Literacy @ CLA 2007

California Library Association's 109th Annual Conference was held in Long Beach, from October 26-29. As the premiere continuing education event of the year, the conference offered dozens of workshops. Notable speakers at the conference included actress and children's author, Jamie Lee Curtis, Craig's List Founder Craig Newmark and futurist Bob Treadway.

The Literacy Section presented a number of workshops and sessions during the Conference. Here are the Literacy Tracks from the 2006 Conference. Stay tuned for links to the 2007 Tracks:

Digital Stories: Voices From the Community
Shanti Bhaskaran, Santa Clara City Liberty; Leslie Rule, KQED; Sivakami Ramkumar, Read Santa Clara
The Art and Science of Digital Storytelling (22k)

Dsylexia: What Does Science Have to Do With It?
Kelli Sandman-Hurley, READ/San Diego; Tracy Block, READ/San Diego, San Diego Public Library
What is Dyslexia? (580k)

Early Learning with Families @ Your Library
Judy Klikun, North Bay Cooperative Library System, LSTA ELF & ROR Initiatives; Lyn Palme, Contra Costa County Library, Every Child Ready to Read; Sandy Tosti, Solano County Library, LSTA Reach Out and Read; Carol Welsh Gray, Center for Venture Philanthropy, Raising a Reader Growing Up With Books Power Point Presentation (1438k)
Making a Case for the Need to Nurture Early Brain Development (99k)

Engaging Discussion and Finding Voice Through Children's Literature
Cathay Reta; Rachel Bindman, Los Angeles Public Library; Deborah Estreicher, San Jose Public Library; Lynne Price, Benicia Public Library; Nina Torres, Madera County Library
Primetime Discussion Ideas (15k)
2005-06 Report (44k)
Workshop Handout (34k)
Primetime Commercial (21k)

Funders Tell All: How to Compete for Scarce Dollars
Jacquie Brinkley, California State Library; Marissa Panlilo, Starbucks; Arcelia Chavez, KVIE Public Television; Lani Schiff-Ross, First 5 San Joaquin
KVIE Education & Outreach Services (258k)
KVIE Workshops (1294k)

Literacy Advocacy in Plain English
Marsha L. Tait, ProLiteracy Worldwide
Power Point Presentation (121k)
ProLiteracy Worldwide - Advocacy Resources Guide

Project Money: an Innovative and Accessible Approach to Increasing Financial Literacy for Adults
Randall Weaver, San Francisco Public Library; Susan Stuart Clark, Common Knowledge, Inc.; Leon Veal, San Francisco Public Library — Project Read; Donna Jones, South San Francisco Library — Project Read
Project Money 2006 Overview (102k)
Choosing Your Credit Card (1420k)
Project Money Quiz (55k)
How the Little Things Add Up (49k)

Raising Your Voice: Libraries & Literacy
Valerie Reinke, California State Library; Donna Jones, South San Francisco Library Literacy Program; Darlene Garcia and Bruce Larson, Alameda County Library Literacy Program; Ruben Dozal Jr., Santa Clara County Library Literacy Program; Shanti Bhaskaran, Santa Clara City Library
A History of Adult Learner Leadership in California Library Literacy Services (13k)

Responding to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy
Marsha L. Tait, ProLiteracy Worldwide ProLiteracy Policy Update, 12-15-05 (47k)
ProLiteracy Policy Update, 12-27-05 (37k)
Power Point Presentation (404k)

Burbank Library - Tutor Recognition Luncheon

Supporting cancer research, new readers.

Burbank Leader: 10.30.07
On The Town by David Laurell

Halloween may be billed as the most terrifying day of the year (with the exception of April 15), and tutors are helping to make learning less terrifying for those who cannot read or write.

Tutors who have changed the lives of others by giving the gift of literacy were honored Saturday at the Buena Vista Branch Library.

In her remarks to the honorees, Reinke related a story about her late grandfather, Augustine Gonzalez, who came to the United States from Mexico at the age of 13 but did not learn to read or write until he was in his 30s.

“Even in his 90s, he never forgot those people who taught him to read and write,” Reinke said. “You have done the same thing for the people whose lives you have impacted. They will never forget you.”

Among those in attendance for the recognition luncheon were City Manager Mary Alvord, library services director Sharon Cohen, library board of trustees member Dorie Beaumont and library staff including Helen Wang, Pat King, Lorraine Corona, Louise Paziak and Bill Byrne, who serves as the literacy services coordinator.

Special guests on hand included Patricia Smart, who founded the literacy program in Burbank in 1992 with the help of Millie Engel, Donna Tramell and Susan Spears. Among those honored for their volunteer work with the literacy program were Robyn Anderson, Jo Andreae, Liana Augustinus, Donna Bandiera, Michelle Butler, Anahid Haroutounian, Lee Harner, Susan Borders, Linda Chapple, Sukanya Chinawongskul, Jessica Corona, Karissa Corona, Jeanell Dennis, Micheal Ferrel, Pat Gafford, Karen Galich, Rachel Garcia, Pam Jerome, Irene Kunze, Judith Pawlek, Roxanne Pergola, Judith Rosso-Diaz, Jeff Rothenbach, David Saltman, Bill Stafford, Victoria Uvas, Eula Warren, Barbara Weiss and Mary Zaghikian.  READ ON

Oceanside Library - Celebrates 10th Anniversary !

Oceanside READS
Celebrates 10th Anniversary !Newsletter: Fall 2007 by Suzanne McGowan,

Youth Services and Literacy Supv.

As we move forward in our day to day routines, we don’t always take the time to stop and look at our accomplishments. Milestone years are great for taking the time to reflect on the changes and happenings over a period of time. As Oceanside READS celebrates ten years of service, I am honored to reflect on its many success stories.

Oceanside READS began as an adult literacy program in July 1997. The inaugural year served thirty-two learners with thirty-three active tutors. Ten years later, READS is a busy center that provides literacy services for adults as well as for children. This past year, Oceanside READS served ninety-one children and adult learners, with over seventy active tutors. The tutors display incredible commitment, as they not only work one-on-one with learners, meeting weekly for a minimum of six months, but they also prepare lessons, review materials, research and implement current trends and methodology, and take part in outreach programs. In 2006/2007, the topnotch tutors of Oceanside READS dedicated over four thousand volunteer hours. Although we can measure their hours of service, the value of those hours is priceless.

It is impossible to share the success stories of the READS program without mentioning Sandy Phillips and Corrie Miles. Humbly, they work with a dedication that is unrivaled. Their styles balance one another perfectly and they are a phenomenal team. Together they work to assess the needs of every learner that walks through the door. They recruit, train, schedule, match, and supervise tutors. They review materials and resources to assist the tutors with a variety of educational needs. Books & Bagels, the literacy book discussion group, is in its fifth year. READS partnered with Starbucks for three years of Sipping Stories. They host brown bag lunches and volunteer trainings as well as provide access to state and regional workshops and conferences.

The program has produced three scholarship winners, Writer to Writer award winners, and hundreds of success stories. Thank you to all of the people who have contributed to the success of Oceanside READS over the last ten years. If you would like to be a part of a first-rate literacy organization, please do not hesitate to contact Oceanside READS to find out how you can help.

Changing Lives One Word At A Time

SCLLN Literacy Tutor Calendar - November 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshop Calendar: November 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Nov 1: Burbank Public Library
Register for the first session of a 15-hour workshop: also Nov 3 and 17. Help an adult improve reading, spelling and writing skills. Learn how to use Discover Intensive Phonics. 818 . 238 . 5577. Presenter: Burbank Public Library. Ticket Phone: (818)238-5577. Contact: Literacy Office. Thursday, November 1, 2007, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Burbank Public Library Auditorium 110 N Glenoaks Burbank CA 91502.

For more info visit
http://www.burbanklibrary.com/

Nov 10: San Diego County Library
Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, November 10, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. El Cajon Branch El Cajon CA. For more info visit
http://www.sdcl.org/Literacy_Main.html

Nov 17: Los Angeles Public Library
All Volunteers must be Interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Presenter: Los Angeles Public Library. Ticket Phone: (213)228-7037. Contact: Literacy Office. Saturday, November 17, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Robertson Branch 1719 S Robertson Blvd LA CA 90035. For more info visit

http://www.lapl.org/literacy/intro.html

Nov 29: READ/San Diego
1st Session; also Nov 29; Dec 4, 6 and 11 619 . 527 . 5475. Presenter: READ/San Diego. Ticket Phone: (619)527-5475. Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Malcolm X Branch Library 5148 Market St San Diego CA 92114. For more info visit
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services/read.shtml

Orange Co Library - READ/Orange County's volunteer literacy tutors are "Making a Difference."

READ/Orange County's volunteer literacy tutors are "Making a Difference."

Senator Correa's October Newsletter

Bob West writes: "Senator Correa: In response to your request, here is information about some very special individuals in your District who are Making a Difference in their communities by becoming certified as volunteer literacy tutors for READ/Orange County, the adult literacy services of Orange County Public Library"

The mission of READ/Orange County is to create a more literate community by providing diversified services of the highest quality to all who seek them.

Volunteer literary tutors complete a required 23-hour training course. This training prepares them to teach reading and writing to the one out of four adults that have low or no literacy skills. They join a dedicated corps of more than 300 active volunteer tutors in Orange County who are changing the lives of adults through literacy.

Marcia Tungate, READ/OC Literacy Programs Administrator, says, "It is the commitment of our wonderful tutors that makes our literacy program great. When we teach someone to read, we start a ripple that affects the lives of the individual, the family, and the community. Everything we do is impacted by the ability to read."

READ/Orange County offers a comprehensive training program for adults who want to become a tutor. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Many learners who have made the life changing decision to improve their reading skills are now patiently waiting to be matched with a tutor. Leave a legacy... teach an adult to read!

Get more information at the READ/Orange County: 714-566-3070.

Information on current legislation regarding libraries and literacy can be found at www.leginfo.ca.gov

Click on Bill Information. Search by Keyword(s). Enter literacy or libraries. A list of related (2007-2008) current bills will be provided, as well as additional information regarding the legislation.

2007 California Library Association Conference: Literacy Section Workshops

Oct 27: Literacy Workshops

@ CLA Conference

10:30 am - 11:45 amBringing English Language Learner Children/Families into Library: J Edwards, Santa Fe Springs PL
Making Technology Accessible: B Castagne, SFPL
Attracting Baby Boomers to Volunteer: C Lehn, State Lib2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Blurring Lines-Integrating Library Service: C Reta3:45 pm - 5 pmBlog It: R Weaver, SFPL

Presenter: Literacy Section, CLA. Saturday, October 27, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach CA. For more info visitwww.cla-net.org

Oct 27: Literacy Section Annual Meeting @ CLA Conference
Noon – 2:00 pm – Room 203C

RSVP by Oct 19 jwright@snap.lib.ca.us.
Presenter: Literacy Section - CLA. Contact: Joanne Wright: jwright@snap.lib.ca.us.
Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach CA

Oct 28: Literacy Workshops @ CLA Conference

10:45: Noon
Poster Session: Crisis Mgmt - GED Tune-Up3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Literacy, Libraries, Legislators-You: M Tungate, READ/OC
Stepping Out and Reaching In: Creating Readers in California's

Juvenile Halls: M. G. Elliott, UCLA.
Presenter: Literacy Section, CLA. Sunday, October 28, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach CA. For more info visit
www.cla-net.org

Oct 29: Literacy Workshops @ CLA Conference
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Guerilla Marketing for Libraries and Literacy: J. L. Cruz,
San Diego Council on Literacy
10:30 am - 11:45 am
Using Americorps: S Empizo, National City PL
Dyslexia: K Sandman-Hurley, READ/San Diego
Presenter: Literacy Section, CLA. Monday, October 29, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach CA. For more info visit
www.cla-net.org

Carlsbad Library - It's never too late to learn how to read

It's never too late to learn how to read
North County Times: Oct 15, 2007 by Agnes Herman

Many of us always have a book on hand; others are avid newspaper readers. But some of us can enjoy neither books nor papers. There are many who have never learned to read or, as a result, to write. An adult who cannot enjoy a magazine or book, write a note to a friend, e-mail a grandchild or read the cooking instruction on an oatmeal box, can be humiliated and painted into a corner with poor self esteem!

Recently, I spent an hour with Les Jenkins, 62, at his home in Oceanside. Les has been a meat cutter since 1969, with two years' time out in the Vietnam War. Now semiretired and on the brink of full retirement, Les goes to work 40 hours a month.

Les is a quiet, well-mannered gentleman who speaks with enthusiasm, gestures with ease and looks you straight in the eye when he speaks. It was not always that way. He was "pushed" (his term) through school (in California) and graduated after numerous summer school sessions, with grades he would not brag about. And through it all, he had never learned to read and write. Unbelievable, but true.

Three years ago, a grocery strike became his blessing in disguise. He knew that at the end of the strike there would be papers to file; he had never before filled out an application. So he used his free time and determination to visit the Carlsbad Adult Literacy Program; perhaps there he would find help. And he did!

Les explained that he was ashamed, believed he was stupid; he was often called just that. He had married and had four children, all of whom have achieved worthy goals. Only this week, a tutor at the Center helped Les use the computer to watch his Coast Guard son perform a heroic rescue.

"I missed all that! When they were growing up, I could not even read to my kids. My wife did it all. Now I have 6 1/2 grandkids and want to read to them and e-mail to them!"

Les never told anyone about his learning problem. When he was assigned a tutor, he confessed to his children. They and his friends have offered him full support. They are proud of him, admiring the step he was taking at age 62. He works with a tutor twice a week and is learning to use the computer that his son bought for him.

In 2005, Les applied to and was accepted by the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute because of his dedication to the Adult Learning Program and his desire to reach out to others with the learning disability. At the Institute he learned to use gestures, make eye contact with an audience, to communicate. Clearly he learned those lessons well.

Carrie Scott, who brought Les to my attention, is the Interim Literacy Coordinator of the Adult Learning Program at Carlsbad City Library. It is an arm of the California Libraries Literacy Services that is dedicated to helping English-speaking adults improve their reading and writing skills. Adult learners meet with their personal tutors twice weekly for 90 minutes. Three-fourths of the tutors are over 40; three-fourths of the learners are over 40. One is never too old. About 70 pairs of dedicated volunteers and eager learners work together each week.

Tutors are screened and trained. Those interested in becoming tutors should contact Carrie Scott (760 434-29) whose staff provides a 90-minute orientation session. For those whose interest is captured, a three-hour training is required.

Adult learners should also contact the program in Carlsbad and, if the program is appropriate, attend an orientation session and a private interview. Finally, tutor and learner are matched, and when they begin to work, a staff member is available for coaching. If the program does not fit an applicant, Carrie and her team are prepared to make a worthy referral to another learning center in the area.

Les was enthusiastic about his tutors. They have taught him to write stories, to put words together properly in sentences. He is delighted with the computer skills he is learning, a dream fulfilled. Life is better. "I am dedicated to learn in order to raise my self-esteem, and it is working."

Tell your friends!