Sunday, August 20, 2017

Redlands Library :: Hear Author Francisco Jimenez Speak on Migrant Experience :: Sep 7

Hear author Francisco Jimenez speak on ‘Migrant Experience’ in Redlands
Redlands Daily Facts: 8.19.2017 by Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator-A.K. Smiley Public Library

Have you ever had the chance to meet the author of one of your favorite books? Meeting the author can be like meeting a best friend for the first time.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program at the A.K. Smiley Public Library invites you to hear Francisco Jimenez, who wrote the autobiographical book “The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child.”

This year, more than 150 local literacy tutors, learners and community members have read Jimenez’s book and were moved by reading of the obstacles Jimenez overcame in his quest for an education.

Jimenez will speak on “The Migrant Experience: A Personal Story” at 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands. Doors open at 5:30. Those who plan to attend are asked to register at www.akspl.org or by calling the A.K. Smiley Public Library at 909-798-7565.

“The Circuit” is the first of a four-book series by Jimenez. This autobiographical series follows Jimenez from his childhood, when he immigrated with his family to California from Tlaquepaque, Mexico, and through his experiences at Columbia University where he received his master’s degree and doctorate in Latin American literature.  READ MORE @

Monday, August 14, 2017

Monrovia Library :: Literacy Services at the Library

Literacy Services at the Library

Reading Help for Adult Learners


We help English-speaking adults 18 years and older improve reading and writing skills so you can reach your potential as workers, parents, community members and life-long learners. Our trained volunteer tutors will meet with you one-on-one or in a small group setting. You will learn what you need at your own pace and will be able to apply new skills to your lives. We can help you with personal learning goals such as:

Passing GED or high school equivalency
Reading to your children or grandchildren
Studying for U.S. citizenship
Improving spelling, writing, grammar and pronunciation
Enhancing your job prospects
Using computers and understanding technology

For more information about our free and confidential program, call 626-256-8273

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Camarena Library :: 7 Steps to Improve Vocabulary

7 Steps to Improve Vocabulary
Literacy Place: June 2017



The Adult Literacy Program provides educational opportunities for adults who want to improve their literacy skills. Students develop their reading, writing and critical thinking skills through one-on-one tutoring sessions that will focus on individual needs. (760) 768-7480

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Los Angeles Public Library :: It's a Match - Adult Literacy

It’s a Match
READ-A Newsletter written by students and tutors: Summer 2017

My name is Carmen Munoz, I am a tutor with LAPL’s Adult Literacy Program.

I’ve been with my student Maria Murillo since February 12, 2016. Maria approached me at a Senior Center in East Los Angeles. She told me about her desire to read English before she died. With much surprise I found that Maria at 87 years old did not know how to read or write; and was never able to attend school. She lived in Mexico with her mother. She helped care for her younger siblings and was never given opportunity to attend school.

Maria is currently reading Laubach Volume 3. Maria struggled with reading but she never gave up. In the following weeks I recognized Maria was not only able to read the words but also understand and explain what she had just read. Maria told me “the books talk to me!” Puzzled by her comment, I realized that was her way of telling me she could read.

Maria’s goal is to be able to read and write with no difficulty. She also stated she would like to attend college in the near future. I believe this goal was brought by the Helen Keller story, she identified her handicap and Helen’s at about the same capacity in her eyes.

Just like Maria anyone can achieve their goals. Age or disability does not determine how far you learn, grow, and achieve any dreams or goals in one’s life.  READ MORE @

Friday, August 4, 2017

Altadena Library :: New Staff at the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library and Literacy Center

New Staff at the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library and Literacy Center
Altadena Library: August 2017

Diana Wong is the new Branch Manager & Literacy Services Librarian. She has over 9 years of experience working in academic libraries and just recently completed her MLIS from San Jose State University. Her literacy experience stems from her two-year tour with the Peace Corps, where she spent time teaching English to high school kids in a rural village in Cambodia.

Funded in part by a grant from the California State Library, the Adult Literacy Services program, "Let's Read Altadena," of the Altadena Library District has been serving the residents of Altadena since 1988. Instruction is provided by volunteer tutors who have completed as self-paced, online tutor training course. Literacy is currently housed at the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library and Literacy Center

One-on-one tutoring: Learners are matched with a tutor for regularly scheduled study sessions.

Classes to improve English reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Classes are held Mondays thru Thursdays mornings at the Bob Lucas Branch.

There is no fee for tutoring or for ESL classes. Speakers of other languages may receive tutoring once they have mastered basic spoken English or may join our ESL class for beginners. To be eligible for tutoring, the participant must be able to complete the intake form by him or herself in English.

Tutors work in the Adult Literacy Program empowering adult learners by teaching basic reading, writing and functional literacy skills. After completing a self-paced, online training module and being matched with a learner, tutors and learners meet 1 to 2 hours per meeting at least once a week at the library or other location based on their own schedules. The Library requires a minimum commitment of six months. To learn more about this rewarding experience, please contact the Bob Lucas Branch Library.

If you are interested in receiving tutoring or becoming a tutor, please call the Bob Lucas Branch Library at (626) 798-8338 ext. 102 or send an e-mail.

Monday, July 31, 2017

Upland Library :: Literacy Computer Lab

Literacy Computer Lab

Upland Library: 7.28.2017

We are excited to announce that our Adult Literacy Program has been selected as a Community Impact Partner with the Inland Empire United Way. We are grateful to have received a grant that help us fulfill our goal of starting a literacy computer lab.

Since its start in 1989, the completely grant-funded Adult Literacy Program has successfully impacted the lives of over 1,000 individual adult learners with the help. For more information, or to volunteer as a tutor, please contact the Literacy Office at (909) 931-4211.

The Literacy Office is located on the lower level of the restored historical Carnegie Cultural Center, at 123 D Street, Upland, CA 91786, next door to the Upland Public Library.