Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Literacy Tribune: July 2009

Literacy Tribune: July 2009

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Neighborhood Watch
~ Whether you live in a city, suburb, town, or rural area, crime is a concern.

A Learner's Poem
~ Good Feeling by Rodolfo Diaz

Member Spotlight: John Corcoran
~ graduated from college, became a high school teacher, and a successful real estate developer all before he learned to read at age 48.

Technology Watch: Buying a Netbook

~ Over the last 15 years computers have shrunk in size.

A History Lesson: The Reconstruction Amendments
~ When the United States ratified the Constitution in 1788, slavery was a common practice.


Call for Writers !

Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
You can write about:

Your road to literacy
Your literacy organization
Literacy resources you like
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology

You can write just about anything !

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

CA & National Literacy Calendar: July 2009


California Literacy Calendar: July 2009


SCLLN Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
-local, California and National Conferences-
visit the



Current Tutor Training Workshops scrolling in left frame

Local: July 2009

Jul 18: 1.30 pm
Gift of Dyslexia Tour-Ron Davis: Irvine


California Conferences: July 2009
Jul 13
Quality Teaching for English Learners Inst: San Francisco


Jul 24
Sierra Storytelling Festival: Nevada City

National Conferences: July 2009

July 9
American Library Association: Chicago IL

Jul 19
Correctional Education Association: Madison WI



Monday, June 29, 2009

Martini Contest is Anything but Ordinary

Martini Contest is Anything but Ordinary
Contra Costa Times: June 25, 2009
by Jonathan Morales-Lamorinda Sun

Jay Crabb tossed fresh strawberries and some basil into a glass and mashed them together before adding orange and lemon juice, vodka and just a drop of balsamic vinegar.

"Do you have plain martinis?" a woman asked as she approached his table.

Not here, Crabb replied. "Every table features a specialty cocktail."

This may be the only martini event James Bond would leave disappointed.

Crabb, from Bijou Restaurant and Bar in Hayward, was one of 14 East Bay mixmasters serving up unique recipes at the 10th annual Martini Tasting at the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa on Monday. Proceeds from this year's contest will benefit Project Second Chance, an adult literacy program.

Traditional martinis were nowhere to be found Monday, but martinis made with shaved lemon peels, jalapeños or Godiva chocolate? Absolutely.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . >>>

Laura Seaholm, program director for Project Second Chance, estimated about 500 people attended the event and about $15,000 was raised for the program.

Project Second Chance is the county library's adult literacy program and was founded in 1984. The program offers free one-on-one literacy instruction to people 16 years or older to help them improve their reading, writing and spelling skills. 925 . 943 . 8048 READ MORE !

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Los Angeles Public Library - New City Librarian, New Call to Fight Illiteracy

New City Librarian, New Call to Fight Illiteracy
Laist: June 24, 2009 by Zach Behrens


Martin J. Gomez was confirmed today as the new City Librarian, charging him with the duty to oversee a $129 million budget, 6 million books and 1,100 employees throughout the 71 branches. The UCLA grad started his 30-year career as branch librarian in San Diego, moving on to head up Oakland's system, then to work in Brooklyn and most recently San Mateo.

Taking advantage of the moment, Councilmember Richard Alarcon introduced a motion to fight illiteracy rates in the city. “We have one of the largest, and growing, illiterate populations in the nation in Los Angeles, and we must take proactive steps to strategically reduce this devastating trend,” said Alarcón in a statement citing that 3.8 million people in the metropolitan area cannot read. “My motion is the first step in re-thinking the role of the library system, so the Department can further expand its role in helping people of all ages receive a crucial tool for success - the ability to read.”

The motion calls for a report on current literacy levels, assessment of current literacy programs done through the City and in conjunction with private and non-profit partners, the inclusion of the goal of reducing literacy as part of the mission statement and also the formation of a Literacy Advisory Committee. The motion also calls for a possibly changing the name of the department from the Los Angeles Public Library to the City of Los Angeles Department of Literacy and Public Library.


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Newport Beach Library - Author Gina Nahai Featured at May Fundraising Luncheon


Author Gina Nahai Featured at May Fundraising Luncheon
NBPL Literally Speaking: Summer 2009

Attendees at the May 1st Literacy Fundraising Luncheon were offered a glimpse into the life of author Gina Nahai. She told of her history as well as her journey toward learning to structure the writing down of all the stories that she had swirling in her head. Ms. Nahai’s colorful family and her upbringing in Iran provide characters and settings for her writings. Her novels highlight the “slow, excruciating march toward freedom and respect” for women in Iran.


Although Ms. Nahai’s stories are deep and serious, she spoke with great warmth and humor and graciously answered questions afterwards. She spent time both before and after lunch signing books. In addition, participants had the chance to bid on silent auction items donated by many generous local merchants. There were also balloon pops and opportunity drawings with the grand prize drawing for a fantastic gift basket donated by Wine Country Gift Baskets. Kudos to the committee and volunteers organizing the event—they did a terrific job.


Monday, June 22, 2009

Riverside County Library - Adults Learn English in Free Class at Library

Adults Learn English in Free Class at Library Desert Sun: June 18, 2009 by Aldrich M Tan

For the last several months, teacher Hank Altheide of La Quinta has been working with students learning English.

Most of them are adults older than 30.

During a recent class, held at Indio Public Library, a group of 12 students clapped their hands as they sang a song to review the days of the week in a small library conference room.

“Time flies. Days go by,” the students chanted with Altheide. “Sunday. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday.”


Altheide has been teaching the English as a Second Language, or ESL, class for at least three months through the Riverside County Library System's Adult Literacy Program and has seen his numbers of students grow as more find out about the free sessions.

The program has been around for at least 10 years, said Cindy Delanty, deputy administrator for the Riverside County Library System.

There are similar programs throughout the county, including in Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City and Coachella, Delanty said.

Altheide has been an ESL teacher for more than 10 years. By day, he operates Hank's Window Cleaning and has been self-employed in that business for 26 years. READ MORE !


Friday, June 19, 2009

Ventura Co Library - Adult Literacy Program Holds Tutor Appreciation Event

Adult Literacy Program Holds Tutor Appreciation Event
Ventura County Star: June 15, 2009 by Carol Chapman

Ventura County Library Reading Instruction for Adults (RIFA) recently honored adult literacy tutors with an ice cream social catered by Mark Schadecker of Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop in Thousand Oaks.

60 tutors attended; 5 spoke about their 17 amazing years of tutoring. Fun was had by all ! RIFA tutors teach different levels of reading and writing skills to English-speaking adults. Tutoring sites are in Ventura, Camarillo, and Simi Valley.

For more information, call: (805) 641-4484.


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Literacy . . . Info . . . News . . . Questions - PPIC Skills Gap

Educating California: Choices for the Future
Public Policy Institute of California - PPIC
Hans Johnson - June 2009

The bad news is that California is facing a “skills gap” - a shortage of college graduates - that threatens its economic future. But the good news is that modest improvements in college enrollment, community college transfers, and the college completion rate, particularly in the California State University system, could help to narrow that gap substantially. These improvements will not only help California’s young adults succeed in an increasingly high-skill economy but will also benefit the state by increasing tax revenues and allowing for greater economic growth.

California’s economy is becoming increasingly dependent on highly educated workers. But unless young adults’ college-going and college graduation rates increase substantially, the supply of graduates is not likely to meet the demand. PPIC projects that by 2025, 41 % of jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree— but only 35 percent of California adults will have college diplomas.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Adult Learner Leadership Institute - ALLI

Adult Learner Leadership Institute Graduation [ ALLI ]

24 Adult Learners from Southern California library literacy programs successfully completed the 2009 Adult Learner Leadership Institute.

11 adult learners graduated on May 30 at the Carlsbad Library Learning Center.

13 will graduate on June 13 at the Upland Public Library.

In addition to improving basic reading and writing skills, many learners are eager to take on new challenges and want to make a contribution of their own:
~ Become better role models for their families
~ Assume leadership roles at work
~ Participate in community activities and decision-making
~ Advocate for resources for adult learners

The 6-month ALLI program was founded in 2000 as the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute in memory of Henry Huffman, a dedicated learner who devoted his life to spreading awareness of literacy in the community. Graduates keep their skills active by facilitating and co-presenting sessions for new learners.

ALLI graduates build self esteem as they increase their potential to speak out effectively on community issues, and act as spokespersons for literacy causes.


Monday, June 8, 2009

San Diego Public Library :: READ San Diego - 2009 Tutor Conference

READ/San Diego’s
19th Annual Tutor Conference
June 13, 2009
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, USD

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Sandra L. McBrayer, Children’s Initiative
Perseverance and Commitment Can Change a Life

READ/San Diego provides opportunities for learning and practicing innovative teaching skills. Join literacy tutors, teachers and literacy professionals from across California for a day of informative, enjoyable, hands-on workshops. 14 workshops are scheduled in 2 strands, with breaks midway through the strands. 619 . 527 . 5475

Some of the Workshops:

Understanding Learning Challenges and Learning Styles
Teaching Adults to Read: Fluency
Making the Most of Conversation Practice
U.S.A. Learns and Friends: Web-based Learning Tools for ESL Students
Health Literacy Curriculum for Beginning Level ABE Students
Teaching Adults to Read: Vocabulary
Ritin R EZ: Teaching Writing to Basic Literacy Students
Selecting Age Appropriate Materials
I Need to Pass the GED Now !



Monday, June 1, 2009

Riverside County Library - Library Offers Free ESL Classes

Library Offers Free ESL Classes
Desert Sun: May 29, 2009 by Aldrich M. Tan

A group of 12 students clap their hands as they sing a song to review the days of the week in the small conference room of the Indio Public Library. “Time flies. Days go by,” the students chant with teacher Hank Altheide. “Sunday. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday.”

These are not typical students. They are mostly adults over age 30 working on learning how to speak English through Altheide's English as a second language, or ESL, class. The teacher from La Quinta is seeing his numbers grow as more students find out about the free classes.

Altheide has been teaching the class for at least three months through the Riverside County Library System's Adult Literacy Program. The program has been around for at least 10 years, said Cindy Delanty, deputy administrator for the Riverside County Library System. There are similar programs throughout the county, including in Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City and Coachella, Delanty said.

The classes are free for the students, but it costs $160,000 in local, state and federal contributions to run all of the sites, Delanty said.

The county library is expecting a 10 percent drop from state and federal contributions. What effect that will have on the ESL classes is not known.

The ESL class at the Indio library meets on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and there is a study group with a volunteer teacher on Wednesday nights, Altheide said. READ MORE !

Thursday, May 28, 2009

California Literacy Calendar: June 2009


California Literacy Calendar: June 2009


SCLLN Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
-local, California and National Conferences-
visit
for more information


Tutor Training Workshops scrolling in left frame

Local: June 2009

May 2009

May 30: 8 am
Adult Learner Conference – ILS
Corona Public Library


May 30 – 1:30 pm
Gift of Dyslexia Tour – Ron Davis
Santa Monica


June 7: 3 pm
Carlsbad City Library Learning Center
25th Anniversary


June 13
READ/San Diego Tutor Conference
Joan Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
University of San Diego


June 13: 5 pm
Adult Learner Leadership Institute Graduation
Gonzales Community Center
Colton CA


June 19: 12 Noon
25th Anniversary Tea
Huntington Beach Public Library


June 21: 8 am
Golf 4 Literacy Father's Day
Hemet Public Library
Golden Era Golf Course
San Jacinto CA


California & National: June 2009

June 11-13
National Community Literacy Leadership Conference
Hyatt Regency - Buffalo NY


June 22-25
Birth to Three Institute Marriot
Washington DC


June 25-27
Summer Literacy Institute – NCFL
Louisville Kentucky



Friday, May 22, 2009

Orange Co Library - Tutor Spotlight: Al Corson

Tutor Spotlight: Al Corson
READ WRITES: April 2009

By her own admission, Al Corson has been tutoring “since dirt.” She began tutoring because she wanted to do something meaningful with her retirement. “I think everybody has a responsibility to give back and share with the community,” she says, “and besides, you can only travel so much”.

Since she came to READ/OC in 2003, Al has worked with over 50 learners, both as individuals and in small groups. She is currently working with a group of ESL learners in Midway City as well as a conversation class in Irvine.

Over the years, Al has also volunteered in the READ/OC office, helped with special events, and offered her experience to other tutors interested in teaching a conversation class. She is always willing to help out wherever she is most needed. If she were to offer advice to new tutors, Al would tell them to be flexible and remember that they will learn as much as their learners do from the tutoring experience.

“Go with the flow, and don’t be afraid to be creative. Sometimes what you plan isn’t what you do,” she says.

Al certainly follows that philosophy when working with her learners. She feels that ESL learning should be hands on and draw from the learners’ own experiences. Some of her creative lesson plans include: asking her learners to bring pictures of their families to talk about in class or tell about holidays in their homeland, playing games like Uno or Bingo, putting Post-It notes in English on objects in the classroom, and using physical objects such as origami, plastic food, place settings, and play money to engage all the senses to introduce vocabulary.

Al has been honored with numerous awards over the years, including most recently the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2008. She hopes to continue to help her learners adapt to life in the US for many years to come !


Friday, May 15, 2009

CA Library Literacy: Social Networking Update


California Library Literacy: Social Networking


Southern California Library Literacy Network
member libraries on Twitter

Check out SCLLN's tweets !


Burbank Public Library: Burbankliteracy
Monrovia Public Library: Monrovialit
SCLLN: scllnliteracy

and up North:
Contra Costa County Library: PSCLiteracy

SCLLN member libraries on Facebook and MySpace @


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Literacy Tribune: May 2009

Literacy Tribune: May 2009

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.


Main Story: Protect Yourself from the Flu
~ The current outbreak of swine flu has everyone thinking about the flu.


A Learner's Poem
~ I'm a Silent Old Tree by Rodolfo Diaz


Member Spotlight:
~ When Juan Munoz, 28, counsels a student with a learning disability, he understands what they are going through.


Technology Watch
~ Mac OS X Desktop Basics


A History Lesson: The Civil War


Call for Writers !
Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.

You can write about:
Literacy resources you like
Your literacy organization
Your road to literacy
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology
You can write just about anything

Friday, May 8, 2009

Easy Voter's Guide: May 19 Election 2009

EASY VOTER’S GUIDE
California Special Election: May 19, 2009

For new readers and busy voters.

The 2009-10 budget adopted in February depends on $5.8 billion from Propositions 1C, 1D and 1E. If voters reject those propositions, the Legislature and Governor will have to come up with more spending cuts and tax increases or find another way to balance the budget.

The 6 statewide propositions on the ballot come from a recent agreement on how to deal with spending commitments that were $41.7 billion higher than projected state revenue. Some voters may also have local measures or offices on their ballot.

Read about the Propositions or Watch videos @

Proposition 1A State Budget
Proposition 1B Public Education Funding
Proposition 1C California State Lottery
Proposition 1D Transfer of Child Development Funds
Proposition 1E Transfer of Mental Health Funds
Proposition 1F Pay Raises for State Officials

The Easy Voter's Guide was started when a group of public library adult literacy students [ Bay Area New Readers Council ] felt that there was a lack of nonpartisan voter information accessible to adults still working on their reading skills.

Some of their innovations, job descriptions for each political office, have been adopted by the Secretary of State's official Voter Information Guide.

The nonpartisan “Easy Voter Guide” (formerly Easy Reading Voter Guide) has been published for every California statewide election since 1994. It is a service of:
~ League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
~ California State Library
~ California Secretary of State's Office
~ The James Irvine Foundation provides additional support



Wednesday, May 6, 2009

CLARION Spring Issue - Literacy

CLArion
A Publication of the California Library Association
Volume 5 • Issue 1 • April 2009

Welcome to the spring issue of CLARION everyone!

Dedicating this issue to literacy is so appropriate because just as the spring season is a time of rebirth and renewal, library literacy services allow those involved to experience a type of rebirth and improvement in their lives. And certainly at the heart of any library, no matter which type, is the improvement of our users’ literacy in many areas:
• Basic literacy
• Early literacy
• Computer literacy
• Information literacy
• Consumer literacy
• Family literacy

I hope you find the articles here inspiring and perhaps, throughout this issue, identify people with whom you might partner or share information. As we all deal with our budgets this year, let’s remember that literacy programs should be considered basic core services and not partially or underfunded “extra” programs. Some of us, I know, need to fight for that core funding and are particularly grateful to the state library’s literacy grant programs that allow us to provide these essential services.

To all who work with literacy in all its forms, thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment. Thank you for being the champions of providing people with the opportunity to be not only literate, but smarter and better informed in their lives. In these times of economic upheaval and information overload it is more important than ever for libraries to let their constituents, their politicians, and their stakeholders know how our literacy efforts impact the lives of those we serve. Don’t be shy; market the fabulous results of your programs.

Speaking of being better informed, the CLA Transition Tool Kit has been distributed to chairs of current sections, round tables and committees. It is also available on the CLA website. I hope everyone has an opportunity to take a look at this document so we are all better informed about the transition to our new governance structure.
Barbara L. Roberts
2009 California Library Association President

Table of Contents
~ California Library Literacy Services By Susan Hildreth
~ The Wednesday Night Readers By John Gildersleeve
~ The CLLS AmeriCorps Initiative By Susan Empizo
~ Adult Learners Leading the Way By Shanti Bhaskaran and Rosie Manela
~ The Business of Building Hope in Salinas By Mary Ellison and Elizabeth Martinez
~ Writer to Writer Challenge By Shanti Bhaskaran
~ Changing Lives in Solano County By Ann Cousineau
~ Adult Learner and Tutor Profiles

Click on links for more information about:
Writer to Writer
Adult Learners Leading the Way [ ALLI ]


Wednesday, April 29, 2009

California Literacy - Library Events: May 2009

SCLLN Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- local, California and National Conferences -
visit

Southern California Library Literacy Network
for more information

Tutor Training Workshops scrolling in left frame


Local Events and Conferences: May 2009

April 30 – May 2
California Council on Adult Education Conference
Pasadena CA

April 30 – May 3
Village of Tales Storytelling Festival
Ojai CA


May 1-3

Black Writers on Tour
Los Angeles Convention Center


May 2 & 3
Kid's Magic Mile

Race for Literacy
Balboa Park - San Diego CA

May 4: 5 pm

Viva Monrovia Reads
Doubletree Hotel - Monrovia CA

May 7-8
Health Literacy Conference
Hyatt Regency - Irvine CA

May 9: Noon-4 pm
Raising Readers - First 5 LA
Santa Monica College

California and National Conferences: May 2009
May 1: Noon
Californians and Education - PPIC
Sacramento CA

May 3-5
Adult Learner Institute: Adult Literacy Congress
New Carrollton, MD


May 3-7
International Reading Assn.-North Central
Minneapolis MN


May 8: 9 am
Tulare County Learner-Tutor Conference
Three Rivers CA

May 11-12
ALA Day on the Hill
Washington DC

May 16-17
Bay Area Storytelling Festival
El Sobrante CA


May 16-17
National Black Book Festival
Houston TX



Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Covina Library - Literacy Showdown: Fundraiser helps tutoring program

Literacy Showdown: Fundraiser helps tutoring program
SGVTribune: April 19, 2009 by Claudia S. Palma

Answering questions such as "how many sides are in an isosceles triangle" to "what famous sandwich cookie appeared in 1913," teams were eliminated one by one during the Covina Trivia Showdown on April 14.

The Robert's Ringers team were crowned champs by the end of the Covina Public Library's Second Start Literacy Program's eighth annual showdown at Nick's Taste of Texas.

Twelve three-member teams competed for the ultimate prize - a large trophy cup and the winning title.

But the real winners of the night were the students that benefit from the literacy program. Proceeds from the night's event went toward funding the program.

Since 1999, the literacy program, an expansion of the Covina Literacy Council, has provided hours of free one-on-one tutoring, beginning with English-speaking adults and then expanding to programs for children looking to improve their reading and math skills.

For young Jody Iniguez, reading seemed to really bring him a sense of joy.

"The tutor helped me a lot," said the 7-year-old Covina resident.

His parents, German and Erika Iniguez, said they have seen a big difference in their son since beginning the program in June last year.

"He was having trouble spelling, reading consistently, finishing sentences," said German.

"Now with the tutoring, he reads at the top of his class, his spelling has improved a lot and he reads whole books."

The nonprofit program relies on grants, donations and fundraising to offer the free service. The tutors are volunteers, giving their free time to help the students.

For more information on the Second Start Literacy Program, call (626) 858-5553. READ MORE !


Monday, April 13, 2009

Writer To Writer - 2009


Writer To Writer 2009: Books Change Lives

8th Annual Writing Challenge for Adult Learners
California Library Literacy Services

Read or listen to a book that inspires you.
Write a letter to the author.

Deadline: July 17, 2009
Ceremony: Fall 2009 @ CLA

Adult learners in California Library Literacy Services programs will select and read a book and then write to the author about how that book changed their lives.
4 Levels:
~ Emerging - dictated letter to tutors or staff
~ Beginning - write basic, simple sentences on their own
~ Intermediate - write complex sentences with larger vocabulary
~ Advanced - writing independently with little technical support

Entry Form @
Instructions @

In 2008, 162 learners wrote letters that showed depth and perception that warmed the hearts of everyone who read them. The letters opened a window into the lives of our learners to show how their reading affects their lives. From these letters we can all learn how reading a book can dramatically influence and change a life.The top 30 letters will be published in a book and on the California State Library website.

The letters of the 2008 winners and finalists @

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Huntington Beach Library - Four Literacy Volunteers Earn 2,000 Hours Award

Four Literacy Volunteers Earn 2,000 Hours Award Open Doors Newsletter: March 2009

4 Literacy Volunteers have earned the coveted Huntington Beach Public Library Bronze Library card for 2,000 hours of service. Our volunteers extraordinaire Bob Bonney, Mary DeSloover, Richard Randolph, and Natalie VanDoren will each receive a beautiful bronze library card in a gold case.

This award earns a lifetime fine-free library card with nonresident fee waived, and free reserves. These four people are the first Literacy Volunteers to earn this award from the Huntington Beach Public Library.

Congratulations to all !

The Huntington Beach Literacy Cookbook is available for only $6.95


Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Library Legislative Day: April 15, 2009

Library Legislative Day: April 15, 2009
Sacramento Convention Center



Support Library Literacy
& CA public libraries !

Library Legislative Day is sponsored by the California Library Association, the California School Library Assc. and the California Association of Library Trustees & Commissioners.

Who Should Attend ?
All library staff, advisory board members, commissioners, trusees, friends and library supporters who care about CA's libraries should participate in this year's program.

Where, When and How Much Is It ?
This year's program is scheduled to begin at promptly at 8:15 am at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Room 202 in Sacramento. Registration will begin at 7:45 am. You will be briefed on the issues by CLA and CSLA lobbyists prior to your legislative visits. The advance registration fee for the day is $25, and includes all materials. On-site registration will be an additional $5. Lunch is on your own.

Start here by clicking on www.legiday.net
1) Account Name = type in: Member
2) Password = type in: Member
3) Click “ legiday ” link to: “Welcome to . . . “
4) Click on “ Legislators “ and Follow Instructions


Don't Know Your Legislators ? Click Here

Thursday, April 2, 2009

California Literacy Calendar: April 2009


California Literacy Calendar: April 2009


SCLLN Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
-local, California and National Conferences-
visit
for more information

Tutor Training Workshops scrolling in left frame

Local Southern California Events:

Apr 3:
What is Dyslexia Cyberspace

Apr 4:
Great Trivia Challenge

Glendora Public Library

Peg Leg Liar's Contest
Peg Leg Smith Monument


Literary Orange: Festival of Authors
UC Irvine Student Center


Apr 14:
Trivia Showdown
Covina Library


Apr 20
Puppets Have a Life – 6:30pm
Bruggemeyer Library, Monterery Park


Apr 23
Read for Life 2009

Bakersfield Museum of Art – 5:00pm

Apr 25
L A Times Festival of Books UCLA

Literacy Festival - WORD, AV
Antelope Valley Mall - 10:00am

Apr 30
Trivia Bee
Upland Public Library – 6:00pm
Carnegie Cultural Center


California Co. on Adult Ed. Conference - CCAE
Pasadena CA

Village of Tales Storytelling Festival
Ojai CA

California & National Literacy Calendar:

Apr 7
Literacy for ALL: Advocacy, Libraries, and Literacy
Cyberspace – 1pm EDT


Apr 15
First 5 California Annual Conference
Hyatt Regency San Francisco


CA Library Legislative Day

Apr 16
CATESOL State Conference
Pasadena CA



Monday, March 30, 2009

Santa Fe Springs Library - Reading at the Library and Beyond

Reading at the Library and Beyond
Whittier Daily News: March 28, 2009
by Sandra T. Molina

For more than two decades, Jerry Edwards has headed the city's literacy program.

And in that time, it has grown from a few tutoring sessions and other classes to a program that expands outside the city's library.

Edwards and his staff make weekly visits to area elementary schools to reinforce what's already being taught by teachers during daily classroom lessons."It's been a tremendous help to our students, especially with their comprehension skills," said Lakeview Elementary School Principal Bill Crean.

"The kids, from kindergarten to fifth grade look forward to someone from the library come read to them," he said.

The staff feels the same way.

"It's a pleasure going into the schools and bringing the library to them," Edwards said. "They learn about the values of libraries."

It's not only a place for books, he said, but a place to research a favorite subject and fun activities.

That includes fun events such as the upcoming Battle of the Books.

The nine schools in the Little Lake City School District are currently getting ready for the fourth annual event that pits teams from the different schools against one another, testing their comprehensive skills.

"They are broken down into teams of six and are asked specific questions on the books they read through the year," Edwards said.

The last two teams standing compete for the trophy.

"It's very intense," he said of the event to be held May 29 at Town Center Hall.

He expects to equal, or even exceed last year's crowd of about 400 cheering parents, teachers and district personnel.

"It's a great, fun way to cap off a year of reading and learning," Edwards said.
READ MORE