California Library Literacy Services Coordinators Gather in
Sacramento
Learning Connection: Nov/Dec 2018 by Carrie Scott
I
recently had the pleasure of attending the California Library Literacy Services
Coordinators Conference at the beautiful Tsakopoulos
Library Galleria in Sacramento. Approximately 130 attendees from 107 CLLS
literacy programs joined the two-day event on September 25 and 26.
The
opening session featured a panel of adult learners who told powerful stories of
how their improved literacy skills changed their lives. Next, a panel of
library directors expressed the importance of having literacy programs
integrated as a core service of the library.
Breakout
sessions focused on assessment, tutor recruitment, learning challenges and
other topics. I presented on a tutor training panel with two colleagues. There
was much interest in our training.
Participants
were especially impressed that both our tutors and learners receive book bags,
as one way to support the learners’ confidentiality. When tutors and learners
both receive book bags, then learners are not automatically identified as
learners. Coordinators also praised Carlsbad
for its commitment to reusable coffee mugs and water bottles. Finally, Carlsbad
was the only program to offer logo pins to celebrate tutors and learners who
met the annual instructional hours goal.
A
highlight was the Writer to Writer panel featuring 2017 Beginning Writer
awardee Nyla H. from Carlsbad. Nyla read her winning letter to an appreciative
audience, then joined Huntington
Beach coordinator Diane Moseley and Newport Beach
coordinator Cherall Weiss to share the benefits of Writer to Writer.
One
of the most exciting things about Nyla’s involvement was the fact that this was
the first trip where she flew, rode a tram and caught a cab by herself. She
credits the literacy program with giving her the skills and confidence to be
able to do that. Isn’t that what we are all about?
Nyla
added, “My life has opened to so much positive progress. My message to all of
us is if the opportunity opens to you, have the courage to take it. You can do
it, if you just try! Don’t let your fears stop you from reaching your goals.”
Carlsbad
Tutor Orientation Schedule
Please
call 760-931-4510 to register.
December
4 , 12-2 pm
December
13, 6-8 pm
