2010 Reading Institute: Reading Comprehension, Early Learning

Reading Institute: Reading Comprehension, Early Learning
2010 Reading Institute: July 19 - 21
Anaheim, California
Ed.Gov Blog: May 11, 2010 by pkickbush

The Institute is part of ED’s strategy to support educators in providing high-quality literacy instruction and to assist state and local policymakers in developing effective, comprehensive pre-kindergarten to third grade literacy programs.

The focus of this year’s Institute is reading comprehension. And this year, for the first time, ED is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to offer a separate Early Learning and Development Strand at the Institute.

The Early Learning Strand will offer sessions on developmentally appropriate practices in language and literacy for children from birth to third grade, and on planning and building comprehensive early learning systems and infrastructure.

There is no registration fee for the Reading Institute and Early Learning Strand, and all federally funded grantees, educators, state and local decision makers, and other stakeholders in early learning are invited to attend. Registration is permitted through July 5, 2010.

CLICK HERE for registration, a draft agenda for the early learning strand, information on pre-conference webinars, and more.

Escondido Library & San Diego County Library - Libraries, hospital team up for reading program

ESCONDIDO: Libraries, hospital team up for reading program
Born To Read program aimed at dads this year
NC Times: June 17, 2010 by Rachel Hutman

The Escondido and Ramona libraries teamed up with Palomar Medical Center this week for an annual program aimed at getting more parents excited about reading to their children.

This year's Born to Read program, now in its 10th year, was aimed primarily at dads with newborns at the medical center in the days leading up to Father's Day on Sunday.

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"The program hopes to impress upon fathers the importance of being literate in an ever-changing society," said Josephine Jones, director of literacy services at Escondido Public Library.

The program was developed by the American Library Association as a way to persuade families to read more and to start their own home libraries.

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For more information about the Escondido Library's Family Literacy and Early Literacy programs, contact Robin Wright-Parker at 760-839-4272. A PDF copy of the Born to Read brochure is available at ALA. For more information about the Ramona Library, contact Slade at 760-738-2436. READ MORE !

Newport Beach Library - Annual Literacy Luncheon

Literacy Luncheon
Literally Speaking: Summer 2010
by Judi Treble, Adult Learner

I am a student at the Adult Literacy Program. My tutor Sandy Beckman asked me if I would like to go with her to the Literacy Luncheon fundraiser at the Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach on April 30, 2010.

Of course I wanted to go and share this special occasion with her. When I arrived at the luncheon I found the room was decorated with festive balloons and gift baskets for sale.

The fun part of the fundraising effort were the balloons were filled with a piece of paper with a gift written on it. You could purchase a balloon and the gift was worth more then the price of the balloon.

The speakers were Sonia Nazario and Maria Amparo Escandón. Sonia's book Enrique's Journey was about her experience riding on top of a train from Guatemala to the United States with illegal immigrant children trying to find their mothers who had left them at home while finding work in the United States.

Maria's book was González and Daughter Trucking Co. The story was about a child who grew up riding with her father in his eighteen wheeler truck from the time she was a tiny baby until she was in her early twenty's.

The speakers were interesting and easy to listen to. They spoke very well and were passionate about their causes. The lunch was delicious and the company had only one thing in mind, the importance of literacy for adults.

Photo credit: www.jsalasfoto.com

Library Advocacy Day Video Contest

Library Advocacy Day Video Contest

The American Library Association held a video contest for Library Advocacy Day. Videos were created and uploaded to Vimeo and tagged "library advocacy day."

ALA Day on the Hill is June 29: 11 am @ Upper Senate Park, Wash DC.

Winners were announced June 1, 2010.

First: Imagine from Joyce Valenza
Second: Baldwinsville Public Library from Julia E. Schult
Honorable Mention: Questions of the Heart from Rachael Harrington

You can also watch other entries @ Vimeo

Newport Beach Library - Beginner.. Learner... Adult Learner Blog

A big round of applause for JY (also known as Kate) from the Newport Beach Public Library Literacy Program.

JY is an Adult Learner who started writing her blog, BEGINNER... LEARNER..., in 2009. She has given SCLLN permission to repost one of her recent posts on the SCLLN blog. Enjoy, visit and become a follower of JY's Blog.

Untitled post.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

How's your week going? I'm good so far.

Today I had a learner meeting in the Newport Beach Public Library with many learners from the literacy program in the library. It's a great time. Lika, who is a Japanese learner, showed learners her Chinese tea ceremony that she learned the special ceremony when she lived in China. Lika prepared so many personal stuff such as special kettles, cups, saucer, tea leaves for the tea ceremony. And, Lika also brought the special CD that was about the natural sounds such as a waterfall, peaceful bird chirping, conversation with wind, the leaves rustle in the wind and so on. The sounds really made the learners indulge in the tea ceremony attraction more. Absolutely, the tea was sooooooooooo rich and great. As I am a tea person(I'm also a coffee person....Is it awkward? ), I thanked Lika so much. Today Lika was in green cloth so that she was harmonized with tea. Today she looked like a great meditator in the green tea field in summer. Thanks to Lika again. You did a wonderful job today!

Hi,I'm JY from Korea. I love eating, cooking, and learning English. I started blogging to advance my writing in English and meet new people on the internet. :) AND, welcome anybody on comments about my phrases which are grammatically incorrect.

CA & National Literacy Calendar: June 2010

California Literacy Calendar: June 2010

SCLLN
Literacy & Library Events & Conferences

- local, California and National
visit
Southern California Library Literacy Network
for more information

Updates of Tutor Training Workshops Scrolling in Left Frame

Local and California Literacy Events: June 2010
Jun 1 7pm: Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group Culver City Campus
Jun 2 9am: Leo Politi Garden Dedication - Fresno State
Jun 2 7pm: Learning Disabilities Parent Support, Help Group – S Oaks
Jun 5: Literacy and Leadership Workshop Harris Ranch - Coalinga, CA
Jun 7+: READING COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES = On Line Cyber Space
Jun 12: Tutor Conference - READ/San Diego
Jun 12 10am: Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group Providence Tarzana
Jun 14: Los Angeles Black Book Expo 2010 Sheraton Gateway LAX (AUG 21)Jun 26 10am: Sensory Friendly Film - Toy Story 3 AMC Woodland Hills 2 SD

National Literacy Events: June 2010
Jun 6+: Health Literacy Summit Institute - Freeport Maine
Jun 8+: Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium - Amherst College
Jun 21+: Head Start Conference - Washington DC
Jun 24+: American Library Association - Washington DC
Jun 28+: Volunteering & Service Conf – NY NY
Jun 29 11am: ALA Day on the Hill Upper Senate Park – Wash DC

Life Long Role of Libraries: Pre K - 20 & Beyond

Life Long Role of Libraries: Pre K - 20 & Beyond
from the Blue Skunk Blog by Doug Johnson
May 20, 2010

The Life-Long Role of Libraries

The journey of a student from pre-kindergarten through the K-12 educational system and either into the workforce or on to a higher education institution. Along the way, school, academic, and public libraries are all available to provide services to the student and parents in support of learning and information literacy. This graphic was developed after attendance at various P-20 meetings where it seemed important to show that libraries play an important role throughout the life of students and adults. Minnesota libraries collaborate in sharing services and resources. Once in the workforce, information continues to be available through the public library for lifelong learning and recreation activities.

From 19th Annual Minitex Interlibrary Loan Conference: May 4, 2010
. . . slide 15 of Minitex Update (pdf) - Bill DeJohn, Director

Minitex is a publicly supported network of academic, public, state government, and special libraries working cooperatively to improve library service for their users in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Los Angeles Co Library - Cuts spell needed end to literacy program

Cuts spell needed end to literacy programZev Yaroslavsky – Supervisor: L A County, 3rd District
Newsletter: May 12, 2010

This is one kind of bookkeeping that the Los Angeles County Public Library does not relish.

Library executives, like their counterparts in other departments, are being called on to help the county close a $500-million budget deficit for the coming fiscal year. For the library, this means reducing hours at some branches and ending its long-running Adult Literacy Program—a move that would seem, on the surface, to run counter to a library’s calling.

In reality, however, the elimination of the literacy program was overdue, according to County Librarian Margaret Donnellan Todd.

“I’m not happy to make any cuts,” Todd said Wednesday as the Board of Supervisors began hearings on the proposed 2010-2011 budget. “But this one, I think, was best for taxpayers.”

The program, which served between 200 and 250 participants, cost the library $555,000 a year. That price was hard to justify, Todd said, because the program was based on an outdated state model from the 1980s that emphasized one-on-one tutoring and failed to incorporate advances in technology and teaching.

During the past two decades, the participants also changed dramatically, a change that Todd said was not reflected in the program’s approach. In earlier years, she said, most people seeking adult literacy services simply had not learned to read. Today, most participants want assistance in improving their skills in English as a second language. “That’s a huge change from the ‘80s,” she said.

Complicating matters, some participants also had “significant learning disabilities” and were referred to the library’s literacy program from adult schools and other outside agencies, Todd explained, adding that the library staff does not have the necessary skill set for that kind of challenge.

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For a more comprehensive look at the library’s literacy plans, as described in a letter to L.A. County CEO William T Fujioka, click here. READ MORE !

California Ranks 46th in Fourth Grade Reading Proficiency

California Ranks 46th in Fourth Grade Reading Proficiency: Roughly 3 in 4 are failing to read at grade level

Early Warning!
Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters:
A KIDS COUNT Special Report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation May 18, 2010

A new report released today highlights the need to increase the number of children reading at grade level by the end of third grade, a critical academic milestone that can predict whether or not children graduate from high school.

According to the KIDS COUNT Special Report, Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters, from The Annie E. Casey Foundation, children’s reading proficiency is central to their school success, life-long earning potential and ability to contribute to the nation’s economy and its security.

California ranks 46th in the nation in fourth grade reading proficiency, with roughly three out of four fourth-graders (76 percent) failing to read at grade level. The state’s high school dropout rate is approaching 20 percent overall, with rates ranging from eight percent for Asian students, 12 percent for white students, 24 percent for Latino students and 33 percent for African American students. In California, this translates into 98,000 students per class who fail to graduate.

With 6.3 million public K-12 students, California has the largest and most diverse student population in the nation; for example, roughly 40 percent of the state’s kindergartners are designated English learners. The state’s ability to provide every child a high-quality education has impacts for children, the state and the nation. Children’s reading proficiency is central to their school success and their earning potential. It is estimated that each high school dropout costs society $260,000 in lost earnings, taxes and productivity. Moreover, California’s economic vitality, dependent on a skilled and educated workforce, is facing a projected shortfall of one million college graduates by 2025.

Santa Maria Library - Literacy project golden for scout, council and families

Literacy project golden for scout, council and families
Santa Maria Times: May 13, 2010 by Brian Bullock

Tatianna Kufferath loves reading and working with children.

So when she had to develop a project to earn her Girl Scouts Golden Award, combining the two passions was perfect.

The result is the Santa Maria Family Literacy Program, which helps parents with limited English skills learn the language so they can better help their children with their school work.

“It’s vital for a kid’s success in education to have that parental support,” Tatianna explained, sounding a lot like a passionate elementary school teacher. “A lot of parents really, really want to help their kids, but they don’t know how. I wanted to have a project that would help with that.”

Tatianna, a junior at Righetti High School in Orcutt, joined with Isa Ponce-Jimenez, director of the Central Coast Literacy Project, to develop the program. Ponce-Jimenez had wanted to develop a similar project ever since moving into the Santa Maria Public Library. Their collaboration has been golden for both women.

Tatianna, a Girl Scout since the third grade, will receive her Golden Award tonight at the Pacific Christian Center, where she attends church, and the program has blended beautifully into the Central Coast Literacy Project.

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The program, which started last summer, has approximately 20 mentors from Righetti High, where Tatianna is a junior, Pioneer Valley High and St. Joseph High. Tatianna said she is always looking for more. READ MORE !

Easy Voter Guide: California Primary - June 8

EASY VOTER GUIDE
June 8, 2010 California Primary Election

For new readers and busy voters.
Welcome to the Easy Voter Guide Project website.
Your nonpartisan quick guide to statewide elections since 1994.

Read about the Candidates and Propositions:
Prop 13: Property Taxes & Earthquake Safety
Prop 14: Primary Elections
Prop 15: Public Funding of Campaigns
Prop 16: Local Public Electricity
Prop 17: Auto Insurance

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

Hemet Library - Stricken author who had to relearn to write to discuss book in Hemet

Stricken author who had to relearn to write to discuss book in Hemet
Press Enterprise: May 8, 2010 by Brian Rokos

Author Megan Timothy will discuss her new book and promotional journey from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on (May 13)Thursday at the Hemet Public Library, 300 E. Latham Ave., in Hemet.

Timothy, who suffered a stroke in 2003, credits the library's adult literacy program for helping her relearn to write and speak.

She rode her bicycle 12,000 miles to promote "Let Me Die Laughing! Waking from the Nightmare of a Brain Explosion."

Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Timothy will donate a percentage to the library's adult literacy services.

San Diego Public Library :: READ/San Diego - 20th Annual Tutor Conference 2010

READ/San Diego: 20th Annual Tutor Conference

June 12, 2010

Joan B Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice

University of San Diego

The READ/San Diego conference will feature an impressive lineup of presenters including the luncheon keynote speaker Maryanne Wolf, internationally known researcher and author of the critically acclaimed book, Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain.

Geared to provide literacy tutors with tools and techniques they can implement immediately, the conference will feature workshops strands on learning disabilities, pronunciation, phonics, family literacy, writing, comprehension, GED preparation strategies and the latest brain-based research:

Survival Skills-Role of Executive Functions
Practical Strategies Improve Fluency
Comparative Approaches Teaching Phonics
Picture is Worth 1000 Words
Promoting Clearer Pronunciation
Helping Elementary M School Reading Writing
Teaching Grammar in Context
Teaching GED Prep
Making Most of Conversation Practice
English Lang Skills-Parents, Child Care Providers
Understanding Learning Challenges, Styles

Full Conference: $30.00
Luncheon Only: $15.00
Deadline: June 10, 2010
For additional information, please contact READ/San Diego
619 . 527 . 5475

SCLLN 'Get Caught Reading' Fundraiser

Get Caught Reading Month FUN-Raiser

May 1 - 31

May is ‘Get Caught Reading Month’ and SCLLN invites Staff, Learners, Tutors and Friends to Celebrate Reading !

Email a photo of you, someone or something ‘Caught Reading ’
~ with a description of the photo: Who, What, When and Where
~ and the name of your Library !

Fun - Raising Target: $1,000

Make a contribution along with your photo.
Make a contribution and Vote for you favorite photo.
Make a contribution and Support SCLLN & Literacy.

Donations Large and Small Are Greatly Appreciated !

Email your photo to the Southern California Library Literacy Network

Subject: SCLLN Caught Reading

All the photos will be posted on the SCLLN blog and on Flickr.

Winner attends the 2011 Southern California Literacy Conference FREE !

Get Caught Reading is a nationwide campaign to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read. May is Get Caught Reading month, but the campaign is promoted throughout the year. Get Caught Reading is supported by the Association of American Publishers (AAP). Launched in 1999, "Get Caught Reading" is the brainchild of former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, President and Chief Executive Officer of AAP, the industry association representing book publishers. She saw the opportunity to spread the word about the joys of reading through an industry-supported literacy campaign.

San Bernardino County Library - When he lost his job, he found a passion

When he lost his job, he found a passion
Press Enterprise: April 27, 2010 by Linda Lou

When the company that Ricardo Tamayo worked for went under in 2008, he spent many hours looking for work on the computers at the Lewis Library and Technology Center in Fontana and was intrigued at how some Latinos toiled over how to use computers.

Tamayo, who is bilingual, helped translate. After securing work as an insurance sales agent, Tamayo started volunteering as a literacy tutor in 2009.

Two months later, he was asked to teach a computer class in Spanish.

The volunteer position spoke to Tamayo.

He said he has a background in computers and is a Certified Microsoft Systems Engineer. For the past year, he has been teaching basic Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. His teaches in English on Mondays and on Tuesdays in Spanish. Each session is five weeks.

"He brings terrific enthusiasm," said Lisa Llewellyn, a literacy coordinator for the San Bernardino County Library System. "He is one of the best volunteers."

Tamayo, 50, said he enjoys teaching.

"It's just something that's in me," he said. "I like to help people. It's a wonderful feeling, a great sensation. At the end of class, everyone says, 'Thank you, Ricardo.' I feel good."

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Tamayo said he plans to volunteer at the Fontana library, which is near his home, as long as he has the time. He recently started studying Microsoft Office Publisher and hopes to offer a course in that as well.

Volunteering at the library has given him a new passion. Tamayo said he plans to find out what he needs to do to get a paid job in the classroom.

"My goal is to become a computer instructor at an adult school in Fontana," he said.

For more information about computer classes at the Lewis Library and Technology Center, call 909-574-4540 or 909-574-4560. READ MORE !

California Literacy Calendar: May 2010

California Literacy Calendar: May 2010

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

Updates of Tutor Training Workshops Scrolling in Left Frame

Local and California Literacy Events: May 2010
May 1+: Black Writers on Tour Los Angeles Convention Center
May 3+: What is Dyslexia: Introduction = On Line Cyber Space
May 5+: California Council on Adult Education Conference - Palm Springs
May 6+: Health Literacy Conference – Irvine
May 8: Dyslexia Spring Conference - University of San Diego
May 8-9am: Children's Literature Day - MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE
May 8-10am: Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group Providence Tarzana Medical Center
May 9: Raising Readers – Santa Monica College
May 14-9am: Tulare County Learner-Tutor Conference - Three Rivers CA
May 22+: Bay Area Storytelling Festival - El Sobrante CA
May 25: Improving Health Literacy in LA - County Galen Center USC
May 25-7:30am: Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group The Help Group S Oaks

National Literacy Events: May 2010
Get Caught Reading MonthMay 10+: Children's Book Week
May 21: National Black Book Festival – Texas
May 25: BookExpo America - NY

2010 Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

Since its inception in 2003, the Literacy Interest Group (formerly Literacy Services Section) has sponsored an annual award for Outstanding Librarian In Support of Literacy (OLSL) presented annually.

This year the Committee is starting up again in preparation to seek nominations, conduct the judging, and make the difficult choice of which librarian will receive this year’s honor. Cherall Weiss of Newport Beach P.L. is heading up the Committee which currently consists of Rosie Manela of Rancho Cucamonga P.L., Delores Allmond of Beverly Hills P.L. and Carey Gross of Butte County Library.

The Committee needs SCLLN members to serve with them on this very uplifting endeavor. The time commitment is minimal, and should fit in to the tough schedules that most of us are now working. The highlight of volunteering for this assignment is the opportunity to work with this premier team. Contact Cherall to volunteer, or if you have questions: (949) 717-3875.

Purpose:
This award is to recognize and honor a librarian who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support literacy.

Eligibility:The nominee cannot be a literacy services staff person who already provides direct literacy services.
The nominee can be someone who has performed one or more of the following services in support of literacy:
􀀳 Outreach
􀀳 Public Awareness
􀀳 Programming
􀀳 Collection Development
􀀳 Advocacy
􀀳 Fund Raising
􀀳 Recruitment
􀀳 Other – You name it!!!

Only one nomination per library jurisdiction is allowed.
This is an individual award – nomination cannot be for a group.

The winner will be honored at the CLA 2010 Conference in Sacramento.

The winner receives a 1-year CLA Membership, a plaque, recognition on the CLA website and a gift certificate. Each nominee will receive a certificate of special recognition.

Past Winners

2009: Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library
2008: Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library
2007: Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library
2006: John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library
2005: Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library
2004: Leslie McGinnis Rodd, Oakland Public Library
2003: Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library

Literacy . . . Info . . . News . . . Questions - Value of Volunteer Time: 2009

Value of Volunteer Time: 2009

The 2008 estimated dollar value of volunteer time in California: $23.29 (updated figures for each state will be released in the spring of 2010).

$20.85 per hour for the U.S. according to Independent Sector.

Independent Sector has charts for:
1) Dollar Value of a Volunteer Hour: 1980 – 2009
2) Dollar Value of a Volunteer Hour, by State: 2008
~ Note that 2008 is the latest year for which state numbers are available.
~ There is a lag of almost one year in the government's release of state level data.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 61.8 million Americans, or 26.4 percent of the adult population, gave 8 billion hours of volunteer service worth $162 billion in 2008 (the 2009 numbers will be released on June 15).

Volunteer to Tutor @ Your Local Library:
SCLLN, BALIT, Northern California Literacy Coalition or CLLS

National Library Week 2010

National Library Week

Our Public Library Lifeline Is Fraying. We'll Be Sorry When it Snaps Huffington Post: April 11, 2010 by Art Brodksky

This is National Library Week, a time normally reserved for celebrating an institution that plays a vital role in many of our cities, towns and counties. Instead, many libraries, particularly public libraries, are being decimated by budget cuts at a time when library services are needed most.

Libraries, once considered a necessity, are now seen as a luxury. They are low-hanging fruit for budget pluckers, particularly at the state and local levels of government in communities across the country. It's been a slow death by attrition over the past couple of years. First, it was the budget for books and materials because, after all, books and materials aren't people. No matter that books and materials are what makes a library, well, a library. Then came the hours of operation, then the staff, then the closure of branches. No two communities are approaching the situation identically, but in cities from Boston to Indianapolis, the stories are increasingly dire.

In Boston, the trustees voted to close four branches. There was lots of protest, and Mayor Thomas Menino still has to make the final call, but the situation doesn't look good.

The Florida legislature is considering eliminating state aid to libraries entirely, while the New Jersey legislature is only looking a at a 74 percent cut. Indianapolis and surrounding Marion County are also looking at closing six branches and cutting back programs and staff.

In my home community of Montgomery County, Maryland, formerly one of the wealthiest local jurisdictions, the County Council is looking at a budget for fiscal year 2011 of $29 million - down from $40 million just three years ago. This year, it is slated for a 23 percent cut - one of the largest of any agency, on top of cuts in the last fiscal year with percentage decreases larger than all but one county agency. And this is for a county of about one million residents in which 70 percent hold library cards. It's even worse across the river, in Fairfax County, Virgina, where libraries were declared a "discretionary" service while cutting 30 of 54 full-time librarians. Libraries discretionary? That's nuts.

These are only some of the stories. They are being repeated endlessly across the country, perhaps even where you live. Some places put a high value on their libraries. Contrast the $29 million of my county for the $51 million library budget in Seattle, a city of about 600,000. Sure, Seattle needed to cut the library budget, but the fact that they started out much higher than my home says something about their priorities. Sadly, Seattle is the exception, not the rule. READ MORE !

Happy National Library Week

Day In the District: April 16 2010

Day in the District
April 16, 2010

Please plan to join CLA, the California School Library Association, and your fellow Library Advocates for Day in the District on Friday, April 16th 2010!

This year, our Associations will schedule visits with legislators in their local district offices throughout the state. These Day in the District meetings will provide a great opportunity to educate your legislators and their aides about the importance of libraries within their respective jurisdictions.

About Day in the District
Day in the District is an annual statewide library advocacy event in which library supporters meet with elected officials within their local offices throughout California.

If you are interested in helping set up legislative meetings, please contact Kevin Kilkenny, CLA Legislative Coordinator, at 916-233-3298 or kevink@cla-net.org. Otherwise, click here for information on how to register for an appointment with your legislator.

Helpful Documents
Below are a list of documents will assist you in delivering your message about the importance of libraries within elected officials' respective communities:
~ Register for an Appointment with Your Legislator~ Talking Points
~ Tips for Lobbying Your Legislator
~ Funds by Assembly District
~ Funds by Senate District

Newport Beach Library: Gift of Literacy Luncheon

Gift of Literacy – Author Luncheon

April 30, 2010

11:30 am – 2:30 pm

Radisson Hotel

4545 MacArthur Blvd – Newport Beach

Can you imagine not being able to read? A surprising number of individuals in our community cannot read signs, write checks, let alone read a newspaper.

The Newport Beach Public Library’s Literacy Program is working to change that. Please join us at this wonderful luncheon where your participation will help us help them to be productive and successful in their lives, at home, at work, and in the community.

This year’s event will feature two bestselling authors:
María Amparo Escandón and Sonia Nazario.

Escandón is the author of the bestselling novels, Esperanza’s Box of Saints, and Gonzalez and Daughter Trucking Co.: A Road Novel with Literary License. Both Newsweek and the Los Angeles Times named her the “Writer to Watch” in 1999 and 2000. She also teaches fiction writing at UCLA Extension.

Nazario has spent twenty years reporting and writing about social issues, most recently as a projects reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Her stories have tackled some of this country’s most intractable problems: hunger, drug addiction, immigration. Her book, Enrique’s Journey, which became a national bestseller and won two book awards, was based on her Pulitzer Prize winning series in the Los Angeles Times.

$75 per person; $100 for a seat at one of the Authors’ Tables

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
A silent auction and raffle prizes will be held.

Purchase tickets online click here

Phone: 949-717-3874

Mail: Send checks payable to Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy

Newport Beach Public Library

1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660

All proceeds from the event will help fund the Newport Beach Public Library Literacy Services program which serves approximately 150 adult learners annually with free literacy instruction, including one-on-one tutoring, writing workshops, conversation classes and other programs designed to develop the literacy skills of adults and empower them to achieve greater success in their lives – at home, at work, and in the community.

Listorious: Adult Literacy - The definitive list of who matters on Twitter

Listorious: AdultLiteracy
The definitive list of who matters on Twitter

Thanks to Peter Cleary for including SCLLN on his Listorious Adult Literacy list:

sclln literacy
Adult and Family Literacy in Southern California libraries. Learn To Read. Volunteer as a literacy tutor at your local public library !
142 followers Follow

Check 'Em Out and Follow !

Larry Ferlazzo
Inner-city High School teacher -- ESL & Mainstream
4,692 followers Follow


Ben Merrion
The Jackie Chan of adult literacy - I do my own stunts. Blog for http://dclearns.org Into social justice issues and on the board of @hollabackdc
1,007 followers Follow


nzchrissy
aka: TeachingSagittarian, on a web2.0 learning journey to flatten walls of classroom
731 followers Follow


Florida Literacy Coa
The Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) promotes, supports, and advocates the effective delivery of quality adult and family literacy programs.
581 followers Follow


Nashville Literacy
Follow us to find out more about Adult Literacy and English Language Learners in Nashville!
425 followers Follow


Jan_Gallagher
communications strategist, writer, editor, web content manager, mostly for nonprofits
327 followers Follow


Kate Marshall
Creator of guided journals for people with life stories, love and wisdom to share. Coordinator of adult literacy program. Wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend.
313 followers Follow


MN Literacy Council
The Minnesota Literacy Council provides free adult basic education classes for immigrants, refugees and life-long Minnesotans. Email us at volunteer@themlc.org
313 followers Follow


Literacy Center
Free, Confidential Reading Instruction for Adults
285 followers Follow


Literacy Assist. Ctr
Literacy is more than the ability to read a book. It is the ability to open new worlds.
247 followers Follow


OLC
Ontario Literacy Coalition is a not-for-profit organization that makes adult learning opportunities possible by inspiring ideas and informing action.
243 followers Follow


Patti Groce
Trainer for adult literacy volunteers.
241 followers Follow


Literacy Kansas City
Our mission is to advance literacy among Kansas City area adults through direct services, advocacy and collaboration. Our vision is literacy for all!
209 followers Follow


Johanna Stirling
Teacher / teacher trainer / materials writer / presenter. Strangely interested in teaching spelling, also ICT and EFL generally.
167 followers Follow


VA Adult Literacy
159 followers Follow


AlphaPlus Centre
A non-profit organization committed to advancing adult basic education through the smart use of readily available Web-based technology.
142 followers Follow


TarrantLit Coalition
Making literacy programs strong and relevant, enabling high quality instruction, investing in knowledge, & addressing the silent adult literacy crisis
134 followers Follow


Leah Tremain
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San Luis Obispo City-County Library - Fµ¥å¬ µniº ø't†ß - Can't read that? Now you know how it feels.

Fµ¥å¬ µniº ø't†ß
Can't read that? Now you know how it feels.
New Times: March 30, 2010 by Glen Starkey

If you’re reading this right now, count yourself lucky: You’re not among the estimated 21 to 23 percent of American adults who are either wholly illiterate, functionally illiterate (those who might be able to understand a couple thousand words memorized by sight in grade school but who are unable to understand such basic written instructions as warning labels or driving directions), or have substandard reading skills that negatively affect their earnings.

Studies suggest that among these semi-literate 40- to 44-million American adults, even those who possess some reading skills may lack the ability to locate information in text or make low-level inferences from printed materials.

As a reader, you might think, “Oh, well. That’s their problem, not mine,” but American illiteracy affects us all. A literate workforce is a productive workforce, and semi-literate workers earn far below their literate counterparts, meaning they don’t contribute effectively to our economy.

Furthermore, Americans with reading deficiencies are more likely to require such social services as welfare, food stamps, and Section 8 subsidized housing. They’re more likely to be unable to afford health insurance. They don’t have the means to further their education to improve their condition. In other words, not only are they a drag on the economy, tax dollars may subsidize their needs. Luckily, there’s an organization that does something about this problem.

The Literacy Council of SLO County estimates there are as many as 25,000 functionally illiterate adults in the county. While many of the Literacy Council’s clients are English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, some are native speakers who simply never learned to read and write. For many of them, the hardest step to improving their reading and writing skills is admitting they have a problem and seeking help. READ MORE !