Friday, December 16, 2016

Ruth Colvin, the Mother of the Adult Literacy Movement, Turns 100 on December 16

Ruth Colvin, the Mother of the Adult Literacy Movement, Turns 100 on December 16

Colvin has dedicated more than 50 years of her life to literacy, and shows no signs of stopping.
PR Web: 12.14.2016

“To many people the word “illiteracy” prompts images of downtrodden, starving people in third world countries. But illiteracy in America? How can that be possible? Our tax money provides schooling for every child.” These thoughts were expressed by Ruth Johnson Colvin in 1960. But when Colvin saw a 1961 newspaper article on the US Census figures that noted her hometown of Syracuse, New York had over 11,000 people who could not read, she knew something needed to be done. "Not in Africa. In my city. An educational city," Colvin said. “If I don’t do something, who will?”


Her life was transformed as she undertook the necessary steps needed to help correct the situation. Colvin determined that traditional classroom methods would not work and instead focused on the development of community networks that empowered adult learners. The organization developed effective tutor training programs to teach basic literacy and English as a second language with an ongoing support system.

Colvin earned support from Syracuse’s Church Women United (CWU) organization to sponsor a local literacy tutoring effort. She recruited volunteers and set up an office in her home’s basement. Under her leadership, the literacy volunteer movement quickly spread across the United States, and the national organization, Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc., was incorporated in 1972. Ruth and her husband, Robert, also spent more than 50 years traveling the world together to provide literacy training in more than 60 countries at the invitation of ministries, governments and universities.

During her more than five decades of literacy work, Colvin has published nine books, and visited or worked in more than sixty countries. She has been the recipient of nine honorary doctorates, and in 1987 she was given the highest award for volunteerism in the United States, the President’s Volunteer Action Award from President Ronald Regan [sic]. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006 from President George W. Bush, and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1991.

In 2002, Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. merged with Laubach Literacy International to form ProLiteracy Worldwide. Colvin still serves as a lifetime member of the board of directors of ProLiteracy, is an honorary member of the board of directors of Literacy New York, and a member of the board of directors and a tutor at Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse.  READ MORE @

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Literacy Library Jobs :: California :: Solano County

Literacy Library Jobs – California

Under direction, plans, organizes and implements student/tutor training and related activities for an assigned Literacy Program such as Adult, Family, Reach-Out-and-Read, or other literacy programs.


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

SCLLN :: Adult Literacy Leadership Institute 2017 :: Carlsbad Library

Adult Literacy Leadership Institute :: ALLI

The Southern California Adult Literacy Leadership Institute for 2017 will be held on March 10-12, 2017 at the Carlsbad City Library.




This statewide training program for learners is an amazing opportunity to develop leadership, communication, advocacy, and presentation skills. The program is totally free including meals, materials, and transportation. Accommodations are available for those traveling from outside the more immediate area.


Please encourage all of your qualifying adult learners to apply.

The deadline for applications is January 6, 2017

Friday, December 9, 2016

Glendale Library :: Tutor Appreciation :: December 8

Glendale Library Tutor Appreciation
December 8 2016


The Library, Arts & Culture Department Adult Literacy Program offers services to help adults improve their reading, writing, and speaking. Instruction is provided by trained volunteers. The Adult Literacy Program is free and open to all adults ages eighteen and over.

Students Literacy Class

The Adult Literacy Program helps adults who want to learn English as well as English-speaking adults who need to improve their reading and writing skills. Conversation classes and one-on-one tutoring sessions are offered.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Altadena Library :: Digital Literacy Impact for ESL Students at our Literacy Center

Digital Literacy Impact for ESL Students at our Literacy Center
Altadena Library CONNECT*: December 2016

While the foundations of adult literacy programs are to improve reading and writing skills, these days it includes information literacy, financial literacy, health literacy and digital literacy.

The University Library of The University of Illinois defines digital literacy as: “The ability to use digital technology, communication tools or networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information.”

At the Branch we strive to help our literacy learners with meeting a wide range of literacy and informational needs. We have small group ESL classes that meet Monday through Thursdays mornings. This Fall we were able to offer a 5 week beginners computer class to our eager ESL students. The bilingual computer instructors taught the students much needed computer skills. For the first time, all the students were able to sign up for their own e-mail addresses, use Word and practice typing, and learn how to search the Internet.

Many had expressed that they had been intimidated by the computers and that with this exposure, they had less fear and felt more comfortable using the computers. The students took this opportunity to practice their skills at the library during open hours.

Most of the students do not have a computer at home and rely on the library for internet access. Many students have language barriers to employment and lack proficiency in computer skills. With improved computer skills, that is one less hurdle to overcome to seeking better employment.

According to ProLiteracy, an organization that advocates for adult literacy, low literacy costs the US $225 Billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce and a loss of revenue due to unemployment. According to the World Bank, only 52.5% of adults reporting lack of computer skills were employed, compared to 72.7%. The positive effects of improved computer skills translates to improved self sufficiency and improved work opportunities benefiting all aspects of the students’ lives.

Lucio, a student from the class states, “Thanks to the personnel of the Bob Lucas Library for providing the much needed computer classes. With the lessons they taught, I am able to practice on my own and gain confidence working on the computer. In particular, I like to practice my typing which helps me run my small business as a washing machine repair man.”

Sunday, December 4, 2016

San Diego Public Library :: READ/San Diego :: Vote by December 9

is competing to receive $5K
Show your support
Friends of READ/San Diego Literacy
by December 9
Yelp Foundation Gives Local - San Diego, CA


The Friends of READ/San Diego Literacy Programs is a non-profit corporation, run by volunteers from your community, whose goal is to bring literacy to all. We're a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting, fostering and promoting adult literacy programs throughout the County of San Diego.

Thanks for visiting the #yfgiveslocal campaign page for San Diego, CA.

The Yelp Foundation is granting $5,000 to the organization with the most votes at the end of the campaign. The second and third place winners will be granted $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. Awards will be split in the event of a tie.
Each nominated non-profit supports the Yelp Foundation’s mission of addressing the needs of local communities, including access to information, education, local economic development, and freedom of expression.
Your votes will decide which organization wins. Cast your vote daily now through December 9th. Share the local love with your social network via #yfgiveslocal to encourage your friends to vote, too!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Southern California & Statewide Literacy & Library Events :: December 2016

Southern California & Statewide Literacy & Library Events
December 2016

SCLLN
Literacy & Library Events & Conferences
- Local, California and National –
Southern California Library Literacy Network
for more information
Southern California & California


Dec. 03  A Walk in the Shoes of a Dyslexic Corona Library 1p
Dec. 03  Holiday Book Arts & Crafts Fair San Francisco Center for the Book
Dec. 04  Howard Zinn Book Fair San Francisco
Dec. 05+ Hour of Code
Dec. 10  Autism Sensory Friendly Films MOANA 10a
Dec. 12  Special Education Law 101 Special Education Law Primer Webinar 6p
Dec. 13  Autism Sensory Friendly Films FANTASTIC BEASTS-WHERE TO FIND THEM 7p
Dec. 27  Autism Sensory Friendly Films ROGUE ONE 7p