Huntington Beach Library - Literacy, 30 Year Celebration

Literacy goes "Back to the Future" at 30 year celebration

Open Doors: July 2014

On June 18, Literacy Volunteers went "Back to the Future" at our 1984-inspired 30th anniversary celebration.

In addition to enjoying 80s-themed tables and food & beverages (who else enjoyed the combination of Tab and Cool Ranch Doritos?), official business took place and learner achievements were recognized.

The non-profit arm of Literacy Volunteers is a 15 person Board of Directors, which welcomed four new members at this meeting. The Board of Directors, in conjunction with Program Directors Diane Moseley at Central Library and Amy Crepeau at Oak View Branch Library, determines and implements fundraising events such as Wine & Words and Walk/Run/Read!, develops new and innovative programs such as the Workplace Literacy program, manages community outreach and assists with tutor and learner support throughout the year. Welcome to Wendy Kielsmeier, Jan Murphy, Imelda Tepayotl and Karen Topolewski; we look forward to the continued contributions of the Board over this next year. Thanks also to our "retiring" Board of Directors members, Margarita Castro, Rose Tracy, Vice President Amy Brennan and President Kat Gilmore.

One of the joys of being involved with Literacy Volunteers is when our learners reach the goals they have set for themselves. This year several learners were recognized for their achievements from the past year.

Award of Excellence recipients were:

Consuelo Davila, tutored by Donna Mason

Raquel Guzman, tutored by Susan Shimizu

Marisa Oren, tutored by Chris O.

Award for Outstanding Volunteer Learner of the Year recipient was:

Margarita Castro, tutored by Linda Kimes

In addition, we had a special guest, Huntington Beach City Council member Jim Katapodis, speak about the importance of literacy to the community.

Thank you to everyone involved with the planning of our annual celebration, and especially to our learner Scott Sherman who presided as emcee of the event.

Literacy Jobs: California :: Azusa :: Santa Clara Co

Literacy Jobs: California

Literacy Program Specialist – FT

Santa Clara County Library

coordinate, implement, monitor, and evaluate learner and volunteer tutor services including one-on-one, small-group and one-time learning opportunities.

DEADLINE: July 23

Citizenship Specialist - PT

Azusa City Library

dynamic and experienced Citizenship Specialist to teach citizenship classes and train volunteer coaches to help adults successfully prepare for naturalization tests.

DEADLINE: July 31

Upland Library - Contract with LSSI Begins August 1

Upland City Council Approves Contract with LSSI

New Public-Private Partnership Will Deliver Improved Library Services While Saving Taxpayer Funds

PRNewswire: 7.10.2014

On Monday evening, June 23, the Upland City Council voted to approve a contract with Library Systems & Services, LLC (LSSI) to operate the Upland Public Library commencing August 1.  Previously, the Upland City Council had approved a proposal offered by LSSI and directed the city manager to negotiate a formal contract.

"We're very excited about the new partnership our city shares with LSSI," said Stephen Dunn, City Manager.  "After a lengthy dialogue with our community and input from a citizens' task force, the City Council was confident moving forward with a solution which provides more opportunities for library patrons, staff and volunteers while conserving taxpayer dollars."

The approved LSSI contract will increase the hours of operation by 24%, enabling the library to serve the public 7 days per week; more than double the current book and materials budget; re-establish vital literacy programming; reduce overall costs of operations, thus saving taxpayers more than $1 million over the 5-year contract; and provide more professional growth opportunities for the existing staff.

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LSSI is no stranger to operating public libraries in the Southern California region.  For the past 17 years, it has successfully managed the Riverside County Public Library System comprised of 35 branch libraries and two bookmobiles serving a population of more than 2 million residents.  LSSI also operates libraries for the Cities of Moreno Valley, Palmdale, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Santa Clarita.  READ MORE !

Want to Fight Net Neutrality ? July 23rd Rally

Want to Fight Net Neutrality ?

Live in Southern California ?

via @EveryLibraryCA

July 23rd:  4pm-7pm

On July 23, President Obama will return to California for a big fundraiser and FreePress.Net wants to remind him about the importance of an open Internet.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Rally for Net Neutrality
WHEN: Wed., July 23, 4:00–7 p.m.
WHERE: Hancock Park neighborhood (FreePress.Net sends the exact address once you RSVP.)
RSVP: Click here if you can make it.
BRING: Wear orange and bring a big, bold sign to show your support for the open Internet.

Live in Northern Ca and want to rally for Net Neutrality ?

You can sign up @ MoveOn.org Civic Action

July 23, 9:30am

S. San Antonio Rd. and W. Edith Ave

Los Altos, CA 94022
(MoveOn sends the full address when you sign up.)

Here’s how to contact the FCC commissioners via boingboing.net

Read Aloud - 15 Minutes A Day

Read Aloud

Orange Co Library - Congratulations to Pat Tonini! READ/OC Honoree for the 2014 Spirit of Volunteerism Award!

Congratulations to Pat Tonini!

READ/OC Honoree for the 2014 Spirit of Volunteerism Award!

READ Writes: Spring 2014

Pat Tonini has been a volunteer with READ/Orange County, since 2008. She started out as a volunteer literacy tutor, helping adult learners reach their reading and writing goals.

As a tutor, she is patient, supportive, and encouraging.  She shared, “My first student was American born, middle-aged and very motivated.  I saw him really blossom more and more each year.  He was brave enough to go on a trip with a friend to Las Vegas because he was finally able to read the signs and know where he was. He had always been too afraid to travel before.”

“My current learner is an ESL student and it is much more difficult because he doesn’t know our culture and idioms.  He works in a gas station and once a customer asked him to “break a hundred‟ and he had no idea what that meant.”  Pat has been able to help both of these learners make great progress towards their learning goals.

As a volunteer, Pat is prompt, reliable, and involved.  Since 2011, she has helped welcome new volunteers into the program through her role as an assistant trainer. At each training, Pat keeps things running smoothly with her efficient attention to setup, check in, and logistics.  She presents training components with an approachable and kindly attitude. Most importantly, she is always ready to share her extensive experience with new volunteers.  Over the years, Pat has shown herself to be a true asset to the cause of adult literacy in Orange County!

Thank you, Pat, for your commitment of supporting lifelong learning and literacy with READ/OC.

Newport Beach Library - Gift of Literacy Luncheon

Gift of Literacy Fundraising Luncheon

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

Literally Speaking: Jul/Aug 2014

Over 260 people attended the 7th annual Gift of Literacy luncheon held at the Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach on June 6, 2014. This year’s keynote speaker, Lisa See, attracted the event’s biggest crowd ever raising $20,000 to support literacy in our community. Ms. See was debuting her newly- released book, China Dolls, and each guest received a copy thanks to the generous donation of Platinum Sponsor Richard Hearn of the STARCARE Foundation.

Attendees perused the many silent auction and raffle items before being seated and welcomed by Newport/ Mesa ProLiteracy (NMPL) Advisory Board President Jason Brady.  He introduced Newport Beach Public Library Services Director Tim Hetherton, who said a few words to the assembled guests before turning the microphone over to Advisory Board Vice President, Kate Besch. Ms. Besch presented a plaque of appreciation to Richard Hearn of STARCARE for his support of adult literacy.

Tutor Katie Northup addressed the gathering and spoke of her experience in the NMPL program. She was followed by her learner, Marnalee Lopez, the 2013 recipient of the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award, a recognition given to one outstanding program learner each year.  Ms. Lopez gave a speech that was full of both emotion and humor and thanked Katie and NMPL for changing her life and that of her family ... forever.

After lunch was served and several raffle items awarded, Ms. See approached the stage and spoke to a roomful of literacy supporters and ardent Lisa See fans. Ms. See kept the room engaged with her humor and charisma while discussing her new book, research about its characters and what inspires her stories. At the conclusion of her talk, Ms. See was presented with a gift of a very special pen which was embellished with famous quotes, and then made her way out to sign additional copies of her book.

It was an extremely successful fundraiser for Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy and the increased community awareness brings additional support and volunteers to the Literacy Program.