Riverside County Library :: To Increase Literacy Among Nonliterate Latino Adults

Riverside County Library System to Increase Literacy Among Nonliterate Latino Adults

Riverside County Library Press Release: 3.08.2016

The Literacy Headquarters, located at the Louis Robidoux Library, has been selected as one of five libraries across California to pilot LeamosTM (Let’s Read) @ the Library.  Centro Latino for Literacy (Centro Latino), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, launched the project to bring its online literacy course to the state’s non-literate Spanish speakers, which number 573,866 (2009-2011 ACS, PERE pooled file).  The two-year pilot project is supported by a grant awarded by the James Irvine Foundation to Centro Latino to explore partnerships with public libraries. Greg Lucas, California State Librarian said, “In a state which in 2014 gained a Latino plurality, it seems at a minimum good common sense to encourage programs like Leamos™.  Without literacy skills in their native language, proficiency in English becomes significantly harder, if not impossible to attain.”

Public libraries will incorporate the use of Leamos™ as an effective strategy to both promote reading at its most basic level and to effectively outreach to Spanish-speakers in their communities. “Public libraries are a natural ally in fulfilling our mission of creating innovative solutions that transform lives through literacy.  Leamos™ @ the Library is the portal for nonliterate Spanish speakers to close both the basic and digital literacy gaps and to increase civic engagement,” stated Mari Riddle, Centro Latino President and CEO.  “Learning to read and write is ground zero. Many students have described learning to read and write as being able to see after a lifetime of being blind – ‘Ya tengo ojos (Now I have eyes)’”.  READ MORE @

Camarena Library :: Selected to Pilot Spanish Literacy Course Across California

Camarena Memorial Library To Increase Among Non-Literate Latino Adults Selected to Pilot Spanish Literacy Course Across California

Desert Review: 7.20.2016

The Camarena Memorial Library has been selected as one of nine libraries across California to join a pilot program – LeamosTM (Let’s Read) @ the Library. Centro Latino for Literacy (Centro Latino), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, launched the project to bring its online literacy course to the state’s non-literate Spanish speakers, which number 573,866 (2009-2011 ACS, PERE pooled file). The two-year pilot project is supported by a grant awarded by the James Irvine Foundation to Centro Latino to explore partnerships with public libraries. Greg Lucas, California State Librarian said, “In a state which gained a Latino plurality [in 2014], it seems at a minimum good common sense to encourage programs like Leamos. Without literacy skills in their native language, proficiency in English becomes significantly harder, if not impossible, to attain.”

Public libraries will incorporate the use of Leamos™ as an effective strategy to both promote reading at its most basic level and to effectively outreach to Spanish-speakers in their communities. “Leamos @ the Library is the portal for non-literate Spanish speakers to close both the basic and digital literacy gaps and to increase civic engagement,” stated AnaMaria Ruiz, Centro Latino Board Liaison, pointing out that a key initiative of the James Irvine Foundation is to increase civic engagement. “Learning to read and write is ground zero. Many students have described learning to read and write as being able to see after a lifetime of being blind – ‘Ya tengo ojos (Now I have eyes)’”.

Library literacy staff involved with the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN) have encountered this need in their communities, but have lacked the resources to address it. 

Meanwhile, Centro Latino for Literacy (Centro Latino) has been teaching basic literacy skills to Spanish speakers since 1991 and in 2004 transferred its course to an online platform to make it available beyond its Los Angeles classrooms. Now operating as a social enterprise, Centro Latino licenses its proprietary LeamosTM (Let's Read) Basic online course to workforce development organizations, parent engagement groups, community colleges, public libraries and more.  In March 2015 the James Irvine Foundation awarded a two-year grant to Centro Latino to deepen its impact statewide; Centro Latino chose to focus this effort on partnerships with public libraries.  They have recruited five libraries for year one of the project (Roseville, Salinas, Santa Barbara, Riverside, and Covina), and  the library systems which already partner with Centro Latino will also participate in this project to bring the broadest possible perspectives and learning experiences together.  The five libraries currently involved are:  Azusa, Los Angeles County-Huntington Park branch, Los Angeles City Library, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim. Together these ten libraries will pilot using Leamos Basic as a tool for public libraries to teach literacy skills to Spanish speakers and their experience will be documented and guide an additional ten California libraries to provide Spanish literacy in their communities in year two of the Irvine grant. 

SCLLN has designed this LSTA proposal as a companion piece to leverage the James Irvine Foundation award to Centro Latino to strengthen its focus on public libraries as a community anchor – a “zocalo” (public square) familiar to Latin America immigrants.

Azusa Library :: Leamos (Let’s Read) at the Library :: PLA Conference April 9

Leamos (Let’s Read) at the Library:

Using Web-Based Curriculum to Engage Latino Families

PLA Conference: April 9, 2016, 9:30 am

This program shares up-to-date results of the pilot project “Leamos (Let’s Read) at the Library,” a model program within California public libraries intended to meet the literacy needs of adult Spanish speakers who cannot read or write in any language. These adult learners struggle to learn English, have difficulty navigating American systems, and work in low wage jobs. And they certainly do not go to libraries. Learn how Leamos (Let’s Read) is changing that.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1: Learn about effective literacy tools to use with nonliterate Spanish-speaking adults.

2: Discover how to teach literacy, in group settings, by using a web-based literacy course.

3: Explore new ways of increasing library patronage among Latino immigrant families.

Presenter

Cathay Reta, Adult Literacy Coordinator

Azusa City Library, Azusa, CA

Azusa Library :: Latinos Overcome the Barrier of Illiteracy

Latinos vencen la barrera del analfabetismo

Existen decenas de programas en el condado de LA para Inmigrantes que no leen o escriben bien en español

Latinos overcome the barrier of illiteracy

There are dozens of programs in LA County for immigrants who do not read or write in Spanish

La Opinion: 8.20.2015 by Marvelia Alpizar

Miguel Gomez had to choose between going to school as a child, or stay home to help his mother and grandparents in farm work.

"When I came here [US] did not even write my name," said the Mexican, 49, who failed to finish or the second grade.  "To sign the checks, put the finger thumbprint," recalls Gómez, until his wife taught him to write his name.

Pastor Francisca, an immigrant who dominates over the Quiche language of Mayan origin still used in various departments of western Guatemala, had to ask for help to understand the ads in Spanish and not end up lost somewhere in Los Angeles.

Both immigrants are part of a large number of adults who live in Los Angeles County that have the challenge of living in a country without being able to read and write in Spanish.

Most of them come to this country, they are dedicated to work and have no time to study or know about the places where they can receive classes.

According to the American Community Survey the years 2009-11, there in California 573.866 Spanish-speaking adults who do not read or write in any language.

However, a year and a half Gomez came to Azusa Library, where he has learned to read through the program Leamos the Centro Latino for Literacy. He is currently on the second level of literacy.

"I want to keep learning.  To all my friends, at work, I say 'now no one can stop me. "Viera how nice it feels when I go down the street and I can read street names or signs!' 'Said Gomez, who works in a packing of vitamins.  To carry out their work, using his memory to learn the names of labels.  READ MORE !

Los Angeles Public Library : : New Literacy Initiatives

New Literacy Initiatives

READ – LAPL Adult Literacy Services: Summer 2015

A newsletter written by students and tutors. Changing lives one chapter at a time.

This year Adult Literacy Services is inaugurating several new initiatives that are free to library patrons.

The first of these is Leamos, a web-based curriculum designed by Centro Latino for Literacy that teaches non-literate Spanish-speaking adults how to read and write in Spanish.

The second is Cell-Ed, which allows students to learn English anywhere, anytime, using their cell phone. This program is best for those with unlimited phone minutes and texting.

For more information about enrolling please call (213) 228-7037.

ACHIEVEMENTS

~Maricelia B passed the Driver’s Test and learned to use the internet to study as well. She is a happy camper.

~Yuni C is happy about improving her vocabulary.

~Marleny M took and passed on the first try the written and road driving test to obtain a California Driver’s License.  She was so proud!

~Afsi N passed the citizenship test and also finished Challenger 8...all eight Challenger books done!

~Gaby O passed all her High School Equivalency Tests (HISet) and graduated from Evans Adult School in May.  She will be attending Pasadena City College in the fall!

~Kevin S feels more confident about speaking on the phone and in-person, which is one of his main goals.

~Tatiana Y has been getting positive feedback on her improved conversational English and she is very happy about that.

READ MORE !

Centro Latino for Literacy : : Literacy Mixer June 3

Leamos, Tacos, y Tequila Literacy Mixer

June 3

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Centro Latino for Literacy

SCLLN Literacy Library Tutor Training Calendar: June 2015

SCLLN Literacy Library Tutor Training Calendar: June 2015

READ/SD Tutor Conference :: June 13

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library

Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network Calendar

June 1 Literacy Tutor Training = READ/San Diego Library 10a

June 2 Literacy Tutor Orientation - Carlsbad Library 12N

June 2 Literacy Learner Orientation = READ/OC 1pm & 6pm

June 3 Leamos Tacos Tequila - Centro Latino for Literacy 6:30p

June 4 Literacy Tutor Training = Burbank Library 6p

June 4 Literacy Tutor Orientation = South Bay Literacy, Torrance Library 7p

June 6 Literacy Tutor Training = SB County Library Yucca Valley 9a

June 6 Literacy Tutor Training - San Diego Co Library El Cajon 10a

June 6 Literacy Tutor Training - San Luis Obispo Library 10a

June 6 Literacy Tutor Training = SB County Library Fontana 10a

June 7 Literacy Celebration = Carlsbad Library 2p

June 10  Literacy Learner Orientation - READ/San Diego Library 5:45p

June 13  Family Picnic-Appreciation Day - READ/Orange County

June 13  Tutor Conference - READ/San Diego Joan B Kroc Inst for Peace & Justice - USD

June 13  Literacy Tutor Training = SB County Library Chino 10a

June 13  Student Recognition Awards = WALC 11:30a

June 15  Literacy Volunteer Orientation = Corona Library 7p

June 16  Literacy Learner Orientation = Newport Beach Library 6p

June 18  Literacy Tutor Orientation = Carlsbad Library 6p

June 23  Literacy Tutor Orientation = Newport Beach Library 6p

June 25  Literacy Learner Orientation - READ/San Diego Library 9:45a

June 25  Scrabble FUNraiser - Azusa Library 6p

LAPL Adult Literacy volunteers receive 7 hours of Online Instruction

Info about Local Tutor Training :: Always Scrolling in the Right Frame.

Statewide Workshops @ California Library Literacy Services

Centro Latino For Literacy :: Leamos, Mole, y Mezcal Literacy Mixer

Leamos, Mole, y Mezcal Literacy Mixer

Centro Latino for Literacy 

March 19, 2015

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

SCLLN Literacy Library Tutor Training Calendar: March 2015

Read Across America
March 2

SCLLN Literacy Library Tutor Training Calendar: March 2015

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

Mar. 4 Literacy Tutor Orientation - Centro Latino for Literacy 6p
Mar. 4 Literacy Tutor Training - Santa Barbara Library

Mar. 5 Literacy Tutor Orientation - South Bay Literacy @Torrance Library 7p

Mar. 7 Literacy Tutor Training - San Diego County Library 10a

Mar. 7 Literacy Tutor Training = SB Co Library 10a

Mar. 7 Literacy Tutor Training = SB Co Library 10:30a

Mar. 11 Literacy Tutor Training - SB Co Library 11a

Mar. 11 Literacy Learner Training - READ/San Diego Library 5:45p

Mar. 12 Literacy Tutor Training - San Diego County Library 12N

Mar. 13 Literacy Tutor Training = Ventura County Library 5p

Mar. 14 Literacy Tutor Training = SB Co Library 9a

Mar. 14 Literacy Tutor Training = SB Co Library 10a

Mar. 14 Soup & A Good Book = Whittier Area Literacy Co 11:30a

Mar. 16 Literacy Tutor Training = READ/San Diego Library 10a

Mar. 16 Literacy Tutor Training - SB Co Library 12N

Mar. 16 Literacy Volunteer Orientation = Corona Library 7p

Mar. 17 Literacy Tutor Training = SB Co Library 3p

Mar. 19 Literacy Tutor Training = Burbank Library 6p

Mar. 19 Leamos, Mole & Mezcal = Centro Latino for Literacy 6p

Mar. 21 Craft Beer Walk Fundraiser = Covina Library Literacy Program 5p

Mar. 21 Trivia Challenge - Glendora Library @ Azusa Pacific Univ 5p
Mar. 21 ESL Tutor Training - San Diego Laubach @ SD County Poway Library 9:30a

Mar. 21 Literacy Tutor Training - SB Co Adelanto Library 11a

Mar. 26 Literacy Learner Training - READ/San Diego Library 9:45a

Mar. 28 Literacy Tutor Training - SB Co Apple Valley Library 10a

Mar. 28 Literacy Tutor Training - SB Co 29 Palms Library 10a

Mar. 31 Literacy Learner Orientation = Newport Beach Library 10a

LAPL Adult Literacy volunteers receive 7 hours of Online Instruction

Info about Local Tutor Training Always Scrolling in the Right Frame

Statewide Workshops@ California Library Literacy Services

Centro Latino for Literacy - Helping Generations of Latinos Become Bi-Literate

Centro Latino for Literacy Helping Generations of Latinos Become Bi-Literate

Adelante: 1.2015 p12

Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce

For the past four and a half years Riddle has served as the president and Chief Executive Officer of Centro Latino for Literacy (Centro Latino), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit. She has a take-no-prisoners attitude when it comes to the programs and services offered through the organization.

“Literacy matters for those in our community looking to move ahead,” said Riddle. “Being able to read, write, and function in our text and technology driven world allows individuals to build upon some of the most basic, yet critical, skills employers require.”

Since its opening in 1991, Centro Latino for Literacy has taught nearly 6,000 non-literate working age adults basic grammar, math, and personal finances.

Researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that a mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her child’s future academic success (Oct 2010).

According to SpanishTranslation.US, reading skills among children of Latino decent [sic] are at an all-time low and that U.S. Hispanic children would significantly benefit from programs that promote literacy readiness prior to entering the school system.

Newly literate parents at Centro Latino now help their children with homework, are no longer embarrassed to speak to their children’s teacher or get involved in their schools.

Core components of Centro’s preliteracy courses are Leamos™ (Let’s Read) Basic, Leamos Grammar, and Listos™ (Ready) Math and Financial Education. These courses meet the CA adult content standards for PreESL and have been used successfully by individuals, adult education programs, libraries, and employee training programs.

LALCC’s Inaugural Non Profit Organization Awards: Nov. 14, 2014 (p4)

Winners Are: Rising Star: Centro Latino for Literacy Centro Latino

teaches Latino immigrants to read and write in Spanish (L1), giving them the essential skills and confidence to participate more fully and independently in society, and uplift themselves and their families into more promising lives for generations to come. As of Oct. 31, 2014 Centro Latino has taught Pre-ESL literacy skills, including basic math, grammar, and financial literacy to 5,614 non-literate youth and adults. In addition, ESL, computer skills and job readiness skills have been taught to 9,682 low-income adults at our 8th Street classrooms through education partners.  READ MORE !

Azusa Library :: American Dream Starts @ Your Library

The American Dream Starts @ Your Library

Literacy Update, Azusa Library: Jan/Feb 2015

. . . at the Azusa City Library, to be exact.  The American Library Association and Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded a 2014 American Dream Starts @ Your Library grant to the Azusa City Library. This national program helps immigrants to learn English to continue their education, help their children in school, get better jobs and become American citizens.

The award will help to expand tutoring for Spanish-speaking adults who are not literate in their native language. According to the American Community Survey 2009-2011, 11.6 percent of adult Spanish-speaking immigrants in Los Angeles County cannot read or write in any language, creating a barrier to learning English.  The Institute for Work and the Economy’s 2006 report, The Integration of Immigrants in the Workplace, states that an estimated 32 percent of adults enrolled in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes lack basic literacy skills in their native language, making them "slower in learning a second language than their literate counterparts."

Through the library’s partnership with Centro Latino for Literacy, the dedication of Leamos (Let’s Read) volunteer Monica Mejia, and with support from the American Dream grant, adults will be able to gain basic literacy skills in Spanish in approximately 150 hours of study. They can then successfully transition into English classes and find themselves well on their way to achieving their American Dream.

If you know a Spanish speaker who needs to improve their skills, call Cathay Reta at the literacy office:  626-812-5266.

Centro Latino for Literacy - Mixer

Leamos, Tacos, y Tequila Literacy Mixer

Centro Latino for Literacy

6.06.2014

WOW!

We had a great turnout on Wednesday, June 4th at our inaugural Pasadena literacy mixer – 150 people attended! We celebrated adult literacy, honored Judge Fernando Olguín, and launched our “Let’s Read with Literacy Partners” campaign (crowdrise.com/letsread).

A good time was had by all. A special thanks to those that contributed to our mission of transforming lives through literacy. Shout out to Centro Latino’s Fund Development & Marketing Committee for bringing this together along with the talented staff of Centro Latino. Volunteers – thanks for making guests feel welcome!

Missed it? See pictures here.

Centro Latino for Literacy :: Leamos, Tacos, y Tequila Mixer

Leamos, Tacos, y Tequila

#LiteracyMixer

June 4

Centro Latino for Literacy

Join Centro Latino for Literacy: celebrate adult literacy and recognize the Honorable Fernando M. Olguín, past Centro Latino for Literacy Board Member and now U.S. District Judge, Central District of CA.

Come and enjoy delicious tacos and tasty tequila/margaritas while learning about literacy!

Mijares Mexican Restaurant

145 Palmetto Dr - Pasadena

Please RSVP

SCLLN Literacy Tutor Workshop Calendar: June 2014

SCLLN Literacy Tutor Workshop Calendar: June 2014

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

Summer Library Reading Club

June 2  Literacy Tutor Training READ/San Diego Library 10a

June 3  Literacy Tutor Orientation Carlsbad Library 12N

June 4  Leamos Tacos Tequila Centro Latino for Literacy, Mijares Rest 6p

June 5  Literacy Learner Orientation READ/OC Library 1p

June 5  Literacy Learner Orientation READ/OC Library 6p

June 5  Literacy Tutor Training Burbank Library 6p

June 5  Literacy Tutor Orientation South Bay Literacy, Torrance Library 7p

June 6  The Gift of Literacy Newport Beach Library 11a

June 7  Literacy Tutor Training San Bernardino Co Library Yucaipa 9a

June 10  Literacy Tutor Training San Bernardino Co Library Barstow 3p

June 11  Literacy Learner Orientation READ/San Diego Library 5:45p

June 14  Tutor Conference READ/San Diego Library, Joan B Kroc-USD

June 17  Literacy Tutor Training San Bernardino Co Library Hesperia 4p

June 18  30th Anniversary Literacy Huntington Beach Library 7p

June 19  Literacy Tutor Training San Bernardino Co Library Adelanto 4p

June 19  Literacy Tutor Orientation Carlsbad Library 6p

June 21  Family Picnic-Appreciation Day READ/Orange Library

June 27  Literacy Learner Orientation - READ/San Diego Library 9:45a

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

LAPL Adult Literacy volunteers receive 7 hours of Online instruction

SCLLN Literacy Tutor Workshop Calendar: March 2014

SCLLN Literacy Tutor Workshop Calendar: March 2014

For Local, California and National

Literacy or Library Conferences and Events

visit the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Calendar

Read Across California Month

Mar 1  ESL Tutor Training = Azusa Library 9a

Mar 1  Literacy Tutor Training = San Diego County Library 10a

Mar 4  Literacy Tutor Orientation = Carlsbad Library 12N

Mar 5  Literacy Learner Training = READ/San Diego 5:45p

Mar 6  Literacy Tutor Orientation - South Bay Literacy @ Torrance Library 7p

Mar 8  SCLLN Literacy Conference Buena Park Holiday Inn

Mar 8  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Rialto Library 1p

Mar 8  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Chino Hills Library 9a

Mar 10  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Wrightwood Library 3p

Mar 10  Literacy Tutor Training = READ/San Diego 10a

Mar 11  Literacy Learner Orientation = Newport Beach Library 10a

Mar 11  Literacy Tutor Orientation - Beaumont Library 5p

Mar 11  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Barstow Library 3p
Mar 13  Leamos, Mole & Mezcal = Centro Latino for Literacy @ Restaurante Guelaguazeta 7p

Mar 15  Soup & A Good Book = Whittier Area Literacy 11:30a

Mar 15  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Fontana Library 10a

Mar 15  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Yucca Valley Library 9a
Mar 15  ESL Tutor Training - Santa Barbara Library Solvang 1p

Mar 18  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Big Bear Library 4p

Mar 19  Literacy Tutor Orientation = Newport Beach Library 10a

Mar 20  Literacy Learner Training = READ/San Diego 9:45a

Mar 20  Literacy Tutor Orientation = Carlsbad Library 6p

Mar 20  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Highland Library 10a

Mar 20  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Adelanto Library 4p

Mar 22  Literacy Tutor Training = Azusa Library 9a
Mar 22  Literacy Tutor Training = Monrovia Library @ Azusa 91

Mar 22  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co Apple Valley Library 10a

Mar 22  Literacy Tutor Training = San Bernardino Co 29 Palms Library 10a
Mar 28  Literacy Tutor Training = Ventura Co Library 5p

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