Dec 1 Literacy & Arts Festival – Santa Clarita
Dec 8 LD Adult Support Group – Providence Tarzana Med Ctr 10a
Dec 8 Sensory Friendly Films = RISE OF GUARDIANS @ 10am

National & International Literacy Events: October 2012

Dec 1+ Head Start Parent Conf – Dallas TX
Dec 3+ What is Dyslexia – Cyberspace
Dec 5   Intl Volunteer Day
Dec 6+ Intl Summit of the Book – Library of Congress

2013 SCLLN Literacy Conference: March 9

SCLLN Literacy Conference
March 9 2013
Buena Park Holiday Inn



SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar: November 2012

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar: November 2012

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

November is Picture Book Month

Nov 19 Literacy Learner Orientation = READ/San Diego @ 5:45p

Nov 20 Literacy Tutor Orientation = READ/San Diego @ 10a
Nov 20 Literacy READ Tour = Ventura County Library @ 6:30p
Nov 28+ Literacy Research Assoc., San Diego
Nov 28+ TASH Conference, Long Beach
Nov 28+ Zero to Three Institute, LA
Nov 30 Drawing a Blank-Comprehension Readers on Autism Spectrum @ 8a

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame

Newport Beach Library - Literally Speaking Oct/Nov 2012

Literally Speaking Newsletter
Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy
October/November 2012

International Literacy Day . . .
Tutor Connection . . .
Snapshot: Isabel Sevilla – 2012 Hoffman Award . . .

Centro Latino for Literacy - PBS Community Champion Hispanic Heritage Month

PBS Community Champion
Hispanic Heritage Month

PBS SoCal showcased Centro Latino during a 3-minute video, part of the American Graduate: Let's Make it Happen Initiative. Board, students and staff were featured in this video creating a good feeling all around.

Click here to see the video.

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar: November 2012

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar: November 2012

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

Nov 6 Literacy Tutor Orientation = READ/San Diego 10am
Nov 6 Literacy Tutor Orientation = Carlsbad Library 12N
Nov 7 Literacy Learner Orientation = READ/San Diego 9:45am
Nov 8 Literacy Tutor Orientation = READ/San Diego 10am
Nov 8 Literacy Tutor Workshop = Newport Beach Library 5:30pm
Nov 8 Literacy Tutor Training = Burbank Library 6pm
Nov 10 Literacy Tutor Training = San Diego Co Library 10am
Nov 10 Literacy Tutor Orientation = South Bay Literacy, Torrance Library 10am
Nov 13 Literacy Tutor Orientation = READ/San Diego 10am
Nov 15 Literacy Tutor Orientation = READ/San Diego 10am
Nov 15 Literacy Tutor Orientation = Carlsbad Library 6pm
Nov 17 Literacy Tutor Training = Los Angeles Public Library 10am

Nov 15 Trivia Challenge Fundraiser – Ventura County Library 6pm

Info about local Tutor Training Workshops is always Scrolling in the Right Frame

CA & National Literacy / Library Event Calendar: November 2012

California Literacy & Library Events:
November 2012

for more Literacy and Library Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

Southern California & California November 2012 Calendar
National Picture Book Month

Nov. 1 National Family Literacy Day
Nov. 2+ California Library Association Conference, San Jose
Nov. 2+ Literacy Poster Sessions @ California Library Association
Nov. 3 Literacy Interest Group @ CLA
Nov. 3 Intl Gaming Day @ Your Library
Nov. 3 Comic Con - Long Beach
Nov. 3 Fall Gala: Children’s Literature Council of Southern California
Nov. 3 San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival
Nov. 10 Autism Sensory Friendly Film WRECK-IT RALPH 10am AMC Theaters
Nov. 10 Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group, Providence Tarzana Medical
Nov. 13 Fall Literacy Conference - South Bay Literacy Council
Nov. 15 PETER PAN - San Diego Council on Literacy
Nov. 16+ CA School Library Assoc Conference, San Jose
Nov. 28+ Literacy Research Assoc Conference, San Diego
Nov. 28+ Zero to Three Institute, Los Angeles

National Literacy & Library Events: November 2012
National Picture Book Month

Nov. 1 National Family Literacy Day
Nov. 1 National Author’s Day
Nov. 1+ Read Write Act Conference – Cyberspace
Nov. 3  Intl Gaming Day @ Your Library
Nov. 3+ Library 2.012 Virtual Conference - Cyberspace
Nov. 10 Autism Sensory Friendly Film WRECK-IT RALPH 10am AMC Theaters
Nov. 14+ National Black Storytelling Festival, Baltimore
Nov. 17 Tellabration - Nationwide
Nov. 28+ Zero to Three Institute, Los Angeles

San Diego Public Library

READ/San Diego
- has a new URL

Adult and Family Literacy Services

Why Literacy Matters !
More than 150 people are on a waiting list for this free literacy program! Become a Volunteer Literacy Tutor. Your volunteerism can help change lives! See real life stories:

Maria Gonzalez
Following her participation in the Library's READ/San Diego program, Maria Gonzalez passed her GED, found a job and became active in her children's education. Read more about Maria Gonzalez (PDF).

Bob Perez
At eighty-eight-years old, Bob Perez proves you can gain literacy skills at any age. Read more about Bob Perez (PDF).

See real life stories about how Families' lives have been changed:

Maria Federico brings her youngest children to the Library twice a month to attend the Families for Literacy programs - an activity that is making a big difference for her son, Oscar Acevedo. Read more about Maria's story (PDF).

Erika Sayas
"Thanks to this wonderful program, my kids have become early readers, all of them!" Read more about Erika's story (PDF).

National Family Literacy Day: Nov 1

National Family Literacy Day
November 1
National Center for Family Literacy

Cultivating Readers is a parent guide to building reading skills in children ages birth to eight. The guide gives tangible tips for parents to implement and also includes a calendar of monthly language activities to stimulate learning throughout the year.
Available: November 12.
Can download or be ordered free of charge for a limited time (in English and Spanish).

Wonderopolis:
Create. Laugh. Imagine. Explore. Learn. Smile. A place where wonder and learning are nurtured through the power of discovery, creativity and imagination. Learning is happening everywhere, all the time! Learn something new, try out an idea, create a masterpiece, imagine possibilities. It’s easy. It’s fun.

Literacy . . . Info . . . News . . . Questions: Big Picture

The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia
James Redford, Director
Oct 29 @ 7pm on HBO

By conservative estimates, one in five people are dyslexic. Although very bright and often highly creative, they have a difficult time making sense of written language. I know a little about this. My son, Dylan, is dyslexic.

Like many dyslexics, Dylan is intelligent, thoughtful and intellectually curious – a “big picture” thinker. But at the age of ten, he was barely able to read and write. To say that school was difficult for him is beyond understatement. Now that he is grown and thriving, there are many things that I wish I had known about dyslexia at that time – things that would have helped me understand that his struggle in lower and middle school was not the final verdict on his academic or intellectual ability or ambition. When I was given the extraordinary opportunity to make a film about understanding dyslexia, the mission was simple: make the movie I wish my family could have seen when Dylan was functionally illiterate in 4th grade.

The film also shares some of the more practical – and occasionally humorous – tips on how to deal with dyslexia on a daily basis. Hopefully, this film will help dyslexics and their families realize that the challenges of early education will be behind them one day, and that the future can – and should – be brighter for dyslexics.

Drs. Salley and Bennett Shaywitz, co-directors of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, discuss how scientific advances illuminate the diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia. Dr. Bennett Shaywitz explains how advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging has made visible what previously was a hidden disability. Dr. Sally Shaywitz explains the "Sea of Strengths" model of dyslexia which emphasizes a sea of strengths of higher critical thinking and creativity surrounding the encapsulated weakness found in children and adults who are dyslexic.

Super-achieving dyslexics revered in their fields – from Sir Richard Branson and financier Charles Schwab to politician Gavin Newsom and attorney David Boies – confirm what the children, experts and families suggest: dyslexia carries with it as many rewards as frustrations. READ MORE !

Other HBO Dates:
Nov 4 @ 1:00 pm
Nov 8 @ 10:00 am
Nov 13 @ 3:30 pm
HBO2
Oct 31 @ 4:30 pm
Nov 7 @ 8:30 pm
Nov 11 @ 6:00 am

Orange County Library - READ Writes Sep/Oct 2012

READ Writes
September/October 2012
READ OC Newsletter

ADULT LEARNERS ARE WAITING FOR YOUR HELP! BECOME A VOLUNTEER TUTOR . . . 1
LEARNING BLOOMS ALL YEAR LONG! CELEBRATE LEARNING SUCCESSES . . . 1
READ/ORANGE COUNTY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS . . . 2

Oceanside Library - Women’s Club Boosts Future Educator

Women’s Club Boosts Future Educator
Oceanside READS Newsletter: Fall 2012

“My goal in life is to become a university professor of English,” says Felipe Lagunes, 22, recipient of this year’s $500 award to a READS student from Oceanside Women’s Club.

Felipe, a 7 Eleven store employee, has been working with tutor Andrea Spolidoro since September, 2011.

He intends to use his award money to assist with college expenses; he began classes at MiraCosta College in August. “I honestly feel warm deep in my heart from all of the people who have taken time to help me out and reach my dreams,” he said. “I am really glad that I met Andrea and [READS Coordinator] Corrie Miles . . . They have been such important and helpful people who are willing to go with me through this.”

Felipe also gives his thanks to the Women’s Club, led by Maggie Owen, and the Oceanside Public Library.

Monterey Park Library - Walk 4 Literacy

Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library
LAMP
Walk 4 Literacy
October 20

Yes !

It’s that time of year once again when we all come together to walk for literacy and to raise funds for our literacy program - LAMP! Please plan on attending this annual walk and support our program by raising awareness of literacy needs in the community. Ask your friends and family to sponsor you or bring them with you the morning of October 20, 2012 at Barnes Park. Preregistrations will be taken in the LAMP Office. Register early to reserve your free t-shirt. For more information and to register, please call the LAMP office at (626) 307-1251.

Online donations are also be available.

Huntington Beach Library - Family Literacy’s Amy Crepeau is presented the July Mayor's Award

Family Literacy’s Amy Crepeau
is presented the July Mayor's Award
Huntington Beach Library

Amy Crepeau is in charge of the Huntington Beach Library’s Family Literacy Program. Amy and her small staff of part-time employees work with local community members who need to improve their English language skills.

These are parents and working people who need better reading, writing and conversational skills in order to help their children in school, communicate effectively with doctors and teachers, get better jobs, and ensure the health and security of their families. It’s a program that changes lives.

From her office at the library’s Oak View branch, Amy recruits and trains (and inspires!) volunteers who work with adult learners to acquire the English skills they need to become active and productive members of the community. Amy writes grants and seeks funding to keep the program alive, encourages both her tutors and her learners at every step, designs programs that meet the schedules and needs of her learners, and greets everyone in the program by name.

To form a closer bond and to communicate better with the families she serves, Amy took it on herself to learn Spanish. Within a very short time she was conducting programs in both languages. She started a bilingual story time for families where two languages are spoken, and hosts an annual awards event that recognizes the amazing accomplishments of both learners and their volunteer tutors.

To see Amy greeting children and embracing their parents, to see the excitement among those who reach their learning goals and to see the affection in which Amy is held by the community is to see the best in what libraries and literacy have to offer.

Redlands Library - Literacy advocate is featured speaker at Smiley

Literacy Changes Lives
Literacy advocate is featured speaker at Smiley
Redlands Daily Facts: 9.26.2012 by Ed Castro

REDLANDS - The Adult Literacy Program at the A.K. Smiley Library will reach out to potential students in a big way next month.

The event, hosted by Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library, will feature a presentation by John Zickefoose, who didn't learn to read until his 30s but worked his way through a literacy program and at one point led the adult literacy program in Corona.

The event will be held on Oct. 15 in the library's general assembly room.

"I think it certainly gives him a great deal of credibility among those who come in and ask for help," said Trudy Waldron, one of the library's volunteer Literacy Program Coordinators. "He is a genuine, warm person."

The hope is that Zickefoose's presentation will serve as motivation for those struggling with literacy issues.

Zickefoose managed to graduate from high school but it wasn't until he received requests for help from his young son that he finally decided to improve his literacy. Info: 909-798-7565, Ext. 4138. READ MORE !

LA Femme International Film Festival: A Passion for Literacy is Rekindled by the film Maestra!

LA Femme International Film Festival:
A Passion for Literacy is Rekindled by the film Maestra!
Hollywood Today: 10.09.2012 by Kathy Leonardo

Independent filmmaker Catherine Murphy has been on a mission. For the past six years she has been consumed with the issue of literacy. Meeting a group of Cuban women while in Havana during the 1990s opened a door to a new passion. Maestra, the film, was born out of a revelation. Compassion, strength, hope, dedication, and love were all traits that the nine women in this film had in common – which they credited in large part to participating in the Cuban Literacy Campaign of 1961.

.       .       .       .       .       .       .

Murphy is also the founder of a nonprofit organization known as The Literacy Project. “It was during the process of making this film that I started to research and learn about what a massive unsolved global problem literacy still is…including right here in the United States,” she adds. READ MORE !

Maestra will be screened at the LA Femme International Film Festival
Oct 13 @ Noon
Davidson/Valentini Theatre
1125 N McCadden Place LA 90038