New Cuts to Adult Literacy Programs in California Appear Likely

New Cuts to Adult Literacy Programs in California Appear Likely
Policy Notes: 12.12.2011 by Jeff Carter [ Reposted ]

The Sacramento Bee reports this morning that it is likely that California’s revenue expectations will fall far short of what was hoped for when the budget was passed back in in June. The Legislative Analyst’s Office is expecting $3.7 billion less than expected, and according to the budget scheme Governor Brown and the California legislature came up with last spring, this would result in automatic cuts to to libraries, universities and schools. (The governor and the California legislature inserted $2.5 billion in new cuts that automatically trigger if the Governor’s Department of Finance determines California will fall short of their revenue projections.)

These cuts will include $15 million in library funding, which would hit California’s large network of volunteer-driven adult literacy programs pretty hard. The Bee quotes Michael Dillon, a lobbyist for the California Library Foundation, who says the cuts “would significantly impact readers and people trying to get sufficient reading skills.”

In addition, it appears to me that the potential for further cuts to adult education operated by school districts is also a strong possibility. That is because further K-12 reductions are also possible, although the Bee reports that it is unclear how deep into school budgets the state will cut, if at all.

If it does, I would expect further cuts to adult education will result, as school districts respond by continuing to shift dollars away from adult education to shore up K-12 budgets. The California Budget Act (CBA) allows school districts to this, and it has been happening all over California for the last few years. I wrote about one such example here.

The new revenue forecast will be out this week.

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy 2011 - Patricia Lorenzo Santa Clara County Library District

OUTSTANDING LIBRARIAN
IN SUPPORT OF LITERACY AWARD
2011 Award Winner: Patricia Lorenzo
Santa Clara County Library District

Santa Clara County Library District Literacy Manager Honored with California Library Association Award
SCCGov.org: 11.30.2011

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. - Earlier this month, at the California Library Association (CLA) Annual Conference in Pasadena, Santa Clara County Library District Literacy Manager Patricia Lorenzo was presented with the CLA 2011 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award.

“This honor reflects Patricia and The Reading Program’s commitment to our patrons,” said Melinda Cervantes, Santa Clara County Library District Executive Director and County Librarian. “We are grateful the good work of our Library is recognized statewide.”

For the past year and a half, Lorenzo has managed The Reading Program, the Santa Clara County Library District’s literacy program that has helped adults learn to improve their reading and writing skills since 1985.

“Reading is such a rewarding activity because books can be faithful companions and teachers,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Liz Kniss, Delegate of the Santa Clara County Library District Joint Powers Authority. “We celebrate this recognition and the effort it represents - developing basic skills that overcome barriers and open new doors.”

The CLA 2011 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award credited Lorenzo’s leadership, positive can-do attitude, and unwavering sense of purpose to ensure the success of the literacy program.

“We could not be more proud of Patricia’s contributions to The Reading Program and its services for members of our community,” added Derek Wolfgram, Deputy County Librarian for Santa Clara County Library District and President-Elect of the California Library Association. “Patricia has guided the program through a transition that included hiring all new staff, relocating program offices, creating new promotional materials, and developing partnerships with other community agencies.”

“Thanks to the Library’s literacy program each year hundreds of tutor-learner pairs averaging 250 instructional hours per month successfully helps residents learn to read,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Mike Wassermann, Delegate of the Santa Clara County Library District Joint Powers Authority. “We commend Patricia and The Reading Program staff and volunteers for making a significant difference in the lives of many of our residents.”

“I thank all the members of our adult literacy staff for their diligence and commitment, and our dedicated volunteer tutors for their many hours of service,” said Patricia Lorenzo in response to the award. “It has been a pleasure and a true professional privilege to work with all of these talented and enthusiastic individuals! It is incredibly satisfying to be involved in a program with such amazing transformative power to create significant positive changes in the lives of those who participate and persevere.”

The Reading Program pairs adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills with volunteer tutors who commit to at least two hours of tutoring per week. To learn more about becoming either a learner or a tutor for The Reading Program, call (408) 262-1349. READ MORE !

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
2010: Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library
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

CA & National Literacy Calendar: December 2011

California Literacy Calendar: December 2011

SCLLN

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

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

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

Southern California Literacy Events: Decmeber 2011
Dec 1 Winter Reading Land – WORD AV Barnes Noble, Antelope Valley
Dec 5 International Volunteer Day

National & International Literacy Events: December 2011Dec 5 International Volunteer Day
Dec 7+ Publishing App Expo – NY
Dec 9+ Natl Head Start Assc Parent Training – New Orleans
Dec 9+ Zero to Three Institute – Washington DC

Pasadena Library - Guest View: Can computers replace a tutor?

Guest View: Can computers replace a tutor?
SGV Tribune: 11.23.2011 by Robert Lang

As a longstanding Pasadena Library volunteer, I have a bone to pick. I have chosen to do so publicly because I believe the issues involved go to the core of the "what, me worry?" attitude that is turning many of our public service employees into work-to-rule adversaries instead of the helpful civil servants we pay them to be.

A few months ago, the Pasadena Library system disbanded its group of 30-odd adult literacy tutors and replaced them with computer terminals. Disbelieving, I contacted the Pasadena Reads program coordinator and learned, not surprisingly, that the decision was budget-driven. Fair enough, I thought, we all have to deal with limited resources these days, but what if I were to volunteer my services on a 20-hour-a-week basis as the new administrator for the program? I put the offer in writing and asked that it be forwarded to the library's decision maker.

Having worked with several adult literacy students over the years, my wife and I have learned many lessons. First is the fact that men and women brave enough to do something about their illiteracy need and deserve a living, breathing teacher to provide the skills, feedback, praise and encouragement they must have to succeed. For all the good a completely computer-based literacy program will do them, they might just as well be tossed into a pit of vipers. You think you have a fear of computers? Try using one without being able to read the words in front of you.

Over the years, Pasadena Reads has had a dramatic impact on the lives of many our educational system has left behind. A shocking number of learners have completed junior high; some have high school diplomas. In less than 30 months, one student progressed from stumbling over a first-grade workbook to actively participating in a group discussions sponsored by Pasadena's One City, One Story program. Another student swelled with pride when two years of hard work paid off with a 50 per centage point improvement in his civil service test score. READ MORE !

Libraries Are Essential Public Goods

Why It's Time To Speak Up For Our Libraries
Huffington Post: 11.15.2011 by Andrew Losowsky

Libraries are essential public goods.

Like our public parks and museums, public libraries are free, non-commercial gathering places for everyone, regardless of income. If information is power, then libraries are the essence of democracy and freedom. In these times of economic difficulty, more people are using them than ever, to do more than merely check out books.

Yet our nation's public libraries appear to be under threat by a litany of cuts, forced upon them by state and local committees, cuts that often began before the recent economic downturn. In a survey conducted by the Library Journal, 93% of large libraries reported having laid off staff, cut their opening hours, or both. In several states, including Indiana and Michigan, library branches have permanently closed their doors.

In a new Huffington Post series called Libraries In Crisis, we'll be looking at how today's libraries are about more than books. We'll show how they can be a community resource where reliable information and guidance is provided, free of bias and commercial influence.

This occasional series will look at the economic reasons for the current situation, and its consequences throughout the country. It will showcase models for library evolution, and hear from prominent voices about what makes a viable and vital library system. READ MORE !

Read the first piece in this series, "The Death Of The Public Library?"

California Library Funding in Jeopardy

LIBRARY FUNDING IN JEOPARDY
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED !“Spare Public Libraries From the Trigger!”

The Director of the Department of Finance asserted that the legislation, AB 121, gives the Department very little flexibility and “wiggle room.”

Libraries would have to be part of a larger, alternative compromise proposal.

If the trigger is pulled, there may be other options, including asking the legislature or the Governor to replace the $15.2 million during next year’s Budget deliberations.

For any of these efforts to work, pressure must be brought to bear by our strong grass roots library supporters.CALL – FAX - WRITE

Governor
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento CA 95814
916 . 445 . 2841

Find your Assembly Member or State Senator

St Sen Darrell Steinberg
St Sen Bob Dutton
Assemblyman John A. Perez
Assemblywoman Connie Conway

Altogether, the new budget makes California a far meaner place than before. That's not exactly what Brown promised while campaigning at this time last year, but it's what we've got now.

Huntington Beach Library - Literacy Celebrates 27th Anniversary

Literacy Celebrates 27th AnniversaryOpen Doors: September.2011

Literacy Volunteers-HBPL celebrated 27 years of teaching, learning and multi-cultural goodwill by honoring volunteers and adult learners at Central Library.

One 20-year tutor, five 15-year volunteers, four 10-year volunteers and seven five-year volunteers received pins and certificates. Outgoing board members Jerry Aspland and Mary Tamulaitis were thanked for their years of service. Principal Librarian Mary Wilson, Senior Librarian Kevin Moran, and Library Board member Dionne Cox attended the event.

The awards for Tutor and Learner of the year went to Mimi Juarez and Scott Sherman. Five Adult Learner Awards were presented:

Outstanding Achievement: June L, tutored by Corey Robb
Reading Award: Huong L, tutored by Rosemarie LeFort
Outstanding Writer: Margarita C, tutored by Linda Kimes
Persistence Award: Akiko K, tutored by Jennifer Shim
Outstanding Progress: Chase P, tutored by Jan Murphy

This fiscal year Literacy Volunteers at Central and Oak View Libraries served 600 volunteers and adult students, donating more than 15,000 hours of service to the community, the work of more than seven full-time people. Total literacy attendance including tutoring and family literacy story times exceeded 32,000. Since 1984, 5,799 literacy volunteers have helped 6,692 adult literacy students improve their skills. READ MORE !