Literacy Tribune: January 2011

Literacy Tribune: January 2011
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story:
Which Came First: Reading or Writing? by Bud Pues
What does the word “read” really mean?

A History Lesson: Franklin D. Roosevelt by Alison Werner
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often known simply as FDR, was born in Hyde Park, New York, on January 30, 1882, to a wealthy family.

Member Spotlight: Taking That First Step: Milton Whitley
Admitting you need help with anything is hard. Asking for help can be even harder. But making the decision to ask for help can change one’s life, as many adult learners have discovered.

Technology Watch: Dropbox by Daniel Pedroza
Ever wonder what would happen if your computer was stolen or damaged? How would you recover your files? Dropbox is a great option for protecting your computer files.

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?

You can write about:
Your road to literacy
Your literacy organization
Literacy resources you like
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology

You can write just about anything !

CA & National Literacy Calendar: January 2011

California Literacy Calendar: January 2011

SCLLN

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

visit

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

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

Local and California Literacy Events: January 2011

Jan 8-10am: Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group – Tarzana
Jan 8-10am: Sensory Friendly Films -YOGI BEAR – AMC Theaters
Jan 14+: Asilomar Reading Conference – Pacific Grove
Jan 14+: CA Kindergarten Conference – Santa Clara
Jan 21: What’s New in Children’s Literature, BER - Sacramento
Jan 21+: Riverside Dickens Festival
Jan 27: Practical Strategies-Students Learning Challenges, BER – Arcadia

National & International Literacy Events: January 2011

Jan 4+: Hawaii Intl Conference on Education
Jan 8-10am: Sensory Friendly Films -YOGI BEAR – AMC Theaters
Jan 26+: Assistive Tech Industry Assn Conference – Orlando
Jan 27: Family Literacy Day - Canada

Huntington Beach Library - Job Posting: LITERACY PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Huntington Beach Public Library
Job Posting: LITERACY PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Closing Date: January 21, 2011
Salary: $4,463.00 - $5,529.00 Monthly
Job Type: Full-Time
Closing Date: January 21, 2011
Salary: $4,463.00 - $5,529.00 Monthly
Job Type: Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, plans, implements, coordinates, promotes, and supervises all training provided by the Adult Literacy Program.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Reports to: Senior Librarian
Supervises: Volunteer program tutors

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Literacy Program Specialist is a single-position classification with responsibility for overseeing all training programs to improve adult literacy.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Designs, develops and coordinates adult literacy programs offered by the City Library

• Recommends and implements goals and objectives related to adult literacy; establishes schedules and methods for providing adult literacy programs; implements policies and procedures

• Trains and supervises paid and volunteer support staff; recruits, trains and supports tutors; assigns duties and completes employee performance appraisals.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, administration, library science, social or behavioral science or other closely related field.

Experience: Three (3) years’ experience developing and implementing adult education programs and activities.

An official City of Huntington Beach online job application must be filled out in its entirety. READ MORE !

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy 2010 - Anne Cain Contra Costa County Library

OUTSTANDING LIBRARIAN
IN SUPPORT OF LITERACY AWARD
2010 Award Winner: Anne Cain
Contra Costa County Library

Anne Cain understands the strong correlation between reading skills and everyday success. As such, under her leadership the Project Second Chance (PSC) has become an integral part of the Contra Costa County Library's strategic plan to support reading and literacy. Anne keenly understands that the cause of literacy needs to be a consistent presence in the community, and she has fought successfully to make all PSC staff county positions rather than temporary contract staff. Further, in an era of terrible cut-backs, she has never hinted that cut-backs might be required in literacy. Anne values PSC and uses our program as a model for service delivery throughout the library.

But perhaps even more important than all this is that Anne "gets it." She understands the importance of volunteers. She talks to students like the real people they are and listens to them, is touched by their courage, and celebrates their successes. One PSC student, Kristi C., stated"Anne Cain has been a huge supporter of PSC. She believes everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to read, and she knows that reading can change your life. I know from personal experience that Anne Cain is a literacy hero."

Anne has always said that knowing PSC students has made her a better person. Well, Anne has made PSC a better program. Retiring in November, 2010, Anne's and her fan club - all of the staff, tutors, and students of PSC - want her to know that her legacy of support for literacy will live on. And we hope that she will receive this well-deserved recognition as she truly is an "Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy."

This award, established in 2003 (Literacy Interest Group), recognizes and honors a librarian who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support literacy.

Past Winners
2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library
2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library
2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library
2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library
2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library
2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library
2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

Huntington Beach Library - Literacy Celebrates 26th Anniversary

Literacy Celebrates 26th Anniversary
Open Doors: December 2010

Literacy Volunteers - HBPL celebrated 26 years of teaching, learning and multi-cultural good will by honoring our volunteers and students at Central Library. Mayor Cathy Green and Councilman Joe Carchio at-tended.

One 20 year tutor, three 15 year volunteers, four 10 year volunteers and nine five year volunteers received pins and certificates. Outgoing presi-dent Jerry Aspland and outgoing board members Karen Pulley and Sue Belles were thanked for their years of service.

The new officers for this fiscal year are Donna Mason, president; Jerry Aspland, vice president; John Gutsmiedl, treasurer; and Mary Tamulaitis, secretary.

The accreditation team was honored, as well as Duck-A-Thon leaders Todd Pelkey and Dionne Cox.

The major tutor/student awards went to Kathleen Korona and Mina Park, Ellen Gutsmiedl and Bellcy Meehan, Lori Barraza and Mary Tran, and Margaret Garrison and Bo Hun. Donna Mason gave out 33 door prize books which were donated by board and staff members, and everyone enjoyed coffee, ice cream, and gigantic cupcakes.

Thanks to all the students, tutors, C-teamers and the entire board of directors for all their wonderful work this year.

This fiscal year Literacy Volunteers at Central and Oak View Libraries served 607 volunteers and adult students, donating more than 13,600 hours of service to the community, the work of more than six full-time people. Total literacy attendance including tutoring and family literacy story times exceeded 26,500. Since 1984, 5541 literacy volunteers have helped 6350 adult literacy students improve their skills.

Newport Beach Library - Adult Learner Blog -a special potluck party

a special potluck party
beginner… learner… December 4, 2010

to me, the special table with having Afsaneh, Yucari, Frencine and her son, Bruce and his son, daughter.

I got up early in the morning today compared to any other weekend because I had to cook Kabocha salad until 8:30 am at least for 2010 Holiday Potluck & Annual Meeting hold by Newport Beach Public Library Literacy Program at Newport Coast Community Center. I was done everything for the potluck party, I started the engine of my car and I turned off the engine after 15 minutes.

I took out a rectangular foil tray from the trunk of my car, I walked to main entrance.

As soon as I pushed the door, a nice woman was standing nearby sort of a reception desk.

"Hi!" "Good Morning!" I said first...I think I said first....

"Good Morning!" she also said after me. Right after the greeting, I felt so cozy.

If you are an English native-speaker, you might don't know that someone's 'hello' with a smile face make me comfortable when I go to somewhere alone even the saying is hello.

The party was started a harmonic performance by Edie and Friends. Everyone at the party was busy to talk to each other, and they seemed to be happy to be there. During Brunch sequence of the annual party, I emptied my plate which was filed with exotic foods, and absolutely I left the space for desserts in my stomach. Right after I tried many varied sweet which looked like decorations for Christmas dessert table. You know....when I am in party and I see assorted desserts, I feel that 'I am really in America.' hahahaha.....anyway...

I had a wonderful time with leaders and learners. The party was so great as annual. And there were special moments at the party to me. Firstly, I met Afsaneh at the party. She was a great learner, but she couldn't attend the literacy programs after getting her job. I missed her. Finally I met her today. She had a seat next to me, we talked to each other about saying hello, other learners, news of new class in the literacy program. Moreover Bruce, a wonderful leader, got the prize Volunteer of the Year. I'm sure that he deserves to get the honor. Congratulation Bruce!! I also met his son, Chris, who is gentle and was a good helper in Thursday class during winter break, and his pretty daughter, Candace. And, Yucari won the raffle. She got a gorgeous gift basket as a prize. The above people had the same table with me. Lastly, I was happy to see Afkaham again. She is still in therapy for her shoulder taken a surgery, but her looking was better than I visited her before. Those moments were special to me today.....

there are Bruce and Cherall. Bruce! Congratulation again!



Everything was too good to be true.

From Jiyoung Kang's beginner... learner... blog. Thank you to Ms Kang for letting me including her post on the SCLLN blog. Wish more learners would create and write blogs about their experiences -Congratulations Ms Kang !

Santa Barbara Library - Public Library Literacy Program The Votes Are In: Adult and Family Literacy Wins

Public Library Literacy Program Receives Verizon Grant
The Votes Are In: Adult and Family Literacy Wins
Santa Barbara View: December 14, 2010

After more than 7,000 text message votes for Verizon’s “Vote for Literacy!” campaign were counted, The Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library received enough text message votes to earn a $9,700 grant funded by Verizon customers through the company’s Check Into Literacy program. The top 5 vote getters received grant funds.

The Verizon Foundation presented a check for the grant to the Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library and the Santa Barbara Public Library System on Friday, December 10. “These funds generously donated by Verizon customers will enrich our programs for adult learners and families,” said Beverly Schwartzberg, the Library’s adult literacy coordinator.

The Check Into Literacy program allows Verizon’s landline telephone customers to support literacy by checking a box on their monthly phone bills to make a $1 tax-deductible donation to promote literacy throughout the United States. Verizon then distributes these donations to local literacy organizations that serve the state the customers live in.

The Library’s free adult and family literacy programs provide tutoring services and family programs to hundreds of local residents each year. Adults can receive free tutoring to help with reading, writing, and basic skills, and bring their children to learn about library services and develop school readiness skills. Over 150 community volunteers provide tutoring services at all branch libraries. READ MORE !