SCLLN Literacy Library Calendar - October 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshops & Events Calendar: October 17 - 31, 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Oct 17: Tutor Training - READ/San Diego
1st Session; also Oct 20 and Nov 3 619 . 527 . 5475. Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 6:00 PM – Sunday, October 17, 2010, 9:00 PM. Serra Mesa Branch Library 9005 Aero Dr San Diego CA 92123. For more info visit
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services/read.shtml

Oct 20: Tutor Orientation - Oceanside Public Library
Orientation Training - Oct 20: 9 am - 4:30 pm 760 . 435 . 5680. Presenter: Oceanside Public Library. Ticket Phone: (760)435-5680. Contact: Oceanside READS. Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Mission Branch Library 3861 Mission Ave Oceanside CA. For more info visit
http://www.library.ci.oceanside.ca.us/Literacy_Services.asp

Oct 20: Tutor Training - 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, October 20, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Cahuenga Branch 4591 Santa Monica Blvd LA CA 90029. For more info visit
http://www.lapl.org/literacy/intro.html

Oct 20: Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, October 20, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Vista Branch Vista CA. For more info visit

http://www.sdcl.org/Literacy_Main.html

Oct 23: Women's Conference Change - Be a Part of It
SCLLN will have a booth at the Conference. Tuesday, October 23, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center 300 E Ocean Blvd Long Beach CA 90802. For more info visit
http://www.californiawomen.org/

Oct 23: Tutor Workshop - READ/Orange County
Must attend Tutor Information Meeting to register for October workshops. Presenter: READ/Orange County. Ticket Phone: (714)566-3067. Contact: READ/Orange County. Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Fountain Valley Branch Orange County CA. For more info visit
http://www.readoc.org/

Oct 24: Tutor Workshop - READ/Orange County
Must attend Tutor Information Meeting to register for October workshops. Presenter: READ/Orange County. Ticket Phone: (714)566-3067. Contact: READ/Orange County. Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Irvine-University Park Branch Orange County CA. For more info visit
http://www.readoc.org/

Oct 25: Trivia Challenge - Huntington Beach PL
F R E E Fun Prizes Dessert. Ticket Phone: 714.375.5102. Ticket Web Link: http://www.hbpl.org/info_main.htm. Contact: Rose Saylin. Thursday, October 25, 2007, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Huntington Beach Library Theater 7111 Talbert Huntington Beach CA. For more info visit
http://www.hbpl.org/info_main.htm

Oct 25: Volunteer Tutor Recruitment - Beverly Hills PL
Guest Speaker: John Corcoran. Presenter: Literacy Office. Ticket Phone: 310.288.2207. Thursday, October 25, 2007, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Beverly Hills Public Library 444 N Rexford Beverly Hills CA. For more info visit
www.beverlyhills.org/presence/connect/CoBH/library/DepartmentsAndOffices/LiteracyServices

Oct 26-29: California Library Association - Opportunity Knocks
CLA wiki Don't Just Look - Add To It Program by Track - click on Ticket Web Link Also a CLA Conf Blog http://cla2007.blogspot.com/. Presenter: California Library Association. Ticket Web Link: http://www.clanet.org/included/docs/program_by_track.pdf. Friday, October 26, 2007 – Monday, October 29, 2007. Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, California. For more info visit
cla2007.net.pbwiki.com

Check out CALPRO and Bureau of Education & Research for more workshops !

Literacy Jobs & Newsletters

2 New categories have been added to the SCLLN Blog:

Literacy Jobs: will post links to local and state literacy jobs. LiteracyNews.com lists national jobs. The current list:

Alameda Co: Library Asst II (PT-Literacy)
Beverly Hills PL: Literacy Clerk II (PT)
Escondido PL: Ameriacorps (Nov 15)
Escondido PL: Rec Leader/Literacy
LiteracyNews.com (National)
N Mex Adult Ed Assc: Admin Asst
N Mex Adult Ed Assc: Exec Dir
San Diego: Family Literacy Coor

Member Newsletters: links to recent newsletters from SCLLN member programs:

Carlsbad
Escondido
Huntington Beach
LAPL
Newport Beach
Palmdale
READ/Orange County
Santa Barbara

SCLLN Literacy Library Calendar - October 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Event Calendar: October 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Health Literacy Month
For more info visit
http://www.healthliteracy.com/

National Book Month
National Book Foundation. For more info visit
http://www.nationalbook.org/

OCT – tba:
Tutor Workshop - Santa Maria City Library
Tutor Workshop October Dates: T B A. Presenter: Central Coast Literacy Council. Ticket Phone: (805)922.9200. Contact: Central Coast Literacy Council. Monday, October 1, 2007. Santa Maria CA. For more info visit
centralcoastliteracy.org

Oct 3: Tutor Training - Santa Barbara
Also: October 4 5 pm - 9 pm. Presenter: Santa Barbara Public Library. Ticket Web Link: http://www.sbplibrary.org/services/tutoring-adults.html. Contact:
805 . 564 . 5619. Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Santa Barbara Public Library Townley Room 40 E. Anapamu St. Santa Barbara CA. For more info visit\
http://www.sbplibrary.org/

Oct 5: Help Group Summit
cutting edge conference on autism, learning disabilities and ADHD. Presenter: Help Group. Friday, October 5, 2007 – Saturday, October 6, 2007. Skirball Cultural Center Los Angeles CA. For more info visit
http://www.thehelpgroup.org/

Oct 6: City Book Fair - San Diego City College
Ticket Web Link: http://sdcitybookfair.com/. Saturday, October 6, 2007. Saville Theatre San Diego City College. For more info visit
sdcitybookfair.com

Oct 6: Litquake 2007
Ticket Web Link: http://www.litquake.org/the-festival/. Saturday, October 6, 2007 – Saturday, October 13, 2007. San Francisco CA. For more info visit
http://www.litquake.org/

Oct 6: Adult Learner Conference - San Diego
11th Annual. Presenter: San Diego Council on Literacy. Ticket Phone: 888-850-7323. Contact: San Diego Council on Literacy. Saturday, October 6, 2007. National University Academic Center 9388 Lightwave Ave. San Diego, CA 92123. For more info visit
literacysandiego.org

Oct 6: Harvest Ride for Literacy - Ventura County Library
The annual event features 30-, 55-, 66- and 100-mile rides along the Ventura and Santa Barbara coastlines, and a 10-mile family ride that follows the Ojai bicycle path to Foster Park. Registration fees range from $20 to $60 and include a T-shirt, support and gear assistance and catered rest stops. Start times are 7 and 10 a.m. Presenter: Ventura County Library. Ticket Web Link: http://www.harvestrideforliteracy.org. Contact: 805.642.7089. Saturday, October 6, 2007. Ventura Unified School District Education Service Center 255 W. Stanley Ave Ventura CA. For more info visit http://www.harvestrideforliteracy.org/

Oct 6: Atarque: Now All is Silent: Preserving Family Stories
Huntington Beach PL
Literacy Volunteer Tutor, Pauline Chavez Bent, discusses her new book. RSVP. Presenter: Huntington Beach Public Library. Ticket Phone: 714-375-5102. Saturday, October 6, 2007, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Huntington Beach Central Library Room B 7111 Talbert Huntington Beach CA. For more info visit
www.hbpl.org/events_main.htm

Oct 6: Writer To Writer Awards Ceremony
Beginning Level: Rudy Borboa, Orange County Public Library (READ/Orange County). The Pursuit of Happyness, by Chris Gardner Intermediate Level: Alejandrina Roldan, San Bernardino County Library, Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library. The Old Man and the Sea,by Ernest Hemingway Advanced Level: Lupe Beltran, Nevada County Library. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adelene Faber and Elaine Mazlish. Presenter: Southern California Library Literacy Network - BALIT - CLLS. Ticket Phone: (818)548-6450. Saturday, October 6, 2007, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Glendale Public Library 222 E Harvard Glendale CA. For more info visit
http://www.sclln.org/

Columbus Day: Oct 8

Oct 8: Tutor Training - READ/San Diego
1st Session; also Oct 10, 12, 15 and 17 619 . 527 . 5475. Presenter: READ/San Diego. Ticket Phone: (619)527-5475. Monday, October 8, 2007, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Benjamin Branch Library 5188 Zion Ave San Diego CA 92120. For more info visit
http://www.sandiego.gov/

Oct 12: Latino Book & Family Festival
Other Locations: Houston Sept. 29-30 Chicago Nov. 10-11. Friday, October 12, 2007 – Sunday, October 14, 2007. Arc Light Cinemas 6369 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles CA 90028. For more info visit
http://lbff.us/home/schedule/LA-2007/index.htm

Oct 12: International Conference on Learning Disabilities
Friday, October 12, 2007 – Saturday, October 13, 2007. Myrtle Beach SC. For more info visit
http://www.cldinternational.org/

Oct 13: ESL Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Also October 20 Times: T B A. Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, October 13, 2007. Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center San Diego CA. For more info visit
http://www.sdcl.org/

Oct 13: Train Your Brain Day – Learn Something New Today !

Orange Co Library - READ/OC - Read for the Record

Read for the Record was an incredible “record-breaking” event throughout Orange County. The impact within the community, OCPL branches as well as our tutors and learners was amazing! This effort was coordinated by Carol Marshall, Americorps Member of the READ/Orange County Team.

Below are some highlights - More Highlites @ Flickr

At Buena Clinton Family Resource Center, one of our volunteers was speaking with a mother in Spanish about the importance of reading to her children. Her 5-year-old child popped up and asked in English “can I grow up and be a doctor?” Our volunteer then went on to excitedly encourage the mother to continue reading to her child so that he can realize his dream of becoming a doctor.

A little boy, he couldn’t have been more than 3 years old proudly showed me his brand new library card at Irvine University Park. Comments from the librarian “The patrons were very happy with the whole thing. …Everyone brought home something to read of their very own.”

At Stanton Family Resource Center, it was one activity at their semi-annual “Family Fun Friday Night,” which included games, food, entertainment as well as community resources. It was exciting to see families come in listen to The Story of Ferdinand and create a small craft; 38 families came with 81 children. This event lasted for about 3 hours during which time, we read the story continuously.

At Mesa Verde Library, we held the event in the Children’s section. We sang songs, read the story and had a follow-up craft activity. Following the story many parents stopped me to say how much they enjoyed the story. Comments from the librarian “one of the parents said to another parent, who had not been to the library before, that a program like this is why they love to come to the library.”

We distributed books and craft materials for staff at OCPL headquarters to share with their children at home. Nineteen employees stopped by during their lunch time, not only for the book, but also the play with the craft items.

At a family reading time at Irvine Heritage Park Library, 8 families with 10 children were in attendance. One of the families included grandma, dad, mom and daughter. They all enjoyed the story as well as the follow-up crafts; each family member got involved in creating with the craft materials! They were new to this and were excited to learn we hold a monthly family literacy class at that branch. The Grandma told me that she had not heard this story since she was a small girl.

The Final Numbers:
14 Branches including OCPL Headquarters
3 Community Family Resource Centers hosted 4 events
2 Elementary School Class rooms
1 Boys & Girls Club joined with Stanton Branch

279 families
563 Children
54 Volunteers
5 READ/OC staff

Includes 23 READ volunteers, 10 teens volunteers and 3 staff from Buena Clinton Neighborhood Center in Garden Grove, 7 Children’s Librarians, 2 staff from Stanton Family Resource Center, 2 classroom teachers, and 7 volunteers from Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Garden Grove Police Department, and Housing With Heart/Jamboree Housing Corp.

National Literacy Month

September is National Literacy Month:

Time to get involved
Make sure that members of your community
Learn to Read !


Questia’s Top 10 Literacy Books for National Literacy Month

Literacy in the New Media Age by Gunther Kress - Routledge

The Power of the Written Word: The Role of Literacy in the History of Western Civilization by Alfred Burns - Peter Lang

The Browser's Ecstasy: A Meditation on Reading
by Geoffrey O'Brien - Counterpoint

Read On @ Your Local Library: CalCat or WorldCat

Questia is the first online library that provides 24/7 access to the world's largest online collection of books and journal articles in the humanities and social sciences, plus magazine and newspaper articles. You can search each and every word of all of the books and journal articles in the collection. You can read every title cover to cover. $99.95 per year subscription

Downey Library - Literacy Month 2007

More on Literacy Month: Donna's update: I spent Monday evening at the Downey Public Library talking about My California with a very enthusiastic group that included many of the city's volunteer reading tutors.

Librarian Claudia Dailey mentioned a surprising statistic: that 27 percent of adults in Los Angeles County are not fully literate. So Claudia and her wonderful band of volunteers spend countless hours all year long helping other adults improve their reading skills.

I'm delighted that the library's tutors and their students are all diving into the narrative travel stories in the My California anthology. And I can't think of a better way to inspire people to read than sharing the work of these 27 great writers.

CaliforniaAuthors.com blog: Sep 19, 2007

Newport Beach Library - Man proves it’s never too late to learn

Man proves it’s never too late to learnDaily Pilot: 9.06.07: By Joseph Serna

For most of his adult life, Donnie Madril has had to watch opportunities pass him by. His parents could afford to send him to college, but the 48-year-old Irvine man chose manufacturing after high school.

Every time an opportunity for advancement arose in the company, Madril could only stand by, immobilized by his inability to write.

After 20 years, when his company relocated and many of them were laid off, Madril’s choices were limited — find a job with little writing. Something repetitious that did not require elaboration was about as far as he could go.

“For most of my adult life I’ve mostly been well-read and spoke fairly well,” Madril said. “But I was never able to transfer my thoughts to paper. It was real simple stuff, simple, small words. A sentence did not have a beginning or an end. Fragments every place, no punctuation at all.”

Nearly 10 years into his second career, now as a truck driver, Madril seized a life-changing opportunity with Newport Beach Public Library’s Literacy Services program. He did better than learn how to write. He won the program’s Rochelle Hoffman Award Thursday.
The Newport Beach library’s literacy program can be reached at (949) 717-3874. READ ON

Hemet Library - Hemet Library Raises Funds for Literacy

Hemet Library Raises Funds for LiteracyPress-Enterprise: 9.12.07 by Diane A Rhodes

Download story podcast

Some came in strollers, some in wheelchairs and many in sneakers to participate in the second annual Walk-A-Mile for Literacy on Saturday.

Hosted by Hemet Public Library Adult Literacy Services, AmeriCorps and Hemet Adult Literacy Advocates, the event was intended to raise awareness and funds.

According to Adult Literacy Services Program Director Lori Eastman, nearly one in five adult residents of the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley is functionally illiterate.

About 250 supporters who participated in Saturday's Walk-A-Mile for Literacy gather for a raffle at the Hemet Public Library.

The Walk-A-Mile route, which measures out to be closer to two miles, contained 15 checkpoints for about 250 walkers to stop and learn about the importance of reading. Each table provided tickets for prizes that were raffled off after everyone met upstairs at the library. READ ON

Santa Maria Library - Spellers Aid Literacy With Contest

Spellers Aid Literacy With ContestLompoc Record: 9.9.07 by Luis Ernesto Gomez

No eight letters had eased so much tension as the word "zeppelin" did Saturday when two members of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club snatched first place at the 15th Annual Adult Spelling Bee.

"We've never made it this far," said Mike Gibson, who had paired with Mike Tolbert for nearly 18 rounds. "We usually make it up to the third or fourth round."
The pair finished first over St. Joseph High School students Natalie Favorite and Bianca Davis, both 17 years old, in a six-round tie-breaker. Susan and Robert Rees of the Noontime Rotary Club of Santa Maria finished in third place.

Some 33 two-person teams squared off in the often frustrating competition, which raises thousands of dollars for the Central Coast Literacy Council and was sponsored by the Santa Maria Times. Proceeds pay for materials and programs aimed to improve the reading and writing skills of adults. READ ON

Santa Paula Blanchard Library - International Literacy Day September 8

International Literacy Day September 8
Santa Paula News: 9.5.07

If you can read this, CELEBRATE International Literacy Day, September 8, 2007.

Since 1985, Santa Paula’s Blanchard Library FLAIR literacy program has been providing one-to-one volunteer tutors to help adults with reading, writing and math. Hundreds of adults have achieved success in reaching their literacy goals, ranging from being able to read a children’s book to earning a college degree. Meet a few of them:

“Before I came to FLAIR I couldn’t understand English. Now I speak, read and write it.” – Maria

“I was nervous at first but I took the ESL classes and then got a tutor. I’m learning grammar and cursive penmanship. I’m learning more and more.” – Francisco

“I read to my daughter.” – Luis

“FLAIR has been one of the most important things that has come into our lives. My husband and I have experienced good job opportunities… my daughter and older son have now graduated college.” – Martha

“I appreciate my tutor. She helps me. I want to work in a hospital convalescent home. It’s a good program. I love my library.” – Rosa

“I want a better life for my kids.” – Victor

To help celebrate these (and many other) goals and accomplishments, you can:

• Publicize our literacy program with posters and flyers

• Become a volunteer tutor

• Make a donation, which will receive a match from the California State Library - $6 will bring us $2, $9 will bring us $3, $12 will bring us $4, etc.

Call FLAIR at 525-2384. Happy reading!

Palmdale Library - Literacy tutors sought: Library helps more Valley adults read

Literacy tutors sought: Library helps more Valley adults read
Antelope Valley Press: 9.06.2007 by Lindsay Hymas

An estimated 17,500 adults in the Antelope Valley are illiterate, according to the Palmdale Library Adult Literacy Program.

The Palmdale Library is looking for volunteers to help reduce those numbers through its free program available to any English-speaking adult.

Since its inception in February 2002, the Palmdale Library Adult Literacy Program has trained approximately 150 volunteers who have worked with more than 300 adults, teaching them basic reading and writing.

The National Literacy Act of 1991, defines literacy as an individual's ability to read, write and speak in English; compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society; to achieve one's goals and to develop one's knowledge and potential.

Being illiterate does not mean a person is stupid, said Rod Williams, literacy coordinator for the Palmdale Library Literacy Program.

"It is important to look past the problem and see the person. Illiteracy is correctable.

"Illiterate adults should know they are not alone and that the program exists to help," Williams said. "There's a lot people can get out of a literacy program."

A five-year grant from the California Library Literacy Service provided funding for the volunteer-based program where tutors meet with students for one to 1½ hours once or twice a week for six months, Williams said.

Once a month, Williams conducts a six-hour training session for volunteer tutors, he said. During the training Williams screens volunteers, gives them an orientation to the program and introduces them to different teaching techniques, he said.

Each volunteer receives a teaching manual along with a copy of "The Voyage," a series of nine books representing varying levels of comprehension.

"My main objective in training is to get people to feel comfortable working one-on-one with other people. What I'm really looking for is people with patience and a sense of humor," Williams said.

Tutors should understand that literacy doesn't happen overnight; it takes time, William said. "I tell them, 'You're getting to impact someone's life.' That's a time commitment."

Each student receives a copy of "The Voyage" for his or her literacy level, and a copy of Litstart, a one-stop shop for the literacy program that includes techniques, phonics, word lists and more, Williams said.

Students also can bring their own material to tutoring sessions each week. "Anything is fair game," Williams said. "If they want to bring in comics or the newspaper, that's fine. Anything that helps them to read.

"Our long-term goal is that every student, by the time they leave, can function better in society," Williams said.

Palmdale City Librarian Nancy Quelland said the library's literacy program is a great service for the community. It "provides an opportunity for people to improve their reading and writing," she said, which "affects every aspect of their lives."

According to Quelland, the Adult Literacy Program is "very specialized because it's geared toward their needs, and they are able to set their own personal goals."

Not all students become truly engaged in the program, Williams said. While some students only meet their once-a-week minimum, others are yearning to learn more, he said.

So 1½ years ago, the literacy program introduced small classroom workshops for those who are really motivated, Williams said.

"We've found that having small classroom workshops in addition to the one-on-one tutoring provides supplemental instruction and extra social support for learning," he said.

The workshops help students hone basic math skills, reading and spelling skills, phonics and word family recognition skills.

California has about 100 literacy programs, but the Palmdale Library's literacy program is the only library program of its kind in the Valley, Williams said.

Other literacy resources in the community include remedial courses at Antelope Valley College, the AV Adult School, various church-run programs and private tutors.

Workshops for the Palmdale Library Literacy Program are conducted in the Palmdale Cultural Hall, but session meeting places are organized by the tutor and learner and can be conducted in any quiet public place, including the City Library and Palmdale Youth Library, Williams said.

Williams estimates one out of every five adults cannot read well enough "to fill out a simple application, read a food label or read a child a bedtime story."

According to the American Library Association, the impact of low literacy skills on society is enormous, correlating to income levels, unemployment rates, health care issues, crime statistics, remedial training and voter participation.

For details about the program, call Rod Williams at (661) 267-5682.

Lompoc Library - Celebrate Literacy Day by becoming a volunteer

Celebrate Literacy Day by becoming a volunteerLompoc Record: 9.04.07 - by Linda Warren

“International Literacy Day” is observed annually on Sept. 8 - this Saturday - to focus attention on worldwide literacy needs. More than 780 million of the world's adults, (nearly two-thirds women) don't know how to read or write. Between 94 and 115 million children lack access to education. Even in one of the richest countries in the world, illiteracy is a very sad fact.

I recently became a tutor, after I retired from a long career, and have been richly blessed by my student. I was trained in a few short evenings and was surprised that I needed no formal education in teaching to become a tutor. I had a friend years before, whose mother had taught others to read in the evening at the library. I thought to myself that I could also become a volunteer someday, once I retired and had more time. I discovered that it only takes a couple of hours a week to be a tutor, meeting twice a week.

My first student is a woman originally from another country, who only completed eighth grade. She is very eager to learn and is an excellent student. She signed up for many reasons, one of which is to be able to communicate with others and advance at her job. We have become friends and enjoy the time that we spend together. Not only do I have an opportunity to teach her to improve her reading skills, but I have also gained a friend.

To address the problem of illiteracy in our community, the Lompoc Public Library established an Adult Reading Program in 1998. In 18 years, the program has assisted more than 1,200 adults with improved reading and writing skills. The program is partly funded by the state library and the City of Lompoc, but contributions from community organizations and individuals assure the program's services will continue.

To become a volunteer tutor or make a tax-free donation, simply call 735-READ or stop by the library during regular hours and check with someone at the desk for more information. The next tutor training workshop starts Sept. 19 in the evening. This is a wonderful opportunity that anyone can do who has the desire to help someone read. It's changed my life and I know that it will change yours as well. Be a tutor and become a friend to someone today. Give the gift of reading today.

Linda Warren is literacy tutor for the Lompoc Public Library.

Orange Co Library - READ/Orange County - National Literacy Month

National Literacy Month

katydiddys is offering Literary Cupcake Notecards!

5% of profits (and FREE shipping) will be donated to the Friends of READ Orange County, an organization that supports the adult literacy program of the Orange County Public Library.

Click here to order.

SCLLN Literacy Library Calendar - September 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Event Calendar: September 2007

- visit SCLLN for more events -

Sep 6: Annual Celebration of Literacy – Newport Beach Public Library
Presenter: Newport Beach Public Library. Contact: Literacy Office. Thursday, September 6, 2007, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Newport Beach Public Library 1000 Avacado Newport Beach CA 92660. For more info visit
http://www.newportliteracy.org/.

Sep 8: Walk A Mile For Literacy – Hemet Public Library
2nd Annual $10.00 - Adults $ 5.00 - Children, 5-12 Prizes. Ticket Phone: (951)765-3856. Contact: Hemet Public Library Adult Literacy Services. Saturday, September 8, 2007, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Hemet Public Library Adult Literacy Services 315 E Latham Hemet CA. For more info visit
http://www.cityofhemet.org/library/literacy.htm

Sep 8: Central Coast Book & Author Festival – San Luis Obispo Co. Library Saturday, September 8, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Mission Plaza San Luis Obispo CA. For more info visit
http://www.ccbookfestival.org/

Sep 8: Spelling Bee Fundraiser - Santa Maria City Library
Help the free Santa Maria City Library Literacy program. Presenter: Central Coast Literacy Council. Ticket Phone: (805)922-9200. Contact: Central Coast Literacy Council. Saturday, September 8, 2007, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Souza Center 708 S Miller Santa Maria CA. For more info visit
centralcoastliteracy.org

Sep 15: Spellabration-Ice Cream Social - Orange Public Library
1st Annual Spelling Bee 3-person teams: $225 Prizes. Age Range: All Ages. Ticket Phone: 714.288.2474. Ticket Web Link: http://www.cityoforange.org/library. Contact: Orange Public Library. Saturday, September 15, 2007. Orange Public Library 407 E Chapman Orange CA 92866. For more info visit
http://www.cityoforange.org/depts/library/bee/default.asp

Sep 28: Scrabble Fundraiser - Santa Barbara Public Library
Stand Up And Spell - Scrabble Challenge Kick-Off event for the Santa Barbara Book & Author Festival Entry Fee: $20.00. Presenter: Santa Barbara Public Library. Age Range: Families. Ticket Phone: (805)546-5619. Contact: bschwartzberger@santabarbara.gov. Friday, September 28, 2007, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery 40 E Anapamu Santa Barbara CA. For more info visit
http://www.sbplibrary.org/

Sep 30: Celebrating Literacy & Multiculture - Santa Maria
Second Annual. Presenter: Central Coast Literacy Council. Ticket Phone: (805)922-9200. Contact: Central Coast Literacy Council. Sunday, September 30, 2007, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Santa Maria City Library Santa Maria CA. For more info visit
centralcoastliteracy.org

Santa Barbara Library - Montecito Literacy Program Volunteers

Montecito Literacy Program VolunteersMontecito Journal: August 30, 2007
Our Town By Joanne A. Calitri

As a core educational foundation, reading is an assumed skill, but there are some adults who’ve never mastered the skill. Help has been available for over 20 years in the form of the Adult Literacy Program run by the Santa Barbara County Library. Literacy Program Volunteers have been helping countless people from every developmental level and age range, to learn to read, and read well. The program is currently headed by Beverly Schwartzberg, the Adult Literacy Coordinator.

Bev and five of her fourteen Montecito literacy volunteers met with us recently to discuss the program. Those volunteers were 13-year veteran Joy Winer, 6-year volunteer Nancy Simon, 2-year volunteer Kristy McLoughlin and newbies Ethel Scar and Bonnie R. Corman, PhD. Unable to make the meeting were Jolene DeLisa, Elaine Heavner, Sherry Melchiorre, Gail Harling. The other five volunteers wished to remain anonymous.

Anyone wishing to become a tutor must first enroll in a nine-hour training course and make a six-month commitment to be a tutor in the program. The literacy program is free for students, and each student receives one-on-one tutoring. This aspect of the program was unanimously lauded as the key ingredient for the success of the tutoring, and the key factor that appealed to our Montecito literacy volunteers.

“One-on-one tutoring is personal… it creates a friendship…” said Joy, who had worked for many years in a corporate environment. She stated that the one-on-one focus is important, as for most students, learning in a classroom full of students is difficult.

Ethel is a first generation American. Her parents had to learn English and her grandparents never did, which made communication difficult. Being a literacy volunteer allows her to teach others how to read.

Kristy had been a school psychologist in the Santa Barbara school district for 20 years. Her focus as a tutor is to help parents, so they in turn can help their children with homework and other school related areas. For Beverly, this was the first volunteer job she had taken right out of college, as she could not imagine life without reading.

If you would like to become a tutor, the next tutor training course is Wednesday and Thursday, August 29 and 30, at the Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA.

"Stand Up and Spell!", the program’s second annual Scrabble Challenge, will be held Friday September 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara.

For more information, contact Beverly Schwartzberg - Phone: (805) 564-5619 or: bschwartzberg@santabarbaraca.gov

San Bernardino Co Library - Volunteer of the month makes a difference

Volunteer of the month makes a difference
Dailybulletin.com: Aug 23, 2007

Janet Wirtz was named Chino Hills volunteer of the month for August.

Question: Why did you start volunteering in Chino Hills?
Answer: I have been volunteering whereever I've lived since I was about 21 years old. So it wasn't if I was going to volunteer, but what I was going to do. I believe in making other peoples' lives easier. One of the ways I can do this is by volunteering.

Q: What programs have you volunteered with? What kind of work do you do with those programs?
A: Helped coordinate events at a museum in St. Paul, Minn.; ushered at a theater in Phoenix; Helped out with the Boy Scouts by picking up their awards and badges; delivered bread to Hillview Acres through St. Vincent de Paul; worked at a food pantry and helped fill food boxes for needy families during Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons; taught a religion class; ushered and typed up usher schedule for a local church; taught a student English, through the Library Literacy Program; mentored an inmate at California Institution for Women through Match 2; delivered meals to inbound residents through Caring for the Hills; helped out at my son's schools; scrapbooked for the Inland Hills Church "Prayer Quilt Program"; and processed utility bills for the city of Chino Hills.

Q: You mentored an inmate at California Institution for Women. What was that experience like?
A: It was very educational. I hope I was able to make a difference in someone else's life.

Q: What were you honored for at the Chino Hills City Council meeting?
A: I was selected as the city's Highlighted Volunteer for August 2007. Since March 2007, I have been assisting in the finance department, opening water bills every Monday and Tuesday.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a volunteer?
A: The latest is being honored by the city for my time. But all of my experiences are great because I enjoy meeting the nicest people and feeling more connected to my community.

Q: What kind of work did you do before you became a volunteer?
A: My last paying job, for 10 years, was as an Intelligence Research Specialist for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, in Washington, D.C., and Phoenix.

Newport Beach Library - Library to celebrate International Literacy Day

Library to celebrate International Literacy DayDaily Pilot: Aug 27, 2007: by Joseph Serna

Newport Beach Public Library Literacy Services will be celebrating International Literacy Day on Thursday, Sept. 6.

The day’s program will focus on the importance of literacy outreach in the community and will recognize the contributions of the many volunteers and tutors that work in the local literacy program, as well as the learners who work hard to acquire new skills.

This year’s theme, “Unlock the Potential,” is fitting because the program will honor Rochelle Hoffman award recipient Donnie Madril, a truck driver who needed help with spelling and reading in order to complete the forms and reports necessary for work.

Two local finalists in the California Library Literacy Services “Writer to Writer” challenge will also be recognized.

The program will be from 10 a.m. to noon in the Friends Meeting Room at the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach.

Tutor Training - September 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshops: September 2007

Newport Beach Public Library: Sep 6
Contact: Literacy Office. Thursday, September 6, 2007, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Newport Beach Public Library 1000 Avacado Newport Beach CA 92660. For more info visit

www.newportliteracy.org

READ/Orange County: Sep 11
Must attend Tutor Information Meeting to register for September workshops. Presenter: READ/Orange County. Ticket Phone: (714)566-3067. Contact: READ/Orange County. Tuesday, September 11, 2007, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Westminster Library 8180 13th Westminster CA. For more info visit
www.readoc.org.

San Diego County Library: Sep 12
Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 5:30 PM – Thursday, September 13, 2007, 8:00 PM. El Cajon Branch El Cajon CA. For more info visit
www.sdcl.org.

READ/Orange County: Sep 12
Must attend Tutor Information Meeting to register for September workshops. Presenter: READ/Orange County. Ticket Phone: (714)566-3067. Contact: READ/Orange County. Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Costa Mesa Library 1855 Park Ave Costa Mesa CA. For more info visit
www.readoc.org.

Oceanside Public Library – Youth Literacy: Sep 12
Orientation Training - Sep 15: 9 am - 1:30 pm 760 . 435 . 5680. Presenter: Oceanside Public Library. Ticket Phone: (760)435-5680. Contact: Oceanside READS. Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Mission Branch Library 3861 Mission Ave Oceanside CA. For more info visit
www.library.ci.oceanside.ca.us.

Glendora Public Library – Dyslexia Workshop: Sep 15
FREE No registration required Anyone is welcome to attend. Presenter: Glendora Public Library. Ticket Phone: 626.852.4891. Contact: Mary Pat Dodson. Saturday, September 15, 2007, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Glendora Public Library Bidwell Forum 140 S Glendora Glendora CA 91741. For more info visit

www.glendoralibrary.org

Los Angeles Public Library: Sep 15
All Volunteers must be Interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Presenter: Los Angeles Public Library. Ticket Phone: (213)228-7037. Contact: Literacy Office. Saturday, September 15, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Mid-Valley Regional Branch 16244 Nordhoff St North Hills CA 91343. For more info visit

www.lapl.org.

San Diego County Library: Sep 15
Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, September 15, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 4S Ranch Branch San Diego CA. For more info visit
www.sdcl.org.

Pasadena Public Library: Sep 18
Orientation: Must Attend Also Workshops on: Sep 19, 25 and 27. Presenter: Pasadena READS. Contact: rjaquez@cityofpasadena.net. Tuesday, September 18, 2007, 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM. La Pintoresca Branch 1355 N Raymond Pasadena CA 91103. For more info visit
www.ci.pasadena.ca.us.

San Diego County Library: Sep 29
Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, September 29, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Ramona Branch San Diego CA. For more info visit

www.sdcl.org.

National City Library - Book lover retires after 26 years as city librarian

Book lover retires after 26 years as city librarian
San Diego Union-Tribune: July 6, 07: by Tanya Sierra

Anne Campbell always knew she wanted to be a librarian. Her passion for books started as a young girl, when she would lock herself in her bedroom and journey into the worlds depicted on the pages she read.

The addiction was so strong that her mother restricted the number of books she could check out from the city library to five per week. “I would stay up until 3 or 4 in the morning reading,” she said. “In seventh grade I wrote a letter to the American Library Association and asked, 'How do I become a librarian?' ”

Campbell, National City's head librarian, retired this week after 26 years of forging a relationship with the city's readers.

The 59-year-old, who grew up in Denver, didn't deviate from the path the library association outlined for her in its response. Even during her teen years, when rebellion can sometimes set in, Campbell never strayed far from the library.

“The library was where I was meant to be,” Campbell said.

Just as Campbell knew her career path, she knew National City needed a strong library program for its many students and illiterate adults.

In the working-class city, 36 percent of the population – the highest rate in the county – is illiterate and more than 40 percent didn't finish high school.

Campbell arrived at the National City Public Library in 1981.

“You could have rolled a bowling ball in the library because no one came in,” she said. “They were running the library like it was the 1960s.”

Although National City has always been diverse, a large immigrant population began settling in the city during the '70s and early '80s, Campbell said. Many families weren't aware the library was a place where they could check out books for free or get literacy services.

She began with an adult reading program, which expanded to a family program. Soon a Words on Wheels mobile library service was sent into neighborhoods to entice children to read.

“If you raise the literacy rate of a community, then you raise the socioeconomic status of the community,” Campbell said.

Perhaps her biggest feat was getting overwhelming community support for a bond in 2002 for a new, $17 million library.

At the time, city officials applied for a state grant, but first needed local funding in place. They had to move fast to get a $6 million bond measure on the ballot for March 2002, three months before the state application was due.

In an extremely competitive process, National City was the only city in the county to win a library grant in the first selection round. The grant provided $11.1 million. Private donations added $1.3 million.

The 50,000-square-foot library opened in August 2005. It's so popular that a line of people is often waiting at the door when it opens.

Running a busy library takes work, and Campbell is a serious woman with high expectations – sometimes too high, say those who have worked with her.

Some union employees felt uncomfortable because they were asked to work community events off the clock, and felt Campbell didn't support their union activities, said James Slade, the Municipal Employees Union president.

“I just know she was a difficult person to work with and our municipal employees always had an issue,” he said, adding that the union has filed a grievance against her.

When asked about Slade's comments, Campbell said she didn't know of any conflicts.

Councilman Luis Natividad, who credits Campbell with running a top-notch city library, said he would have liked a closer City Hall-library relationship.

“There was a distance between the library and the City Council,” he said, adding, “She's very passionate about the library.”

Campbell admits to giving her all to the library, even tearing up when she described what it means to the community.

“It's free, it's open, it nourishes the mind but also the soul,” she said.

Campbell, who is also a National School District trustee, plans to continue her elected work, volunteer at the library and spend time with family during the next phase of her life. She is married and has a grown son.

“Retirement looks fabulous,” she said. “I worked really hard.”

San Bernardino County Library - Teaching adults survival literacy returns

Teaching adults survival literacy returnsThe Sun: July 27, 2006 by Andrea Bennett

The revitalization of a program that helps area adults learn to read and which lost the wind in its sails for almost a year, rests in the youthful but capable hands of Cesar Lara, 24.

As the new literacy specialist at the Highland Branch Library, Lara appears to be just the right man for the job.

"I recruit adult learners who don't know how to read or write and I recruit tutors, and I match them up and they just kind of work on their own," Lara said.

The library's Adult Literacy Program faced a period of relative dormancy in September 2005, when then-literacy specialist Pat Purcio fell ill but retained the position until March.

Elizabeth Castillo, library assistant at the Highland Branch, said the program, and the many people it helped, suffered as a result.

"It stopped everything because the tutors we had didn't know where to go or what to do. There was no one to guide them," Castillo said. "Also there were people asking for tutors and we didn't have any."

Lara had been working as a library page for a year and a half when he was promoted to his current position, and already he has had an impact.

"I've got a handful of tutors and learners now," Lara said. "There are actually more learners than tutors, because a lot of people out there are illiterate. But hopefully -- little by little -- I can bring the program back to what it was."

His objective is to find at least 20 people in the community, with both a high school education and a desire to help others, who can volunteer at least once a week as a tutor.

Though Lara promotes the free tutoring through word-of- mouth, he said there is no real shortage of adult learners in the community.

"Actually a lot of people come in and ask for tutors, so the word gets out there," Lara said. "A lot of times, they come in here to learn the little things first. They want to set up an e-mail account or they want to be able to write checks."

Harriet Foucher, Highland Branch librarian, said illiteracy is a rampant reality in the community and the program works to amend the social epidemic.

"The statistics keep showing us that 1 in 5 people need help reading," Foucher said. "They can't read things like prescriptions, they lack survival literacy, and these people fall through the cracks. They don't do well with group education situations, so we do one-on-one tutoring, where the tutor and new reader set goals together and work to achieve those goals."

Foucher said there are multiple things that push adults to finally seek literacy.

"Some need a GED for a job, or a driver's license. Many parents need it when their children start school. I think some want to read the Bible," she said. "There is a segment of the population that wants to be able to read. With the changes in welfare, they have to get some kind of job, and reading is so important to every job you do."

It's Lara's job to find an appropriate tutor to match with the individual and assist him or her in reaching set goals.

Due to the shortage of volunteer tutors, however, a surplus of adult learners -- Spanish speaking, or not -- who want to learn to read and write are forced to sit on a waiting list, he said.

The act of seeking help itself can be daunting for people who cannot read, so Lara said he does his best to ease their fears.

"It's difficult for some people because they're so intimidated when they come in," he said. "But the first step is to get in here and ask for help, and I've just got to reassure them they are going to get help."

His easygoing and nonjudgmental attitude makes Lara approachable to learners and the fact that he is bilingual helps calm nervous English learners.

As one who relishes reading and has devoted the past four years to libraries, Lara serves as a prime example of the joys of literacy.

"I like to read nonfiction. I figure if it's not true, why bother?" said Lara, whose favorite book is "The Motorcycle Diaries" and current read is "The Valachi Papers." "I love to read and I love the people who come in and out of the library. They have the same interests as I do -- reading and learning."

At only 24, Lara has already done some serious life learning after getting married at age 20. He and his wife, Virginia, 24, met their first semester at San Bernardino Valley College, and as Lara said, "It just felt right."

"When you're young and in love, you don't know any better," Lara said. "It's hard when you marry young, and you're still in school, with a part-time job, and struggling with money. We matured a lot and learned a lot about each other during that time."

Presently, Lara and his wife live in San Bernardino with their white Pomeranian, Q-Tip. Lara also works part-time as a bilingual tutor for Yucaipa School District, while Virginia works as a special education tutor for Pacific High School.

Lara returned to Valley College last fall, as waiting until his wife graduated from Cal State San Bernardino, was more financially feasible for the young couple. He said he plans to teach elementary school in the future, but the library will still likely be part of his life.

"I want to be here as long as possible, especially next year when we move to the new library," Lara said. "Hopefully, I can start English improvement classes there. Also, we'll have a literacy lab there."

The Adult Literacy Program is up and running under Lara, but there is still much to do in order to meet the literacy needs of the community effectively.

"We have a lot of low-income people in the area who want to improve their lives, but they don't have the time or money to go to college, especially when they have 3 jobs, but they want something better," Castillo said. "I think this program will help them a lot."

Lara is acutely aware of the struggle for self-improvement, and the library staff say his patience, passion and personable nature are certain to breathe new life into a program that makes a real difference in the lives of those in the community.

"Over the 21 years I've been here, I have seen a number of people get that little boost with tutoring to go on and do better things with their lives," Foucher said. "You have to overcome the attitude, 'I can't do it.' In a way, we're just being cheerleaders and encouraging people to use the skills they already have."

For more information about the Adult Literacy Program, contact Cesar Lara, literacy specialist, at the Highland Branch Library at (909) 862-6469 or visit 27167 Base Line in Highland.

Tutor Training - August 2007

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshops: August 2007
Tutor Training - San Diego County Library - Aug 9
Tutor Workshops and Events Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Wednesday, August 8, 2007, 5:30 PM – Thursday, August 9, 2007, 8:00 PM. El Cajon Branch El Cajon CA. For more info visitwww.sdcl.org.

Wilson Reading System - READ/Orange County - Aug 11
Tutor Workshops and Events Learn about the Wilson System. Presenter: READ/Orange County. Ticket Phone: (714)566-3067. Contact: READ/Orange County. Saturday, August 11, 2007, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. READ/OC Headquarters 1501 E St Andrew Pl Santa Ana CA 92705. For more info visitwww.readoc.org.

Tutor Training - READ/San Diego - Aug 14
Tutor Workshops and Events 1st Session: also Aug 18 and 25. 619 . 527 . 5475. Presenter: READ/San Diego. Ticket Phone: (619)527-5475. Contact: READ/San Diego. Tuesday, August 14, 2007, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Linda Vista Branch Library 2160 Ulric St San Diego CA 92111. For more info visitwww.sandiego.gov.
Wilson Reading System - READ/Orange County - Aug 18
Tutor Workshops and Events Learn about the Wilson System. Presenter: READ/Orange County. Ticket Phone: (714)566-3067. Contact: READ/Orange County. Saturday, August 18, 2007, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. READ/OC Headquarters 1501 E St Andrew Pl Santa Ana CA 92705. For more info visitwww.readoc.org.
Tutor Training - Los Angeles Public Library - Aug 18
Tutor Workshops and Events All Volunteers must be Interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Presenter: Los Angeles Public Library. Ticket Phone: (213)228.7037. Contact: Los Angeles Public Library. Saturday, August 18, 2007, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Baldwin Hills Branch 2906 S La Brea Ave LA CA 90016. For more info visitwww.lapl.org.
Tutor Training - San Diego County Library - Aug 18
Tutor Workshops and Events Presenter: LEARN. Ticket Phone: (888)466-0668. Contact: San Diego County Library. Saturday, August 18, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Vista Branch Vista CA. For more info visit
www.sdcl.org.
Tutor Training - Burbank Public Library - Aug 22
Tutor Workshops and Events Register for the first session of a 15-hour workshop: also Aug 25 and Sep 8. 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. Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Burbank Public Library Auditorium 110 N Glenoaks Burbank CA 91502. For more info visitwww.burbanklibrary.com.

Tutor Training - Santa Barbara Public Library: Aug 29
Tutor Workshops and Events Also Aug 30: Noon to 4:30 pm. Presenter: Santa Barbara Public Library. Ticket Phone: (805)564-5619. Contact: bschwartzberg@santabarbaraca.gov. Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM. Santa Barbara Public Library Townley Room 40 E Anapamu Santa Barbara CA. For more info visit
www.sbplibrary.org.

BlogAThon - Videos

Burbank Reads!
http://burbanklibrary.blogspot.com

Blogathon 2007 11.28 PM time slot

Blogathon - Videos

Reading Inspires Children

Blogathon 2007 9:06 AM

BlogaThon - Videos

Calgary Library: Story Time

BlogaThon 2007

BlogAThon - Videos

SCTV - Bobby Bittman public service ad.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Finale

Well, a long, long day. Let's just 'bookend' the event with a modified post announcing my first attempt at Blogathon.

Blogathon began yesterday at 6:00 am. Bloggers from around the world blogged for one day to help charities around the globe. We posted every 30 minutes over a 24 hour period; at one the time just became a blur -know there are extra posts, double posts, probably some within minutes of each other.

For this, we collected sponsorships and pledges. They could be a flat donation, or a certain amount for every hour we managed to stay awake.

It's not too late, go to Blogathon, choose ‘Southern California Library Literacy Network,’ and PLEDGE !

Or you can to go the SCLLN ‘Donations Page’ and send a Donation.

And continue to use GoodSearch: 1000 people @ 2 searches a day = $7,300

SCLLN is a network of literacy programs in public libraries from Santa Barbara to San Diego.

In 2006:
8,870 Adult Learners
5,586 Volunteer Tutors
358,604 Hours of Free Tutoring
Families For Literacy program
7,015 children under 5
8,844 children over 5
received 103,709 Free Books

SCLLN thanks you for your support !

BlogAThon - Library

Library Economic Value

Worth Their Weight: An Assessment of the Evolving Field of Library ValuationThe Americans for Libraries Council newest report offers researchers and advocates an overview of the cutting-edge field of library valuation, or models for expressing a library's multiple contributions to its community in dollars and cents. Libraries for the Future

Library Use Value Calculator:

What is your library worth to you?
How much would you pay out-of-pocket for your library services?
Use Kern County Library's calculator to find out.

This worksheet was originally provided by the Massachusetts Library Association, then adapted for the web by Chelmsford Public Library. The Maine State Library added extra accessibility coding and reformatting for ease of reading online; feel free to link the calculator where ever your library is. The Maine State Library site shows how the figures were calculated and how to customize and use on any library web site. The spreadsheet requires either Microsoft Excel or an Excel viewer.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Literacy Blogs

Some interesting literacy blogs to visit:

Adult Learner Blogs

Project Read - San Francisco Public Library
~ a friendly little internet site offering some helpful literacy tips, strategies, and resources

Literacy Blogs

Literacies Cafe - Toronto
~ Chit chat from literacies, a magazine from canada about adult literacy research and practice

Literacy News - Canada
~ Your source for literacy news and literacy development

Newton Free Library
~ Talk Time for Tutors

Literacy Changes
~ Kids, Special Ed., Occupational Therapy, Graphic Organizers, Text-to-Speech

Literacy Matters
~ 21st Century Literacies: The Challenge, The Opportunity, The Tools. What now?

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - News

from PRNewswire: 7.25.07

On Labor Day, preschoolers can step into a world where words truly are the stars of the show. "WordWorld," debuting Sept. 3, 2007, on PBS KIDS(R) (check local listings), is a 3-D animated series funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education, which encourages three- to five-year-old children to become friends with words.

The show makes preparing to read so much fun that kids will laugh out loud as they learn. "WordWorld" playfully brings words to life through a patent-pending methodology that embeds words into the objects they represent.

In each episode, children will explore their world of words. "WordWorld's" humorous storylines focus on age-appropriate social-emotional lessons while introducing preschoolers to key literacy-based skills, such as letter recognition and phonological awareness.

"'WordWorld' is an adventure series that makes words tangible by introducing preschoolers to a world of words that come alive right before their eyes," said Don Moody, founder and CEO of Word World, LLC. "The novelty of the show is that when a word is formed correctly, it morphs into the character or thing it represents, which makes learning to a read a totally new experience.

Our goal is to help preschoolers prepare for reading by telling engaging stories that are fun, sparking their imaginations and fostering a love for words."



A sneak preview.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - SCLLN

SCLLN' s Flickr account is certainly worth a visit.

There are about 100 photos that tell part of the story of literacy in Southern California.

We also have a number of contact with more photos about literacy and libraries.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Covina Public Library

The Second Start Literacy Program is a library-based literacy service with a mission of assisting English-speaking adults who wish to improve basic literacy skills and school-aged children that need additional help to succeed in school.

Trained volunteers and staff strive to create a learning environment that promotes self-esteem and helps learners to participate more effectively and productively in society. Lessons are individualized, confidential, and highly goal oriented. Tutors structure the learning process around the goals of the learner using materials that relate to those goals. The service is provided free of charge and on a one-to-one basis.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - LD

SCLLN links for LD: organziations and Technology

Learning Disabilities

AVKO Dyslexia Research Foundation
International Dyslexia Association
L D Association of California
L D Online
Literacy and Learning Disabilities
National Center for Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities: Assistive Technology

Abilility Hub
ABLEDATA
Boston Public Schools Access Technology Center (pdf.file)
Closing the Gap
Dyslexic Adult Links
KATS Network-Vision
KATS Network-Disability
LD and Assistive Technologies
Untangling the Web

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Upland Public Library

Reading for a brighter tomorrow

The Upland Public Library is a site of the West End Literacy League, a joint program between the Rancho Cucamonga and Upland Public Libraries. Since its inception in 1989, the Adult Literacy program has helped over 1,000 English-speaking adults improve their basic reading and writing skills, and the program can help you or someone you know. Adult learners are matched with trained volunteers for free one-to-one tutoring. Instruction is based on the learner's needs and goals.

Adult Literacy Book Club
First Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m.
Starting October 3, 2006
Adult learners discuss books and meet other aspiring readers in their own book club. Each book club member receives a free copy of the book to be discussed. Please check the Library Calendar for specific dates. Grant restrictions limit participation to adult literacy learners and tutors only; please contact the Literacy Office to pre-register, (909) 931-4212.

Ready-Set-Read
As an outreach service, the Upland Literacy Program coordinates the "Books for Babies" project. This is a joint effort to nurture literacy at an early age by providing a Ready-Set-Read kit to new parents who visit the San Antonio Community Hospital's Healthy Beginnings Family Care Center. These bilingual (English/Spanish) kits provide information about the benefits of reading to baby, tips on how to read to baby, a list of appropriate titles, a list of parenting books, information about the four participating libraries, a board book, and a coupon to be redeemed for another board book at any one of the four libraries. The Upland Public Library, in partnership with the Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and San Bernardino County Libraries, provides the "Read-Set-Read" Kits. For additional information about this program, call any of the participating libraries or the Healthy Beginnings Family Care Center at (909) 980-BABY.

Blogathon 2007

BlogAthon - Riverside County Library

Riverside County Public Library



To help English-speaking adults improve their literacy skills so they may fulfill their personal goals and take advantage of opportunities as lifelong learners.


Annual Facts

• 175 Tutors Trained

• 150 Students Matched

• 60 Families Served

• 10,000 Instructional Hours

• 600 Talent and Support Hours

• 4 Full - Time Staff Members

• Population of Area Served - 760,000

• Number of Literacy Sites/Centers - 3

Blogathon 2007

BlogAThon - Imperial County Free Library

Help for Reading or Writing

Help is available for adults 16 years of age and older who would like to improve their English-language reading and writing. It can be help to begin reading, or help in learning how to read better.

The Imperial County Free Library offers free, confidential help in conjunction with Literacy Volunteers of America/Imperial Valley. Interested persons can call LVA/IV at 352-8541 to inquire further.

Also in conjunction with LVA/IV, the County Library system offers Families for Literacy (FFL) programs for adult learners and their children under 5. The FFL story times are held once a month, September through May, at the Calipatria, Heber and Holtville Branches. See our calendar or call staff at those locations for further information on this program.

Blogathon 2007