Smiley Public
Library gunning for extra funding for its Adult Literacy program
Redlands Daily Facts: 8.06.2015 by Kristina Hernandez
The A.K. Smiley Public Library is planning to
submit an application to receive additional funding from the state for its
adult literacy program.
Officials
from the State Library announced an investment of
$2 million toward the program that provides one-on-one tutoring at libraries
across the state to those looking to improve reading skills. Libraries, including
Smiley, have until Aug. 14 to submit an application, according to a news
release.
“Basically
any money that we get from this grant is to enhance the program we have and run
it more efficiently and enhance the existing program,” said Daniel Slota, a principal
librarian and head of adult services at Smiley.
The
amount of funding available to selected applicants was not announced in the
release. However, more than 250,000 people have been helped by the program
throughout the state. Federal statistics say there are 4 million Californians
with low literacy skills, the release said.
Currently,
there are 80 “literacy pairs” at Smiley composed of a literacy volunteer and
learner, Slota said.
“The extra money will help
us do better. We have one part-time literacy coordinator that is essentially
running the program with the help of many volunteers. READ MORE !