Upland Library - Two Upland community heroes chosen for L.A. County Fair

Two Upland community heroes chosen for L.A. County Fair
Upland Now: September 2, 2010 by Sandra Emerson

The city has nominated two "Community Heroes" for this year's L.A. County Fair.

Karissa Burgos, junior hero, and Kathy Pruitt, adult hero, will be honored at 5:30 p.m. during Upland Day during the fair at Fairplex, 1101 West McKinley Ave. Pomona, on Sept. 9.

Every year the L.A. County Fair honors community heroes from 18 surrounding cities during the 23-day-long event.

Upland Day will celebrate volunteers, humanitarians, students, neighbors and community organizations working to make their city a better place to live. There will be a parade down Broadway featuring civic organizations and school bands. Cost is $5 before 5 p.m.

6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Adult Hero, Pruitt, volunteers with the Upland Public Library, the Upland Public Library Adult Literacy Program and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Pruitt was described as a "wonderful pillar" of support for the Adult Literacy Program.

She began as a tutor in 1994 and has since tutored 19 students, helping them to meet their literacy goals and logging in more than 2, 500 hours of time in the process.

Pruitt started the Reading Club for adult learners and has raised money for the literacy program - for the last seven years she has participated on the Tutor Titans trivia team at the annual Literacy Trivia Bee and Silent Auction fundraiser.

Pruitt has worked tirelessly as a spokeswoman for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She has served as a liaison between Coiner Nursery and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. READ MORE !

California Literacy Library Calendar: September 2010

California Literacy Calendar: September 2010

SCLLN Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- local, California and National -

visit

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Updates of Tutor Training Workshops Scrolling in Left Frame

Local and California Literacy Events: September 2010

September:
Festival of Children Month = South Coast Plaza
Library Card Sign-Up Month @ Public Libraries Everywhere !

Sep 01: Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group – 7pm – Sherman Oaks
Sep 02: Tutor Information South Bay Literacy Council – 7pm Torrance Library
Sep 04: Sensory Friendly Films - Nanny McPhee Returns – 10am – AMC LA to SD
Sep 07: Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group Culver City @ 7pm
Sep 08: Writer To Writer Launch – SCLLN
Sep 10: Manos Amigas/Helping Hands - Centro Latino for Literacy LA @ 6:30pm
Sep 11: CATESOL LA Regional Conference– CSUF
Sep 11-12: Santa Monica Book Fair
Sep 11: ESL Tutor Training - SGVLC Pasadena @ 9am
Sep 11: Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group Providence Tarzana @ 10am
Sep 13+: Reading Comprehension Strategies = On Line Cyberspace
Sep 16: Literacy Spelling Bee - Kern Literacy Council @ 5pm
Sep 18: Literacy Spelling Bee Fundraiser - Santa Maria City Library @ 1pm
Sep 21: Literacy Tutor Workshop - Kern Adult Literacy Council @ 5:30pm
Sep 24+: Southern California Writers' Conference Newport Beach
Sep 24: Literacy Scrabble Fundraiser - Santa Barbara Public Library @ 5pm

National Literacy Events: September 2010
Library Card Sign-Up Month @ Public Libraries Everywhere !

Sep 01+: Global Artistry Leo & Diane Dillon Ellen Noel Art Museum TX
Sep 04: Sensory Friendly Films - Nanny McPhee Returns @ 10am - AMC Theaters
Sep 07+: Knuffle Funny: Art & Whimsy Mo Willems Cincinnati Public Library
Sep 08: International Literacy Day
Sep 10: Literacy Leadership Awards Center for the Book, Library of Congress – 5:30pm
Sep 13+: National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week - Nationwide
Sep 15: Literacy Leadership Awards – Wash DC @ 5:30pm
Sep 20+: Family Literacy Training Louisville, Kentucky
Sep 21+: NC Health Literacy Conference - Greensboro NC
Sep 24: National Punctuation Day
Sep 25: National Book Festival - National Mall, Washington DC
Sep 25+: Banned Book Week
Sep 30: National StoryNight – Nationwide

Orange Co Library - READ/Orange County - Tutors Write

READ/Orange County
Read Writes Newsletter: August 2010

Tutors Write

Some tutors write journals with their learners. Some tutors write journals for themselves. Some tutors really enjoy writing and share their enthusiasm with their learners. Some tutors dream about writing their own books, some have begun writing that book, AND some READ/OC tutors have accomplished that goal! Then, there are some tutors who are a bit uneasy about writing.

And there are a few things about writing that all tutors share and hopefully do not avoid:

• Writing lesson plans for their tutoring sessions
• Incorporating writing into tutoring lessons and learner’s goals
• Modeling writing during tutoring sessions
• Encouraging learners to write
• And, of course, writing (and submitting) monthly reports about tutoring sessions, learners’ goals and progress toward those goals

John Palmer is a tutor who does just that. John commits significant time in planning his weekly lesson plans. Each month he thoughtfully and faithfully prepares monthly reports and even gets them to the READ/OC office by the 5th of each month (often delivering them in person!).

He became a tutor with READ/OC in 2001 and has been a tutor to 5 learners. He always includes writing in his tutoring sessions and says writing helps “preserve what you hear.” When asked about the writing component in his tutoring sessions, John feels writing is a “bridge” to learning and improving reading. “When you read the words you see, you hear them in your mind.” He feels the only way to preserve reading and learning is to write it down, and “then when you read what you’ve written, you can hear the words in your head and remember.” Continued on page 4

Learners Write Too

Yun Wu came to READ/OC to get help with her reading, writing, and speaking skills.

She felt that she needed to improve those skills in order to express herself. After being assessed, Yun learned that she did not need the basic help she was seeking. What she did need was confidence. Yun was invited to attend monthly learner meetings where she would be able to work and converse with other learners who also wanted to improve their skills.

Yun began attending the meetings on a regular basis. It was in those meetings that Yun quickly gained the confidence she needed. Yun was always eager to read aloud or share her thoughts and she began to shine. She motivated and encouraged the other learners to do the same. In 2009, Yun decided to enter Writer to Writer, a writing challenge for adult learners in California Library Literacy Programs.

As required by the contest, Yun had to write a letter to the author of a book that inspired her. The book she chose was The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale. Yun was chosen as a finalist and her letter to Norman Vincent Peale was published in 2009 Writer to Writer: Letters of the Award Winners and Finalist publication. Read Yun’s letter on page 4.

Santa Maria Library - There’s a New Website for Tutors!

There’s a New Website for Tutors!
Central Coast Literacy Newsletter: Spring 2010

Tutor911 is now available. Sharon Hushka, Bethel-Daytime Center Director, recently created a website with a variety of resources and information available for tutors to use as they endeavor to enhance the learning process for their students.

Some highlights are posted below.
The Tutor Workshop Handbook is available on-line, including the Table of Contents. The Life Skills page offers links to different subjects about the community, financial, and employment issues.

On the Tutor Aids page, resources offered include Dialogue: Common Student Goals. Starting with a list of more than a dozen broad topics, there are at least ten different questions (and answers) posted. These questions allow the students to discuss the different subjects. The interaction can be on a one-to-one basis or as part of a regular group discussion.

As a way to stay organized and to monitor a student's process, the tutor can use the Student Literacy Placement & Progress Record. This form provides links to resources found in the Tutor Workshop Handbook and entries for some of the materials used in teaching, i.e. English, No Problem! and Rosetta Stone.

The Central Coast Literacy Council, in partnership with the Santa Maria Public Library, has a newly redesigned website; check it out .

San Diego Public Library - San Diego Public Library Foundation What’s Your Story ?

San Diego Public Library Foundation
What’s Your Story ?

Maria Gonzalez

“My goal in writing my story is to let the world know the importance of literacy and how READ/San Diego affected my life and family.” Following her participation in the Library’s READ/San Diego program, Mira Gonzalez passed her GED, found a job and became active in her children’s education. Read more.

Bob Perez“I got my first library card ever at the age of 84. You are never too old to learn and you've got to make an effort to learn because it will change your life. You couldn't ask for anything better than READ/San Diego and the San Diego Public Library.” Eighty-eight-year-old Bob Perez proves you can gain literacy skills at any age. Read more.

Maria Federico “Oscar loved the book of poetry so much…he hasn’t put it down since! But I really don’t mind. I’m so happy he is reading.” Maria Federico brings her youngest children to the Library twice a month to attend the Families for Literary programs – an activity that is making a big difference for her son, Oscar Acevedo. Read more.

Evilia Herrerra“The library’s computer phonics game helped prepare my son, Angel, to read.” Five-year-old Angel Herrerra gained many skills from the Early Childhood Literacy Workstations at his branch library - including a love of learning and reading. Read more.

San Bernardino Public Library - Rights to Literacy Campaign

Rights to Literacy Campaign
Julia Amante Blog: July 29, 2010 - Repost

As an author and former teacher, a mother of young children and a Latina-American who adores and credits libraries and books with the fact that she had the opportunity to become literate, I'm very proud to be participating in a rights to literacy campaign this weekend at my local library.

The best way for me to share information about this event is to let the two fabulous ladies running the events this weekend speak for themselves.

Linda Adams, Computer Lab Coordinator
Paula Miller, Literacy Program Coordinator

Julia: The Norman F. Feldheym Library always has so many great events for the community. You have an upcoming event this weekend. Can you share what the Delcaration to the Rights to Literacy National Literacy Campaign is, and what the public will be signing between July 31st and August 3rd?

Linda and Paula: In June 2009 at the National Community Literacy Conference, a Right to Literacy Convention convened. Delegates from across the country discussed and voted on the U. S. Declaration for the Right to Literacy.

The need is clear – tens of millions of adults and children do not have the skills needed to succeed in life. Literacy is the number one tool to make change and impact economic prosperity. The right to literacy must be a National priority!

The Declaration of the Right to Literacy is supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The Right to Literacy Declaration scroll has traveled the country and has been signed by tens of thousands of supporters. The scroll is making its way to the White House and is expected to be presented to President Obama in September 2010 for Literacy Awareness month.

Julia: Wow, that's exciting! I can't wait to sign it. I agree that being literate is the a great determiner of success in life. I always told my students that if they learned to read, they could learn about anything that interested them. It opens doors to their future.

Linda and Paula: Yes, literacy is essential to ensure prosperity for the nation and self determination for the individual. Changes at the national, regional and local level must take place.

Julia: What events will you have and are they open to the public?

Linda and Paula:

On Saturday, July 31 11:00 am to 4:00 pm we have the Local Author Event you'll be participating in. The “Right to Literacy” -- Authors in Support of Literacy

Local Authors will be invited to display, promote and sell their books as well as sign the Literacy Scroll to show their support.

The public will also be encouraged to sign and view the Scroll.

On Tuesday, August 3 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm we'll have - “Right to Literacy” – A Local Celebrations. Jack L. Hill Literacy Center Open House 3:00 – 5:00 pm

An Open House will showcase the Literacy Department of the Library and will be a precursor to the evening event highlighting the Scroll

Well have speakers 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Local Education and Literacy Advocates speak about their lives and work in promotion of a more literate America.

Speakers will include: Miss Dorothy InghramMr. John WeeksMr. Phil Yeh

Reception 7:00 – 8:00 pmLocal politicians and other dignitaries will be invited to sign the “Declaration for the Right to Literacy” Scroll.

These events are open to the public

Julia: What other programs or events are available at the library throughout the year to encourage Literacy?

Linda and Paula:

The Jack L. Hill Literacy Center at the library provides basic literacy, ESL and citizenship classes as well as homework assistance to school age youth to over 450 adults per year. Today the Literacy Center is venturing into helping people with job seeking and preparation. Although this has always been a small portion of what our adult learners are taught, this year finds us working more diligently on this topic.

The library also has a summer reading program for children and teens. We also have early literacy, baby story time and preschool story times to encourage families to be involved in their children’s reading.

Julia: My students in the past, and my own children have participated in some of these programs, like the summer reading program, so I know they are wonderful. Thank you so much for all you do, and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

I encourage anyone who lives close to the library to stop by and sign the scroll!

Here is the library address:Norman F. Feldhym Central Library
555 W. 6th St.
San Bernardino, Ca. 92410
Hugs,
Julia

Thank you to Julia Amante for allowing SCLLN to repost from her blog.

CA & National Literacy Calendar: August 2010

California Literacy Calendar: August 2010

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- local, California and National -

visit

Southern California Library Literacy Networkfor more information

Updates of Tutor Training Workshops Scrolling in Left Frame

Local and California Literacy Events: August 2010

Aug 2: Intro Orton-Gillingham = Cyberspace
Aug 3: Sign 'Right to Literacy' Scroll @ 3pm-7pm = San Bernardino Library
Aug 3: LD Parent Support Group @ 7pm - Culver City
Aug 4: LD Parent Support Group @ 7pm – Sherman Oaks
Aug 5-8: Steinbeck Festival – Salinas CA
Aug 7: Autism Sensory Films CATS & DOGS @10am – in local AMC theaters
Aug 14: LD Adult Support Group @10am – Tarzana
Aug 21: Black Book Expo – LA

National Literacy Events: August 2010

Aug 4-6: Distance Teaching & Learning – Madison WI
Aug 7: Autism Sensory Films CATS & DOGS @10am – AMC theaters by state