Carlsbad Library - Volunteer Proclamation at City Hall

Volunteer Proclamation at City Hall
Carlsbad Literacy Newsletter: May/June 2011

The City Council issued two proclamations on Tuesday, April 5: one recognizing National Volunteer Week April 10-16, and the other in honor of National Library Week and Carlsbad Reads Together.

Councilwoman Farrah Douglas read the proclamation that honored Carlsbad Literacy Services volunteers. Last year, 106 volunteers spent 12,869 hours helping 110 adults learn how to read. That equates to around $300,000 worth of services.

Carrie Scott, the community outreach supervisor for the literacy program, said, “We not only change the lives of the people we serve, but we change the lives of our volunteers.” She explained that the program has helped learners get better jobs, read to their children, and use computers.

Meli Barrett, volunteer tutor in Literacy Services, said she thought learners would want to be able to read books and newspapers, but found out they had difficulties doing everyday things such as reading contracts, street signs, and directions for medications. “I have been matched with an adult learner for about eight months, and in that time, I’ve seen him earn a license, get certification pertaining to his job ... get two job promotions and a separate job offer.”

Literacy Tribune Newsletter: May 2011

Literacy Tribune: May 2011
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

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: Rising Gas Prices – Where Will They Stop?

History Lesson: Memorial Day: was first celebrated on May 30, 1868

Financial Literacy: Got a Budget?
Been thinking about money?

Member Spotlight: Jefferson Vidal
Age 43, just got his driver’s license. He found the Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County in Long Branch NJ

Technology Watch: Mozilla Firefox 4: a web browser.
By Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.

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

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 !

Imperial County Library - Reading is a family affair

Reading is a family affair
Imperial Valley Press: 4.03.11 by Roman Flores

Two-year-old Safera Ayala of Imperial was all smiles as she scanned the table to pick out the free book she was going to take home.

“Dora!” she exclaimed as her mother, Julissa Ayala, showed her a colorful Dora the Explorer book.

This was one of the many sights Saturday during the LEARN Family Literacy Picnic at Eager Park here.

The Literacy Picnic was an event set to raise literacy awareness while acknowledging the many volunteer tutors, book learners and their families of the LEARN adult literacy program, said event coordinator Monica Reyes.

“We’re trying to send out the message that the library is the lifelong place to learn year-round,” said Imperial County Librarian Connie Barrington. “I think people automatically think ‘books,’ but libraries are so much more nowadays.”

For more information on the LEARN program visit your local library or call 760-355-1332. READ MORE !

CA & National Literacy Calendar: May 2011

California Literacy Calendar: May 2011

SCLLN Literacy & Library Events & Conferences: local, California and National.

Visit 

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

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

Local Literacy Events: May 2011

May 5+ Village of Tales Storytelling Festival Ojai CA
May 7 Spring Workshop: Children's Literature Council Los Angeles Public Library
May.14 Women's Literary Festival - Santa Barbara
May 17 7:30pm Special Education:Challenges-Triumphs Providence Tarzana Med Ctr
May 18 5:30pm Eat Drink Read = San Diego Council Literacy

California Literacy Events: May 2011

May. 5+ Health Literacy Conference Irvine CA
May 13 9am Tulare County Learner-Tutor Conference Three Rivers CA
May 18 Library Legislative Day - California Library Assn. Sacramento CA

National & International Literacy Events: May 2011

May 2+ Children's Book Week
May. 4+ Plain Talk About Reading Institute New Orleans
May. 4+ Solutions for Assistive Technology Conference Baton Rouge LA
May. 5+ Health Literacy Conference Irvine CA
May 7 Toy Library Association Conference Paramus NJ
May 8+ IRA Annual Conference Orlando FL
May 9+ National Library Legislative Day Upper Senate Park
May 17+ Computer Assisted Lang Instruction Cons - Univ of Victoria, BC
May 23+ BookExpo America NY NY
May 25+ Canadian Library Association Conference Halifax, Nova Scotia
May 27+ Storytellers of Canada Conference Yellowknife Northwest Territories

Oceanside Library - A Pair of Honorees

A Pair of Honorees
Oceanside Reads: Spring 2011

Two women who have joined the READS tutoring team within the last two years were honored at this year’s library volunteers luncheon in late February. They are Alma Sisco-Smith and Andrea Spolidoro.

Both of these high-energy women have been busy in recent months laying the groundwork for a larger and stronger READS program—in addition to keeping up with their regular tutoring assignments. They have mapped the program’s strengths and weaknesses, based on tutor and learner input, and have begun the search for additional financial support.

In addition, along with Coordinator Corrie Miles, they have been in close touch with Library Director Deborah Polich about strategies to keep the library’s literacy arm as strong as possible amid difficult financial times.

Andrea comes to READS from a background of working with low-income and minority populations as an administrator, trainer, and community organizer. Her last position was that of associate director of the Asian and Pacific Islander Older Adults Task Force in Los Angeles County. At READS, Andrea is currently working with learner Xinzhi.

Alma has had a long career at UC San Francisco, where she held a number of key positions, including that of director for the Worklife Resource Center. The center is responsible for overseeing campus initiatives to improve diversity, equity, conflict resolution, and mediation. She has also been a successful grant writer and brings that skill to the table at READS. Her current learner at READS is Toan, formerly of Vietnam.

SCLLN Member Page

SCLLN Member Page

We have a page of our SCLLN member libraries.

The page has links and phone numbers for each library.

Look for it across the top of the blog.

More Pages - Coming Soon !

Corona Library :: John Zickefoose Learned To Read At 35, Now Shares His Literacy Struggle With Kids

From illiterate to role model
Once, John Zickefoose couldn't read to his children or order from a menu. Today, he's a school board member and Corona library advocate.
LA Times: January 5, 2011 by Carla Rivera

The metamorphosis is as quick as the turn of a page: John Zickefoose is a hyperactive goose, a laid-back bear, a monkey, a tiger. The children at the Corona Public Library squeal with laughter as the man whose name rhymes with Seuss becomes louder and more animated.

There was a time when reading the simple words of a picture book would have proved impossible for Zickefoose. He spent years in school overwhelmed with sadness that nothing came as easily to him as it did for others. He would become rowdy, preferring to be kicked out of class than to be called on by the teacher.

Zickefoose was functionally illiterate, unable to read a prescription label, his children's report cards or a menu. He was diagnosed as a young boy with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and didn't learn to read and write until he was 35.

That's when everything changed. He became a poster boy for the Corona library's adult reading program, began to speak publicly about his own struggles and was named the library's literacy director. He founded a nonprofit youth organization.

And on Dec. 7, Zickefoose, 52, was sworn in as a member of the Corona-Norco Unified School District Board of Education.

For the boy who couldn't understand the words on his high school diploma, the journey to the school board was the culmination of a vow to do something meaningful in life and help prevent others from starting out as he did.

"I'll be able to bring, quite frankly, an unusual perspective of what it feels like to be in the classroom and be a failure," Zickefoose said. "I don't want any child to go through what I went through."

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An estimated 30 million American adults can't read a newspaper or fill out a job application. Many have learning disabilities. Others are dropouts, victims of failing school systems. Some are immigrants with deficient English language skills who may also be illiterate in their native tongues.

But Zickefoose is also an anomaly. Only about 5% of adults who need services receive them, mainly because there is still so much shame attached to the condition, said David C. Harvey, president and chief executive of ProLiteracy, an international advocacy group. Zickefoose serves on the board of directors.

"John is a national role model because one of the most effective ways to break down that stigma is to have people who have had this problem talk about it," Harvey said. "He's a shining example of what can happen when someone gets services and puts those new skills to work."

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Now outreach coordinator at the library, Zickefoose appears to be straight-arrow, business-minded, even professorial. But his tie, with an imprint of the Looney Tunes' Tasmanian Devil, hints at a whimsical nature.

He formed UNITY (United Neighbors Involving Today's Youth) in 1996, and it has evolved into a coalition of 80 public and private agencies that have secured more than $17 million for the Corona-Norco school district. A generation of students know him as Mr. Z from his appearances at school assemblies where he preaches perseverance, using his own life as an example.

As a school board member, Zickefoose wants to prepare students earlier for college and a career and to pursue more outside funds for such school programs as arts and music. READ MORE !

Santa Barbara Library - Program Wins Community Service Award !

Program Wins Community Service Award !
Santa Barbara Literacy Newsletter: March 2011

We are delighted to share the news that the Dyslexia Awareness and Resource Center (DARC) and its Board of Directors have chosen the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program to receive their annual “Vision and Task” Service Award, honoring the organization’s consistent endeavors and commitment to the adults of our community with learning disabilities.

“Words cannot express how appreciative we are of your organization’s dedication and commitment over the years to the adults of our community whom it is the Center’s mission to help. We cannot think of a more worthy recipient of this year’s award,” states DARC Founder and Program Director Joan Esposito and Executive Director Leslie Esposito.

The Santa Barbara Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program will be honored during an award luncheon at the 15th Annual “Vision and Task” Conference, Saturday, March 19, at the Marjorie Luke Theater. The conference’s main speaker is Rick Lavoie, a nationally known expert on working with children with learning disabilities. Many of you will recognize Lavoie as the teacher in the “How Difficult Can This Be” videos about learning disabilities that we have often shown in training programs.

The Santa Barbara Public Library System has been matching adult learners with trained volunteers since 1987 for free, confidential tutoring in reading, writing and basic math skills. The program has enabled over 2700 adult learners to improve basic skills necessary for employment, daily living, and reading for enjoyment. Over a thousand local adults have volunteered as one-to-one tutors to help other adults read to children, prepare to enroll in college, become citizens, and earn a GED, among other goals. READ MORE !

California Budget Update: March 16

California Budget Update
Mar 16 - Sacramento

~ approved 20 pieces of legislation that enacts some of the cuts called for in the Governor's budget.
~ approved billions of dollars in cuts to welfare, medical programs for the poor and in-home care for the elderly and frail, among other services

Didn't approve the budget, that vote may come as early as today.

The cuts and money transfers approved Wednesday are (Neon Tommy):
SB 72 - Human Services - $1.7 Billion
CalWORKS grants; Care time through in-home supportive services; Supplemental social security payments would be reduced.
SB 74 -Developmental Services - $750 Million
SB 80 - Misc. - $230 Million
About $101 million in Indian casino revenues would be sent to the general fund in each of the next five years.
SB 82 (AB 106)
Allows the state to borrow money and defer payments to entities such as colleges.
AB 97 - Health Care Cuts - $1.8 Billion (SB 73)
AB 99 - Cigarette Tax Fund Shift - $1 Billion (SB 75)
AB 100 - Mental Health Care - $860 Million (SB 76)
AB 105 - Transportation Fund Shift- $1 Billion (SB 81)
scheduled to reconvene Thursday to tackle Redevelopment Agencies as well as Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to ask voters to approve a temporary extension of sales, income and vehicle taxes set to expire this year.

READ MORE @ Neon Tommy
the online publication of the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism

2010 Writer To Writer Awards - SCLLN

2010 Writer To Writer Awards
Southern California Library Literacy Network
Literacy Conference

Level 1: Emerging Writers
Winner - Ramon G, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center
1st Runner Up - Dominique C, READ/San Diego
2nd Runner Up - Ashley P, Newport Beach Public Library

Level 2: Beginning Writers
Winner - Maria A, READ/San Diego
1st Runner Up - Leticia B, Los Angeles Public Library
2nd Runner Up - Carmen C, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

Level 3: Intermediate Writers
Winner - Kim A, Carlsbad City Library Learning Center
1st Runner Up - Margarita C, Huntington Beach Library
2nd Runner Up - Alma G, City of Imperial Public Library 

Level 4: Advanced Writers
Winner - Dee T, Glendale Public Library
1st Runner Up - Therese L, Los Angeles Public Library
2nd Runner Up - Hun L, READ/Orange County

Learners write a letter to an author of a book telling them how the book influenced their lives. Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony that will take place during the lunchtime program at the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN) Literacy Conference March 5.

The winners received $100, a plaque, a journal and a pen.
The runners-up received $25, a certificate, a journal and a pen.
Their letters were published in a book and will be posted on the SCLLN website and blog. Watch for them.

Congratulations all !

BUDGET COMMITTEE SAVES LIBRARY FROM ELIMINATION

BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE SAVES LIBRARY PROGRAMS FROM ELIMINATIONBudget Bills Head To The Floors Next Week
CLA: 3.03.11 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

This afternoon the powerful 10 member Budget Conference Committee put their final mark on a massive reduction and revenues package, addressing the Governor’s plan to close a whopping $26 billion Budget deficit. One of their final actions was approving a “Conference Compromise” to spare the three library programs – the Public Library Foundation, the California Library Services Act, and the State literacy program, from elimination. You will recall that the Governor’s January Budget recommended complete elimination of $30.4 million for these three programs, which would also jeopardize millions in federal dollars associated with the CLSA. The Assembly Version of the Budget sought to spare the three programs from deep cuts, while the Senate initially agreed to accept the Governor’s proposal to eliminate the programs. And so, when the Conference Committee met this afternoon, they formally approved an action to keep the following dollar amounts in these three programs:

“Conference Compromise”
~ $8.5 million in the California Library Services Act
(at this funding level, also allows the State Library to maintain its federal MOE/match)
~ $3.7 million in the California Library Literacy Services program
~ $3 million in the Public Library Foundation

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. . . many of the items being voted on in the Conference Committee have received votes that are split along party-lines. We believe that the strong bipartisan vote on our three items will certainly help to encourage the Governor to leave the $15.2 million in the Budget for these programs.

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The intention is for the Assembly and Senate to vote on the Budget bills next week. We will give you information on Monday regarding contacting the Governor to encourage him to leave the $15.2 million in the Budget for library funding.

Orange Co Library - Profile: READ Jr. Tutor Vyvy Pham

Profile: READ Jr. Tutor Vyvy Pham
Read Writes: Feb/Mar 2011

You have often heard us talking in recent years about READ Jr, the new program designed to help our learners with grade school aged children. In this program, teen tutors work with adult learners and their children aged 6-12 years old to help them learn together as a family. The children get direct help with their reading and writing skills, while the parents learn how to better support their children in school. The program has generated a lot of excitement, and we are always looking for new tutors and learner families to help it take off! Here are the words of Vyvy Pham, one of our original READ Jr. tutors:

I first heard of this program through Carol Tsai during the summer going into my junior year. Right before the summer started, I was told by my guidance counselor that I needed community service to make my transcript look better, so I applied as a volunteer for the Friends of the Library Bookstore. Carol Tsai, the volunteer coordinator at the time, gave me my weekly shift at the bookstore for the summer. When I met her for the first time, I asked her if she knew of another way to earn even more community service hours on top of the library shifts. She then told me about how she was trying to get a program to start and that I should attend the first meeting. READ MORE !

Monrovia Library - Local Volunteers Promote Literacy at the Library

Local Volunteers Promote Literacy at the Library
Monrovia Patch: 2.28.11 by Christine Langteau

American-born Christine Langteau and Korean-born Grace Kim are two longtime California residents from different cultures who meet every week as tutor and student in the Monrovia Public Library’s Literacy Program.

"The best way to learn is to meet with a person who speaks English as much as I can," said Kim.

Langteau, who also works in the Los Angeles Law Library in the Pomona courthouse, said part of her interest in the literacy program came from seeing her daughter’s challenges with learning how to read. That made her appreciate how difficult English can be for any learner, from native speakers to ESL students.

"Having seen that, I come at it from a different perspective," said Langteau.

Langteau and Kim have been working together for almost a year. When they began, they focused on working out of a Voyager series library workbook for three months.

"Actually, I noticed I picked up a lot of words I didn’t know before," said Kim. Langteau said that while the Voyager series was helpful, some terms in the stories were not commonly used today. Kim said she felt she needed more that applied to her real life, so Langteau brought newspaper articles for them to go over together.

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In the senior adult day care where she works, Kim usually speaks Korean with her coworkers, but at times, she has helped them with English. For example, at election time, Kim read the propositions on the ballots and translated them for her coworkers. Reading the more formal writing was less challenging for Kim than reading the slang and idiom-soaked articles in the L.A. Times.

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One very meaningful experience that Langteau and Kim shared was when Langteau helped Kim write a letter in English to her son for his birthday.

Kim said her children have often been very helpful in explaining new English words to her. But now, she doesn’t want to ask them to help with her English anymore. She feels motivated to learn more English on her own, so she can impress them with her language skills.

"The reality is that we are living in America. Wherever we go, we are required to speak English. Whether we go to the market or DMV, that’s the reality," said Kim. She says the tutoring sessions with Langteau have helped improve her English on many levels.

"I feel confidence," Kim said. "Whenever I don’t know, I ask her. Sometimes I send text messages." READ MORE !

CA & National Literacy Calendar: March 2011

California Literacy Calendar: March 2011

SCLLN

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

visit

Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

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

Local and California Literacy Events: March 2011
Mar 1: Dyslexia: What Can Teachers Do = Webinar @ 6PM
Mar 2: Read Across America Day
Mar 3: Strategies Students Stuggling Reading & Writing = Arcadia
Mar 4+: TASH Annual Conference = Irvine
Mar 4+: Charlotte S Huck Children's Literature Festival = Univ of Redlands
Mar 5: SCLLN Literacy Conference = Buena Park
Mar 7: Overview of Orton Gillingham – Online
Mar 7: Strategies, Activities, Tools for Teaching Gifted Students = San Diego
Mar 8: YES on Measure L = Save Los Angeles Libraries
Mar 8: Strategies, Activities, Tools for Teaching Gifted Students = Monrovia
Mar 10: Intro to Dyslexia = Webinar @ 6PM
Mar 12: Literary Women - Long Beach Festival of Authors
Mar 12: Sensory Friendly Films MARS NEEDS MOMS = AMC theaters @ 10 AM
Mar 14+: Intl Technology & Disabilities Conference = San Diego
Mar 17+: California Language Teachers Assn Conference = Santa Clara
Mar 17+: CUE Conference = Palm Springs
Mar 18: Future for Public Education in California = Irvine
Mar 19: Dyslexia Awareness Resource Center Conf = Santa Barbara
Mar 23+: CABE Conference = Long Beach Convention Center
Mar 29: Learning Disability Advocacy: FAQs IEPs - Webinar
Mar 29: What's NEW in Children's Literature = Arcadia
Mar 30: Strategies Before They Fall Too Far Behind in Reading = Arcadia
Mar 30: What's New in Young Adult Literature = Anaheim
Mar 31: What's NEW in Children's Literature = Sunnyvale

National Literacy Events: March 2011
Mar 2: Read Across America Day
Mar 2+: Early Education Technology for Children = Salt Lake City
Mar 10+: Lindamood-Bell Conference = Anaheim
Mar 12: Sensory Friendly Films MARS NEEDS MOMS = AMC theaters @ 10 AM
Mar 16+: TESOL Annual Convention = New Orleans
Mar 26+: Latino Book & Family Festival = Cicero IL

Demand for adult literacy rises as funding threatened - Corona Library - Hemet Library

Demand for adult literacy rises as funding threatened
Press Enterprise: 2.23.11 by Dayna Straehley

John Zickefoose's interest in education and literacy is personal.

After struggling with dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder from elementary through high school, he finally turned for help to the library where he now works.

He was 35 years old and could no longer work in his home-repair business because he needed back surgery and a new career. His 7-year-old son read better than he could.

So 17 years ago he walked in the Corona Library and embarked on a journey of literacy.

Today, Zickefoose is on the board of an international literacy organization and the Corona-Norco Unified School District. He is outreach coordinator at the Corona Public Library.

"I owe my life to this library," he said. "It totally transformed me as a human being."

Such transformations could become more elusive as governments struggle to balance the budgets. Demand for adult literacy services in the Inland area is higher than ever, but funding cuts threaten the programs run from public libraries.

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Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget would eliminate the $4.5 million the state provides to adult literacy programs such as the one at Corona's library.

Inland coordinators don't know how they will keep their programs going without state money.

"For every $1 of state funds, $4 of private donations are leveraged," said David Harvey, president and CEO of ProLiteracy. The international organization supports programs at the local level. It offers advocacy assistance as well as reading materials for adult learners.

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SMALL BUDGET, BIG RESULTS

Lori Eastman, literacy coordinator for Hemet Public Library Adult Literacy Services, said Zickefoose's beginning on the road to literacy is typical, although he has gone further than most. Adults are most often in their 30s or 40s, forced to make a career change and embarrassed because they can't help their children, she said.

Four adult learners in Hemet echoed many of the same frustrations that brought them to seek help learning to read and write better, although they wouldn't give their full names because they too are embarrassed about their disabilities. They said they wanted to help their children with their schoolwork and set a better example. They told of lifelong learning difficulties.

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Eastman said the city of Hemet supplements the $30,000 that comes from the state. Supplies come from donations and fundraisers, she said.

Corona Library Director Julie Frederickson said she is hopeful that community donors and the city will keep the literacy program afloat if state funding is cut.

Harvey was less optimistic.

He said the state funds are seed money for all of the libraries' and literacy programs' fundraising efforts.

"The private sector is never going to be able to replace the publicly funded core," Harvey said. READ MORE !

Save California Library Literacy Funding: Feb 23 Update

SAVE PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING !
Letters, Phone Calls, Faxes, Emails

February 22 - March 1

Budget Conference Committees to meet for the next 6 days before going to a potential vote on the Floor by the end of next week.

Gov Brown hopes to have a final spending proposal before the full Legislature by March 10.

Senate Budget Comm: Leno/Huff
Assembly Budget Comm: Blumenfield/Nielsen
Senate Appropriations Comm: Kehoe/Walters
Assembly Appropriations Comm: Fuentes/Harkey

This morning (CLA Blog), Budget Conference Committee Chairman, Bob Blumenfield noted that the BCC would attempt to meet for 6 days only, with a potential vote on the Floors by the end of next week. In your letters or phone calls, please request the following action of the Conferees:

"I respectfully urge your support of the Assembly Version of the Budget, pertaining to the three issues in the State Library Budget: the California Library Services Act, the Public Library Foundation, and the California Library Literacy Services program."

In your calls and letters please indicate why elimination of these programs (per the Senate version) would:

1) destroy the cooperative lending and loaning system of books and materials in California,

2) could lead to a system where non-residents are denied access to library materials or asked to pay for a library card costing upwards of $100,

3) would put in jeopardy almost $17 million in corresponding federal funds,

4) deny literacy services to more than 20,000 adult learners annually who potentially would have no other alternative for seeking these services locally, and

5) denies local assistance dollars for libraries who have already suffered mightily with the state and local funding cuts over the past few years.

[Please refer to any of these issues that are most important for your particular area of interest]

Faxes, Phone Calls, Letters and e-mails are Most Important !

on February 18, 2011
Assembly: Recommended Minimal Cuts
Senate: Recomemended Elimination of all Funding

Save California Public Library and Literacy Funding

CA Budget UPDATE: Assembly Minimal Cuts - Senate Eliminate All Funds

ASSEMBLY PROPOSES ONLY MINIMAL CUTS; THE SENATE RECOMMENDS ELIMINATION OF ALL FUNDS
CLA Blog: 2.18.11 by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

ASSEMBLY PROPOSES MINIMAL CUTS TO LIBRARY PROGRAMS:

Today, the Assembly Budget Committee made a strong statement in favor of the protection of the California Library Services Act and the Public Library Foundation by reducing these two programs that were proposed for complete elimination ($12.9 million and $12.9 million respectively) by only $1.5 million each. The Committee recommendation leaves intact the $4.6 million in funding for the California Library Literacy Program [English Acquisition and Literacy Program].

The official action the Assembly Budget Committee took today relative to the library funding is as follows:

"California State Library. Reductions. Reduces the magnitude of reductions to preserve the English Acquisition and Literacy Program, and reduces the Public Library Foundation and the California Library Services Act by $1.5 million each."

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The vote on the proposed action today was on a strict party-line vote, with all Democrats voting "aye" and Republicans voting "no."

SENATE PROPOSES ELIMINATION OF ALL $30.4 MILLION IN LIBRARY FUNDING

In stark contrast to the action by the Assembly today, yesterday the Senate Budget Committee voted to approve most of the Governor's Budget proposals "as is," including the proposed action relative to the CLSA, PLF, and literacy funding. The Senate's action adopts the Governor's proposal to totally eliminate the three library programs, for a scoring of $30.4 million.

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The Senate Budget Chair, Mark Leno stated, "This is not an easy decision for us and one that we need to take seriously." A member of the Committee then quickly made the motion to "support the Governor's proposal." Senators Lois Wolk, Joe Simitian, and Education Budget Subcommittee Chair Senator Carol Liu, all abstained from the vote. We were intrigued that there was no debate on the issue, which signaled to us that the vote was a larger statement about the Senate's intention to work with the Governor, make hard choices, and to continue the discussions regarding painful cuts to programs such as the libraries.

NEXT STEPS - ITEMS HEAD TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Due to the different actions between the two houses relative to the library programs and their funding levels, this will force these three issues into "Conference Committee."

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Due to the truncated process this year, however, the Budget Conference Committee will begin meeting next week, likely on Wednesday. We will be waiting for official word from the Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tem regarding who the conferees will be and then we will give you instructions on how to contact these key legislators from each house. READ MORE !

SAVE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING ! - Let-Them-Eat-Cake-Attitude Threatens to Destroy a Network of Public Assets

Let-Them-Eat-Cake-Attitude Threatens to Destroy a Network of Public Assets
Huffington Post: 2.15.11 by Scott Turow (President, Authors Guild)

While our economy seems to be slowly staggering back to its feet, state and municipal governments remain hard-hit as the result of lost tax revenues, lost stimulus money and pension fund payments that have grown to monstrous size to make up for the market losses of 2007 and 2008. Those governments are cutting everywhere they can and public libraries nationwide have been one of the biggest and least deserved losers in the process.

Widespread public access to knowledge, like public education, is one of the pillars of our democracy, a guarantee that we can maintain a well-informed citizenry.

But libraries seem to be losing out in the funding battles, due, in part, to the mistaken belief that they are somehow anachronistic in an age when so many Americans have instant computer access to information through the Internet. This is, frankly, a let-them-eat-cake-attitude that threatens to destroy a network of public assets that remains critical in our country.

Millions of Americans simply cannot afford to replace what libraries have traditionally offered for free -- access to books, computers and research assistance. Ironically, the importance of these services is even greater in a time of economic uncertainty.

For Americans facing job losses, working to gain new skills and seeking assistance in an increasingly digital world, U.S. public libraries are first responders. Two-thirds of libraries report they provide the only free access to computers and the Internet in their communities. Libraries function as crucial technology hubs, not merely for free Web access, but those who need computer training and assistance.

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For example, in California, Governor Brown's new proposed budget decreases General Fund assistance for public libraries by $30.4 million, eliminating the California Library Services Act, Public Library Foundation and the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services -- that is, access, resource sharing and adult literacy. In Texas, the cuts are even more stark, with the new budget proposing complete elimination of several programs that have either provided direct aid to libraries or irreplaceable programs, like those that created shared databases. Even in my own community, a small city on the northern edge of Chicago where a major university sits, my neighbors and I have been struggling to save a small branch library that was pivotal to the education of many neighborhood kids.

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I count myself as one of millions of Americans whose life simply would not be the same without the libraries that supported my learning. We cannot take that opportunity away from so many Americans who need that help urgently now. READ MORE !

Redlands Library - Literacy tutors help adults to improve their reading and writing

Literacy tutors help adults to improve their reading and writing
Redlands Daily Facts: 2.10.11
by Katherine Gifford (Volunteer Literacy)

Imagine receiving a Valentine from your child and not being able to read its sentiments.

"There is no age limit to learning to read and write," said Trudy Waldron, volunteer literacy coordinator for the Redlands Adult Literacy Program.

Recently, the Friends of the Library reactivated an adult literacy program as a core service at the library. The mission of the Redlands Adult Literacy Program is to provide professional one-on-one tutoring in reading and writing to adults, 18 years and older, seeking help in the community. The service to adult learners is confidential and free.

Diana Sommer, one of the literacy tutors, recently retired from teaching and working with International Students at the University of Redlands.

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The community should know how much adult literacy is needed. "Learners are not alone and help is available," Sommer said.

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The next tutor orientation meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. March 14, at the A.K. Smiley Library Assembly Room. If you are interested in volunteering or would like assistance in reading or writing, please contact a volunteer literacy coordinator at 909-798-7565 ext. 4138. READ MORE !

Ventura Co Library - County literacy program could lose state funding

County literacy program could lose state funding
VC Star: 2.11.11 by Kevin Clerici

A Ventura County literacy program that teaches some 250 adults to read each year would lose funding under the governor's proposed budget, and backers have launched a letter-writing campaign to legislators to try to minimize the cut.

Because the free tutoring program is staffed almost entirely by volunteers, it costs only about $35,000 a year to operate, making it cost-effective, proponents say.

Lack of literacy is the No. 1 cause of the high school dropout problem, experts say. People with low literacy skills typically are underemployed, pay less in taxes and need more public services. And families in which a parent reads poorly are more likely to have children with low literacy skills.

"These adult learners typically have no place else to turn for help," said Carol Chapman, literacy program manager.

Private instruction can be costly, she added. One learner sought private help and after completing an assessment was told it would cost him $8,000 in instruction to become proficient, Chapman said. In contrast, the county tutoring is all free and takes place in libraries, schools and community and jail facilities throughout the county.

Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget calls for the elimination of funding for public libraries ($30.4 million) and statewide literacy services ($4.6 million), except for the state library itself. It represents a tiny fraction of his plan to close a $26.5 billion shortfall.

Ventura County's library system received $150,000 in state funds last year to share among its 14 branches, as well as the $35,000 for literacy tutoring.

That's a far cry from the amount received during rosier fiscal years. In 2000, local libraries received $1.2 million from the state, records show.

Jackie Griffin, the county's chief librarian, believes if the state money is eliminated, the chances of getting it back in better economic times will be greatly reduced.

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The county library system has been offering the tutoring service since 1984, among the first to join the California Literacy Campaign. Additional funding over the years has come from collaborative agreements with the Ventura and Oxnard adult schools, various cities and the Sheriff's Department. State grants and donations from businesses and service organizations also have helped, but contributions have slowed due to the economy.

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Supporters hold annual fundraising events — the Gold Coast Ride for Literacy in April as well as the Trivia Challenge, which collectively raise about $3,000 to $6,000 each year. There is talk of doing more.

"We are open to all possibilities," Chapman said. READ MORE !

Santa Maria Library - Governor’s budget plan putting literacy on the line

Governor’s budget plan putting literacy on the line
Santa Maria Times: February 10, 2011 by Brian Bullock

When Eduardo Leyva moved to Santa Maria from Guadalajara a year and a half ago, he had never heard of Gov. Jerry Brown. But now he has a message for the newly elected governor: “Leave library programs alone.”

The governor’s 2011-12 budget proposal could completely eliminate state spending on public libraries, which could eliminate adult literacy programs.

Leyva, 25, is just one example of how such programs improve the lives of its residents.

When he arrived in town, the ambitious Leyva found a job washing dishes at a local restaurant, but he wanted more. He wanted to become a server at the restaurant, but his English wasn’t good enough to get him the job.

So Leyva went to the Central Coast Literacy Council, which provides tutoring services at the Santa Maria Public Library and several other study centers around the valley. Since then, he has worked two days a week with tutor Debbi Barclay to smooth out his rough, choppy English.

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According to the California Library Association, Leyva is one of more than 20,000 adults who participate in similar programs throughout the state. They are new immigrants or people who never finished their education.

The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), last conducted in 2003, claims there are 11 million adults in the country who aren’t literate.

In that assessment, 22 percent of adults in Santa Barbara County were classified as below basic, meaning they could not perform such simple tasks as signing a form or adding numbers on a bank deposit slip.

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Leyva’s success is the perfect example of that. Emboldened by his success in the program, Leyva joined thousands of students across the state in writing letters to the governor supporting adult literacy programs, something he would have never considered before working with Barclay.

Now that Leyva has achieved his first goal of becoming a server, his next is to help others.

“We feel very happy having this kind of program here,” he said. “Next I want to become a tutor, like Debbi, helping people who need a little hand. I remember that once I was one of those people who needed help.” READ MORE !