California Library Association ▬ Budget Ask Letter 2020-21

California Library Association ▬ Budget Ask Letter 2020-21

CLA: 11.07.2020

October 27, 2020

Dear Governor Newsom,

On behalf of the California Library Association (CLA), the statewide association
representing city, county and special district libraries, I would like to thank you for your past support of public library programs in the State Budget, and for your talented leadership as the State navigates the challenges brought about by the coronavirus. As you are well aware, the 2020 pandemic has exposed tremendous areas of community needs for students, homebound seniors, and our library patrons who now find themselves out of work. One of the true bright spots of the crippling pandemic has been the work of California's public libraries in providing critical community services.

However, California's public libraries are offering these programs on a razor thin margin, which is simply not sustainable. To that end, CLA respectfully requests your consideration of budget relief funding for the following programs under Section 6120 of the California State Library, as you craft your 2021-22 State Budget. (These requests are listed in priority order.)

1. Restoration of the cut to the California Library Services Act - $1.75 million "ongoing"

The California Library Services Act has been in existence since the early 1970's, with the sole purpose of requiring that libraries participate in a cooperative and collaborative manner of sharing resources among the nine geographic regions of the state. The CLSA funding is truly the glue that holds the cooperative loaning and lending structure in place for these libraries. At its origination, this program was intended to provide reimbursement for books and materials traveling by van in between libraries, for patrons requesting specific items that their own neighborhood library may not possess. While libraries still continue to move physical items between jurisdictions and branches, now CLSA dollars are often used for large digital subscription services, such as eBooks and eMagazines to promote a broader collection of digital resources for libraries which aids
students with homework, vulnerable populations who can't get to the library, and
people learning new skills for workforce development.

Since March, libraries have seen their eBook use nearly double. Libraries are partnering with schools to provide age appropriate eBooks for homework help in the absence of school library electronic collections. Within San Mateo County, 14 school districts have partnered with the public libraries for eCollections for their students, and public libraries are issuing thousands of library cards to students through these partnerships.

2. Lunch at the Library- Ongoing or one-time funding - $1.25 million

For many years, CLA has worked with the State Library on the successful "Lunch at the Library" program where children who are in need of a meal during the summer months, can receive their lunch at the library. Almost 220 public libraries provided nearly 300,000 meals to more than 32,000 children in 2019. Lunch at the Library has a dual purpose of promoting literacy and addressing the "summer slide," where library staff offer programs and books to children while food is served in a non-judgmental setting for children and, in some cases, their parents. However, the impact of COVID-19 and the need for quality meals for the student population this year was staggering.

3. Zip Books - One-time funding: $750,000

CLA was grateful to you for including $1 million in your January 2020-21 State Budget for "Zip Books," a program which features an innovative way of providing books and materials to patrons who, for various reasons, are unable to physically get to a local library to obtain their desired item. The program is based in 327 public libraries and was able to serve 45,000 people, focusing on those who are in rural communities and underserved residents.

4. Career Online High School - One-time funding - $750,000

Over the course of the last few years, public libraries and the State Library have assisted 793 adults in their efforts to complete a high school diploma using an online program called, "Career Online High School." Twenty-eight counties in the state currently utilize this life-changing program, which enables adults to obtain their diploma and move on to post-secondary degrees (which cannot be done with a GED) or various career paths. A high school diploma has significantly better outcomes than a GED, and with  this online program students who may not be able to get to a regular classroom, or who work irregular schedules, can benefit.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 14

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 21-22 yrs. old

(college level)

Camarena Library ▬ Reflections on COVID-19

Reflections on COVID-19

California
COVID Diaries

Adult Literacy on the Border: 8.04.2020 Clara Auyon

Today's post comes from Clara Auyon who has been in the ALS program for a couple of years now. With the guidance of literacy staff, she decided to participate in the California COVID Diaries project from the California State Library and California Library Literacy Services, and these are her reflections on the impact that COVID-19 has had on her life.

How has your life changed?

My life changed because I had to reorganize my day to day trying to fulfill my personal and professional activities without leaving home. Being in contact with my family, friends, neighbors, virtually, no longer hugging, kissing, meeting or sharing important dates with them in person. We had to implement all the hygiene protocols inside and outside the house, with food and not food as indicated by health authorities. Being at home all day we had to create new activities to fill our free time.

How have you changed?

It made me even more sensitive to the reality experienced by the most vulnerable people, valuing and enjoying what I have, my husband, my kids, my friends, my work, recognizing and investing every minute in what is really worthy, thanking God for being alive, for giving me faith and hope in these difficult times, for having a roof, food. Continuing working to be a better person, more committed to help others.

Important highlights: any silver linings?

We spend more time with my children, family thru WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. I am very happy to share more time with my husband. Before I only saw him Monday to Friday from 10 pm to 8 am. We have time to sharing activities that we like, cooking, watching movies, talking about politics, technology, etc.  READ MORE ➤➤

Camarena Library Adult Literacy Services

These services are offered to adults, 16 years or older who are not enrolled in school, who would like to improve their English reading skills. One-on-one tutoring is available upon enrollment in the program. Volunteers from the community help other improve their English reading and writing skills in this program.

Call the library at (760) 768-2170 to set up an appointment

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 9

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old

(Eighth and Ninth graders) 

CLA 2019 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award ▬ Monica Chapa-Domercq ▬ Oceanside Library

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

2019 Award Recipient

Monica Chapa Domercq, Oceanside Public Library

CLA: 2020

Monica Chapa-Domercq is Principal Librarian of the Oceanside Public Library and manages reference services, public programming and collection development for adults. She recently began overseeing the READS Literacy program. She implements community conversations to inclusively inform development of locally relevant programs and services. As an active participant in the cultural life of Oceanside, Monica strengthens bonds by creating partnerships and collaborating with local leaders while serving on committees for cultural celebrations and festivals.

=This year, her team was the recipient of the Book to Action grant from the California Center for the Book, and she served on the ‘One Book, One San Diego’ Selection Committee. She has directed five National Endowment for the Arts ‘Big Read’ grants for the Library, and will be working on the Library’s sixth such community-wide read in February/March 2020.

Past Award Recipients

Stacey Costello, Colusa County Free Library (2018)
John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library (2018)
Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library (2017)
Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library (2016)
Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries (2015)
Natasha Casteel, Roseville Public Library (2014)
Patricia Noa, OC Public Libraries (2013)
Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library (2012)
Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library (2011)
Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library (2010)
Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library (2009)
Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library (2008)
Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library (2007)
John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library (2006)
Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library (2005)
Leslie McGinnis, Oakland Public Library (2004)
Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library (2003)

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.  The award is sponsored by Grass Roots Press.

One award will be given out in 2020. The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipient will receive one year free individual CLA membership and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.  Additionally, Grass Roots Press will give the recipient's library $350 of materials of the recipient's choice to support adult literacy.

Submit your nomination for the Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

Application period will close on February 1, 2021

READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 15

Reading Level: very difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

 

Brawley Library ▬ Cutbacks Forced Brawley’s Marjo Mello To Run Two City Departments With Little Or No Staff

Lonely days: Cutbacks Have Forced Brawley’s Marjo Mello To Run Two City Departments This Year With Little Or No Staff

LEARN IV

IV Press Online: 11.05.2020 by Vincent Osuna

Marjo Mello had to swallow a very bitter pill when the Brawley City Council finalized this year’s fiscal year budget, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to finish with a balanced budget, the council chose to fund only services deemed “essential” — a list the Brawley Public Library did not make.

This made Mello’s 28th year as the library’s director a lonely one, as all her staff was laid off until the end of the fiscal year.

From March until August, Mello was the only soul in the 8,000-square-foot building that serves as the library’s Main Street branch. She even worked from home for a couple of months.

A second hat Mello wears for the city was also blown off, as the Parks and Recreation Department was also deemed non-essential.

Mello has been that department’s interim director for more than two years.

“Before I started with them, my parks and rec knowledge was driving by the park,” Mello said.  READ MORE ➤➤

LEARN IV

Libraries Empower All To Read Now

We serve Imperial Valley adults over 18 (or 16 if not enrolled in school) who would like to improve their computer, reading, and writing skills.

(442) 265-7150

learniv@co.imperial.ca.us

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 9

Reading Level: standard / average.

Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old

(Eighth and Ninth graders)   

Carlsbad Library ▬ The Benefits of Reading in Difficult Times

The Benefits of Reading in Difficult Times

Carlsbad Library
Literacy Services

Learning Connection: Oct/Nov 2020

Let’s face it— times are tough, and many of us may struggle to find a healthy coping mechanism to reduce our stress. The good news is, there are proven, research backed benefits that show reading may help!

Reading has been found to:

• Strengthen connectivity in our brains

• Increase our ability for empathy

• Increase vocabulary

• Fight age-related cognitive decline

• Reduce stress

• Promote a good night’s sleep

• Provide a healthy escape that may alleviate depression

• Increase life expectancy up to two years

So next time you’re feeling a little “blue,” grab a book and take your mind to a healthier space.

Introducing News Crew

Join us at our weekly News Crew meeting, Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. Here, with Library Assistant Sandra, we will discuss current events and articles from News for You, a publication with easy-to read news stories.

We encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity for reading practice with Learning Center staff.

Literacy Services, formerly Adult Learning Program, provides a friendly, supportive atmosphere in which every learner’s needs and goals are valued. Learners receive one-to-one tutoring, set to their own pace. All services are confidential and free.

We believe that:

We all learn from each other.

Learners and tutors are learning partners.

Learning is fun and exciting.

Learners and tutors have individual learning styles and goals.

Each tutor and learner has a unique life history.

How something is taught is as important as what is taught

You can change a life by becoming a volunteer literacy tutor!

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, call Literacy Services at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center at 760-931-4510 to learn about upcoming tutor orientations and to register. READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 8

Reading Level: standard / average.

Reader's Age: 12-14 yrs. old

(Seventh and Eighth graders)

Southern California & Statewide Literacy & Library Events ▬ November 2020

Southern California & Statewide Literacy & Library Events

November 2020

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences

- Local, California and National –

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

Southern California & California

Family Stories Month

National Family Literacy Month

National Novel Writing Month

National Picture Book Month

Nov. 01      Author's Day
Nov. 01      National Family Literacy Day
Nov. 07      Fall Gala: Children’s Literature Council of Southern California VIRTUAL
Nov. 08      International Games Week
Nov. 09      Children’s Book Week
Nov. 09      National Distance Learning Week
Nov. 13      HOMECOMING Steinbeck Center VIRTUAL
Nov. 15      I Love To Write Day
Nov. 16      American Education Week
Nov. 16      LERN Conference VIRTUAL
Nov. 21      Tellabration (Saturday before Thanksgiving) Have the Talk of a Lifetime
Nov. 26      Great Thanksgiving Listen 2020

#LitWeekLA

ALOUD: Library Foundation of Los Angeles  @ALOUDla

Los Angeles Literary Calendar  @LALitScene

Poetry Flash – So & No California

Storytelling Association of California

Redlands Library ▬ Redlands Celebrates Adult Literacy Program

Redlands Celebrates Adult Literacy Program

Redlands Community News: 10.29.2020 by Shari Forbes

Revived 10 years ago, it sparkles in city’s crown of jewels

If Redlands is the Jewel of the Inland Empire, then the A.K. Smiley Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program is one of the brightest jewels in the city's crown.

For a decade, the program has changed lives and opened new vistas for hundreds of community members with its team of volunteers who provide one-on-one confidential tutoring in reading and writing to help learners in the Redlands community reach their literacy goals.

And it’s free.

“All it takes is a desire to improve your literacy skills and a commitment to meet with your tutor once a week for six months,” said Diane Shimota, coordinator of the Adult Literacy program.

“For many folks with low-literacy skills, there is often the stigma of embarrassment and lack of confidence. We provide a safe, non-threatening and confidential learning environment with a caring tutor who is focused solely on literacy goals.”

An added bonus is the learning venue. The beautiful architecture of the historic A.K. Smiley Library provides peaceful aesthetic settings for learner-tutor sessions.

Coping with COVID

The library reopened on Sept. 9 on a limited basis after being closed for more than six months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This did not stop the literacy program. Learners continued to meet weekly with their tutors via Zoom or on the telephone. Now they can return to the library by reserving space in advance and adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.

Adult learner Guillermina Rangel met her tutor Katherine Gifford in person for the first time during the interview for this feature story. Until this physically distanced meeting in the library garden on Tuesday, Oct. 20, they had been meeting over the telephone.  READ MORE ➤➤

 Interested in Volunteering?

Volunteers are from our community and must be at least 18 years old.  No previous teaching experience is required.  Tutor qualifications are: the ability to speak, read, and write English; compassion and sensitivity to the needs of adult learners; and the willingness to be trained to assist the learner in meeting the learner’s goals.

To learn more, join us at a Zoom Tutor Orientation.

Please call the Redlands Adult Literacy Program office at 909.798.7565, ext. 4138 or email literacy@akspl.org to sign up for the Orientation or if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteers are needed to:

Tutor: Tutors meet weekly with learners for 1½ hours on a date and time that fits with their schedules.  Meetings occur at A. K. Smiley Library or at library-approved locations.  Tutors are provided with teaching materials and techniques to assist with any challenges that may arise.

Literacy Class Volunteers: Volunteers are also needed for adult literacy computer classes, conversation classes, book clubs, public outreach and other adult literacy activities. If you are interested in supporting adult literacy but cannot make a weekly commitment, we welcome you as an adult literacy volunteer!

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 9

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old

(Eighth and Ninth graders)