Newport Beach Library - Literacy Event Honors Volunteers, “Learners”

Literacy Event Honors Volunteers, “Learners”
Corona Del Mar Today: September 16, 2010

About 150 people gathered at the Newport Beach Central Library today to celebrate International Literacy Day with an international feast, speeches by library officials and “learners” who participate in the library’s literacy program.

“When I came two years ago to the U.S., I felt extremely lonely,” said Yana Newberg in her first-ever public speech given in English. “It was difficult every time when I went out. In a store, it was difficult to explain what I would like.”

Then she found the library’s literacy program, which offers one-on-one tutoring as well as computer skills, life skills assistance and help in preparing for tests like driver’s license exams, or GEDs.

“People tell me I speak English well,” she said. “It’s a great feeling.”

The library’s literacy program was established in 1986. The program currently has 130 learners and 100 volunteer tutors, with a waiting list in spite of training about 50 tutors annually.

One tutor, Corona del Mar resident Rochelle Hoffman, loved the program so much that two of her friends established a scholarship in her name after she died in 2004.

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This year’s Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award winner is Claude Bonham, who made his first appointment for tutoring in August 2007. READ MORE !

Lompoc Library - Reading program helps adults learn

Reading program helps adults learn
Lompoc Record: September 15, 2010

Adults who cannot read may face barriers in learning the critical skill. They may not be able to attend conventional classes because of employment or child care issues. They may be embarrassed or fearful. Some may believe it is too late for them to learn.

There is a free program at the Lompoc Public Library, however, that provides adults the opportunity to learn to read with a qualified tutor in one-to-one sessions.

Sessions even can be scheduled on evenings and weekends.

The program allows students to set their own goals, from filling out a job application to getting a drivers license to being able to read to a child.

The Lompoc Library Adult Reading Program operates with one paid employee and more than 50 dedicated volunteer tutors who guide adult learners through a structured series of reading instruction workbooks.

The more than 1,700 students who have participated and met their reading goals have been empowered to find better jobs, open their own small businesses, pass the GED exam, and become U.S. citizens, according to a program spokesperson.

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For more information about the Lompoc Public Library’s literacy programs, call 735-7323. READ MORE !

Carlsbad Library - Young library volunteer makes most of time

CARLSBAD: Young library volunteer makes most of time
North County Times: September 5, 2010 by Dan Bennett

For years, Joanna Tang heard that volunteering looked good on a college application. What the 16-year-old La Costa Canyon High School student has learned during the past three years is that volunteering also makes her happy.

Tang is in her third year volunteering at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center, working on administrative tasks, organizing the archives, and helping plan and execute special events. In other words, Tang is doing what so many volunteers do at an organization ---- helping it run efficiently.

"The staff here is amazing, and that makes it an even better place to volunteer," Tang said. "I've learned that doing the little things properly is what makes everything better. The library is a place where so many different people visit for so many different reasons, and people are learning all the time, every time they come in. All different ages learn together. It's important to me to be a part of something like that."

A library is also a place for inspiration, she said.

"This is a place where imagination is everywhere," Tang said.

Carrie Scott, literacy coordinator for the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center, says Tang's abilities and dedication are inspiring. READ MORE !

Professional Development Day: October 15

SCLLN Professional Development Day

October 15, 2010

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Holiday Inn Buena Park

7000 Beach Blvd - Buena Park

" Preparing For The Good Times "

Tired of focusing on how bad things are ?
Looking for ways to energize your program ?

Join SCLLN for an info-packed day of techniques, practices, and methods to position your literacy program for the upswing. A day of workshops on leading your literacy program into the future and maximizing your impact with your stake holders:

~ marketing
~ branding
~ volunteer management
~ outreach

Rekindle The Spark !

Start the day with a Mini-Workshop
~ a brainstorming session about best-practices and great new ideas.

Morning Sessions - choice of 1:
~ Marketing & Branding - practical, hands-on information
Karla Palma, Marketing & Advertising
~ Holistic Approach to Volunteer Management - Recruit, Retain, Support, Recognition
Cathay Reta, Literacy Consultant

Afternoon Sessions - choice of 1:
~ Outreach & Touch Someone - who are the stakeholders, how to build relationships
Bob West, Sales & Marketing
~ Rekindling the Spark - lost your enthusiasm, get it back
Carol Chapman, Program Manager-READ Ventura County Library
Marianne Tromp, Software Development

Registration: $175.00

Includes: Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and a Closing Session with snacks plus a drawing for an iPad

Deadline: October 5, 2010

Space is limited, please register as early as possible.

Literacy in Libraries Around California - International Literacy Day 2010

September 8, 2010
International Literacy Day

California Celebrations

Newport Beach Public Library
Event:International Literacy Day
Join us for this annual celebration and awards ceremony that recognizes the accomplishments of the dedicated learners and volunteer tutors in our Literacy Program.
September 16, 2010 10am – 1pm

Mendocino County Public Library
Bammer: Thoughts about International Literacy Day
The Reporter: September 8, 2010
Today is International Literacy Day, and it has always been somewhat shocking to know that 1 in 7 adults in the United States is functionally illiterate. That is, they have reading and writing skills that are inadequate to cope with the demands of everyday life.

One of my first stories as a professional journalist was writing a feature story about the literacy program at the Mendocino County Public Library. The program's coordinator introduced me to four of her clients and it opened my eyes to the problem, made so clear in books by writers and social activists such as Jonathan Kozol, author of "Death at an Early Age" (1967).

Monterey County Free Library
Monterey County set to celebrate fourth annual Literacy Week
Although it officially starts on Wednesday, Literacy Week will begin a day early with a Literacy Open House today at the Monterey County Free Libraries' Seaside branch, 550 Harcourt Ave.
The event will give tutors and interested learners to find out more about the free "READ with MCFL" service. It includes a free book giveaway.

Napa City-County Library
September is International Literacy Month
In an effort to celebrate and raise awareness for International Literacy Month, the Napa City-County Library‘s Literacy Center will host a number of events throughout September.
The festivities begin on Wed., Sept. 8, International Literacy Day, with exhibits, food and reading selections from around the world, featuring voices from Iranian authors moderated by published writer Soudabeh Ashrafi. The readings begin at 6 p.m., with short selections read in a variety of languages, followed by the evening’s highlight, "Of Writing and Seeking: Iranian Women Share Their Work." There will be international refreshments for all to enjoy during this multicultural event.

San Bernardino County Library
Sam J Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center
Highland literacy coalition brings children’s author to library. International Literacy Day is September 8, 2010 and to celebrate the Highland Literacy Coalition is hosting Mary Skillings Prigger, a local children’s author who is also a professor at California State University San Bernardino. She has written two beloved books by children titled “Aunt Minnie McGranahan” and “Aunt Minnie and the Twister”.

San Mateo County Library
Visit your local San Mateo County Library branch, pick up a free International Literacy Day bookmark, and attend a Haiku Writing Workshop. The Haiku workshop will be hands on and interactive, providing a basic introduction to "haiku," an ancient poetic form originating in Japan and now practice all over the world. Participants will be introduced to many different examples, discuss the basic characteristics of the form, learn to write their own and come away with references for their future pursuits. No previous experience with "haiku" or poetry is required to enjoy this session.

Stanislaus County Free Library
Strapped finances make literacy volunteers vital
Community Voices
Modesto Bee: September 7, 2010 by Karen Williams
The Stanislaus Literacy Center, for instance, served 1,400 adults in 2009-10. But because many programs elsewhere have been eliminated, the waiting list for our programs continues to grow.

With ever-increasing needs and shrinking finances, I encourage people to think about volunteering to help with classes and tutoring to help our adults gain the skills they need.

Today's Bee contains a supplement, "Literacy More Essential Now," that is being published in conjunction with International Literacy Day. It is filled with success stories of students who have attended adult education programs. It also has contacts for adult education programs offered by nonprofits and school districts.

I hope you will read it and be inspired to support literacy by volunteering or donating so others will be able to read what you are reading now.

Woodland Public Library
International Literacy Day
The Woodland Public Library Literacy Service will join the world on September 8th for International Literacy Day as we recognize literacy as a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development.

Sacramento: Capitol Events this week
Sacramento Press: September 7, 2010 by Chris Fryer

Wednesday, Sept. 8
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Training Toward Self-Reliance will be hosting “Celebration of International Literacy Day” at the new rose garden, where volunteers will distribute information from various educational groups and feature on-site book reading. About 40 people are expected to attend.

Upland Library - Two Upland community heroes chosen for L.A. County Fair

Two Upland community heroes chosen for L.A. County Fair
Upland Now: September 2, 2010 by Sandra Emerson

The city has nominated two "Community Heroes" for this year's L.A. County Fair.

Karissa Burgos, junior hero, and Kathy Pruitt, adult hero, will be honored at 5:30 p.m. during Upland Day during the fair at Fairplex, 1101 West McKinley Ave. Pomona, on Sept. 9.

Every year the L.A. County Fair honors community heroes from 18 surrounding cities during the 23-day-long event.

Upland Day will celebrate volunteers, humanitarians, students, neighbors and community organizations working to make their city a better place to live. There will be a parade down Broadway featuring civic organizations and school bands. Cost is $5 before 5 p.m.

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Adult Hero, Pruitt, volunteers with the Upland Public Library, the Upland Public Library Adult Literacy Program and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Pruitt was described as a "wonderful pillar" of support for the Adult Literacy Program.

She began as a tutor in 1994 and has since tutored 19 students, helping them to meet their literacy goals and logging in more than 2, 500 hours of time in the process.

Pruitt started the Reading Club for adult learners and has raised money for the literacy program - for the last seven years she has participated on the Tutor Titans trivia team at the annual Literacy Trivia Bee and Silent Auction fundraiser.

Pruitt has worked tirelessly as a spokeswoman for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She has served as a liaison between Coiner Nursery and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. READ MORE !

California Literacy Library Calendar: September 2010

California Literacy Calendar: September 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: September 2010

September:
Festival of Children Month = South Coast Plaza
Library Card Sign-Up Month @ Public Libraries Everywhere !

Sep 01: Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group – 7pm – Sherman Oaks
Sep 02: Tutor Information South Bay Literacy Council – 7pm Torrance Library
Sep 04: Sensory Friendly Films - Nanny McPhee Returns – 10am – AMC LA to SD
Sep 07: Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group Culver City @ 7pm
Sep 08: Writer To Writer Launch – SCLLN
Sep 10: Manos Amigas/Helping Hands - Centro Latino for Literacy LA @ 6:30pm
Sep 11: CATESOL LA Regional Conference– CSUF
Sep 11-12: Santa Monica Book Fair
Sep 11: ESL Tutor Training - SGVLC Pasadena @ 9am
Sep 11: Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group Providence Tarzana @ 10am
Sep 13+: Reading Comprehension Strategies = On Line Cyberspace
Sep 16: Literacy Spelling Bee - Kern Literacy Council @ 5pm
Sep 18: Literacy Spelling Bee Fundraiser - Santa Maria City Library @ 1pm
Sep 21: Literacy Tutor Workshop - Kern Adult Literacy Council @ 5:30pm
Sep 24+: Southern California Writers' Conference Newport Beach
Sep 24: Literacy Scrabble Fundraiser - Santa Barbara Public Library @ 5pm

National Literacy Events: September 2010
Library Card Sign-Up Month @ Public Libraries Everywhere !

Sep 01+: Global Artistry Leo & Diane Dillon Ellen Noel Art Museum TX
Sep 04: Sensory Friendly Films - Nanny McPhee Returns @ 10am - AMC Theaters
Sep 07+: Knuffle Funny: Art & Whimsy Mo Willems Cincinnati Public Library
Sep 08: International Literacy Day
Sep 10: Literacy Leadership Awards Center for the Book, Library of Congress – 5:30pm
Sep 13+: National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week - Nationwide
Sep 15: Literacy Leadership Awards – Wash DC @ 5:30pm
Sep 20+: Family Literacy Training Louisville, Kentucky
Sep 21+: NC Health Literacy Conference - Greensboro NC
Sep 24: National Punctuation Day
Sep 25: National Book Festival - National Mall, Washington DC
Sep 25+: Banned Book Week
Sep 30: National StoryNight – Nationwide

Orange Co Library - READ/Orange County - Tutors Write

READ/Orange County
Read Writes Newsletter: August 2010

Tutors Write

Some tutors write journals with their learners. Some tutors write journals for themselves. Some tutors really enjoy writing and share their enthusiasm with their learners. Some tutors dream about writing their own books, some have begun writing that book, AND some READ/OC tutors have accomplished that goal! Then, there are some tutors who are a bit uneasy about writing.

And there are a few things about writing that all tutors share and hopefully do not avoid:

• Writing lesson plans for their tutoring sessions
• Incorporating writing into tutoring lessons and learner’s goals
• Modeling writing during tutoring sessions
• Encouraging learners to write
• And, of course, writing (and submitting) monthly reports about tutoring sessions, learners’ goals and progress toward those goals

John Palmer is a tutor who does just that. John commits significant time in planning his weekly lesson plans. Each month he thoughtfully and faithfully prepares monthly reports and even gets them to the READ/OC office by the 5th of each month (often delivering them in person!).

He became a tutor with READ/OC in 2001 and has been a tutor to 5 learners. He always includes writing in his tutoring sessions and says writing helps “preserve what you hear.” When asked about the writing component in his tutoring sessions, John feels writing is a “bridge” to learning and improving reading. “When you read the words you see, you hear them in your mind.” He feels the only way to preserve reading and learning is to write it down, and “then when you read what you’ve written, you can hear the words in your head and remember.” Continued on page 4

Learners Write Too

Yun Wu came to READ/OC to get help with her reading, writing, and speaking skills.

She felt that she needed to improve those skills in order to express herself. After being assessed, Yun learned that she did not need the basic help she was seeking. What she did need was confidence. Yun was invited to attend monthly learner meetings where she would be able to work and converse with other learners who also wanted to improve their skills.

Yun began attending the meetings on a regular basis. It was in those meetings that Yun quickly gained the confidence she needed. Yun was always eager to read aloud or share her thoughts and she began to shine. She motivated and encouraged the other learners to do the same. In 2009, Yun decided to enter Writer to Writer, a writing challenge for adult learners in California Library Literacy Programs.

As required by the contest, Yun had to write a letter to the author of a book that inspired her. The book she chose was The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale. Yun was chosen as a finalist and her letter to Norman Vincent Peale was published in 2009 Writer to Writer: Letters of the Award Winners and Finalist publication. Read Yun’s letter on page 4.

Santa Maria Library - There’s a New Website for Tutors!

There’s a New Website for Tutors!
Central Coast Literacy Newsletter: Spring 2010

Tutor911 is now available. Sharon Hushka, Bethel-Daytime Center Director, recently created a website with a variety of resources and information available for tutors to use as they endeavor to enhance the learning process for their students.

Some highlights are posted below.
The Tutor Workshop Handbook is available on-line, including the Table of Contents. The Life Skills page offers links to different subjects about the community, financial, and employment issues.

On the Tutor Aids page, resources offered include Dialogue: Common Student Goals. Starting with a list of more than a dozen broad topics, there are at least ten different questions (and answers) posted. These questions allow the students to discuss the different subjects. The interaction can be on a one-to-one basis or as part of a regular group discussion.

As a way to stay organized and to monitor a student's process, the tutor can use the Student Literacy Placement & Progress Record. This form provides links to resources found in the Tutor Workshop Handbook and entries for some of the materials used in teaching, i.e. English, No Problem! and Rosetta Stone.

The Central Coast Literacy Council, in partnership with the Santa Maria Public Library, has a newly redesigned website; check it out .

San Diego Public Library - San Diego Public Library Foundation What’s Your Story ?

San Diego Public Library Foundation
What’s Your Story ?

Maria Gonzalez

“My goal in writing my story is to let the world know the importance of literacy and how READ/San Diego affected my life and family.” Following her participation in the Library’s READ/San Diego program, Mira Gonzalez passed her GED, found a job and became active in her children’s education. Read more.

Bob Perez“I got my first library card ever at the age of 84. You are never too old to learn and you've got to make an effort to learn because it will change your life. You couldn't ask for anything better than READ/San Diego and the San Diego Public Library.” Eighty-eight-year-old Bob Perez proves you can gain literacy skills at any age. Read more.

Maria Federico “Oscar loved the book of poetry so much…he hasn’t put it down since! But I really don’t mind. I’m so happy he is reading.” Maria Federico brings her youngest children to the Library twice a month to attend the Families for Literary programs – an activity that is making a big difference for her son, Oscar Acevedo. Read more.

Evilia Herrerra“The library’s computer phonics game helped prepare my son, Angel, to read.” Five-year-old Angel Herrerra gained many skills from the Early Childhood Literacy Workstations at his branch library - including a love of learning and reading. Read more.

San Bernardino Public Library - Rights to Literacy Campaign

Rights to Literacy Campaign
Julia Amante Blog: July 29, 2010 - Repost

As an author and former teacher, a mother of young children and a Latina-American who adores and credits libraries and books with the fact that she had the opportunity to become literate, I'm very proud to be participating in a rights to literacy campaign this weekend at my local library.

The best way for me to share information about this event is to let the two fabulous ladies running the events this weekend speak for themselves.

Linda Adams, Computer Lab Coordinator
Paula Miller, Literacy Program Coordinator

Julia: The Norman F. Feldheym Library always has so many great events for the community. You have an upcoming event this weekend. Can you share what the Delcaration to the Rights to Literacy National Literacy Campaign is, and what the public will be signing between July 31st and August 3rd?

Linda and Paula: In June 2009 at the National Community Literacy Conference, a Right to Literacy Convention convened. Delegates from across the country discussed and voted on the U. S. Declaration for the Right to Literacy.

The need is clear – tens of millions of adults and children do not have the skills needed to succeed in life. Literacy is the number one tool to make change and impact economic prosperity. The right to literacy must be a National priority!

The Declaration of the Right to Literacy is supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The Right to Literacy Declaration scroll has traveled the country and has been signed by tens of thousands of supporters. The scroll is making its way to the White House and is expected to be presented to President Obama in September 2010 for Literacy Awareness month.

Julia: Wow, that's exciting! I can't wait to sign it. I agree that being literate is the a great determiner of success in life. I always told my students that if they learned to read, they could learn about anything that interested them. It opens doors to their future.

Linda and Paula: Yes, literacy is essential to ensure prosperity for the nation and self determination for the individual. Changes at the national, regional and local level must take place.

Julia: What events will you have and are they open to the public?

Linda and Paula:

On Saturday, July 31 11:00 am to 4:00 pm we have the Local Author Event you'll be participating in. The “Right to Literacy” -- Authors in Support of Literacy

Local Authors will be invited to display, promote and sell their books as well as sign the Literacy Scroll to show their support.

The public will also be encouraged to sign and view the Scroll.

On Tuesday, August 3 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm we'll have - “Right to Literacy” – A Local Celebrations. Jack L. Hill Literacy Center Open House 3:00 – 5:00 pm

An Open House will showcase the Literacy Department of the Library and will be a precursor to the evening event highlighting the Scroll

Well have speakers 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Local Education and Literacy Advocates speak about their lives and work in promotion of a more literate America.

Speakers will include: Miss Dorothy InghramMr. John WeeksMr. Phil Yeh

Reception 7:00 – 8:00 pmLocal politicians and other dignitaries will be invited to sign the “Declaration for the Right to Literacy” Scroll.

These events are open to the public

Julia: What other programs or events are available at the library throughout the year to encourage Literacy?

Linda and Paula:

The Jack L. Hill Literacy Center at the library provides basic literacy, ESL and citizenship classes as well as homework assistance to school age youth to over 450 adults per year. Today the Literacy Center is venturing into helping people with job seeking and preparation. Although this has always been a small portion of what our adult learners are taught, this year finds us working more diligently on this topic.

The library also has a summer reading program for children and teens. We also have early literacy, baby story time and preschool story times to encourage families to be involved in their children’s reading.

Julia: My students in the past, and my own children have participated in some of these programs, like the summer reading program, so I know they are wonderful. Thank you so much for all you do, and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

I encourage anyone who lives close to the library to stop by and sign the scroll!

Here is the library address:Norman F. Feldhym Central Library
555 W. 6th St.
San Bernardino, Ca. 92410
Hugs,
Julia

Thank you to Julia Amante for allowing SCLLN to repost from her blog.

CA & National Literacy Calendar: August 2010

California Literacy Calendar: August 2010

SCLLN

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

visit

Southern California Library Literacy Networkfor more information

Updates of Tutor Training Workshops Scrolling in Left Frame

Local and California Literacy Events: August 2010

Aug 2: Intro Orton-Gillingham = Cyberspace
Aug 3: Sign 'Right to Literacy' Scroll @ 3pm-7pm = San Bernardino Library
Aug 3: LD Parent Support Group @ 7pm - Culver City
Aug 4: LD Parent Support Group @ 7pm – Sherman Oaks
Aug 5-8: Steinbeck Festival – Salinas CA
Aug 7: Autism Sensory Films CATS & DOGS @10am – in local AMC theaters
Aug 14: LD Adult Support Group @10am – Tarzana
Aug 21: Black Book Expo – LA

National Literacy Events: August 2010

Aug 4-6: Distance Teaching & Learning – Madison WI
Aug 7: Autism Sensory Films CATS & DOGS @10am – AMC theaters by state

Monrovia Library - Learner Poetry

Learner Poetry
Monrovia Literacy Blog
July 26, 2010

One of our learners wrote this poem, which I thought was lovely. Please feel free to post any comments about it or comments for me to pass on to the learner !

A girl dreamed of going to a foreign country,
she imagined she would be free from having her parents lecture her on her behavior.
one day, her dream came true. she felt very happy and free,
but she felt very lonely all day long.
she lived with her family in her dream at night.
it was just a dream and when she woke up in the morning,
she realized that leaving home needed bravery.

Public libraries must be public, not profit machines

Public libraries must be public, not profit machines
Record: July 24, 2010 by Colleen Foster

What is a public library?

One "maintained for/used by the people of a community" or an entity "capitalized in shares of stock that can be traded on the open market?" A fair question since the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors recently released a Request for Proposals from private companies to manage operations of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library.

The goal of a public library is to improve quality of life by advancing literacy and a lifelong love of learning. The goal of a private company is to create profit for its owners or shareholders. In my opinion, these goals are fundamentally incompatible.

The board appears to be searching for a way to maintain quality service in our library system while saving money in these difficult times. The premise behind library privatization seems to be that the library is so inefficient in its operations that a company with a profit motive will be able to do more with less.

As the former director of the library, I know the many cost saving measures long in place at the library: cooperative cataloging of popular material, preprocessing of such material, major discounts from book jobbers, and shared cost of delivery with a multicounty library cooperative. There is not much room for increasing library efficiency without sacrificing quality of service.

The most substantial cost associated with running our library is staff salaries and benefits. Privatization is therefore almost certain to reduce the quality and quantity of our library staff. Librarians and library staff are the key to the high quality service upon which San Joaquin County residents have come to rely.

Libraries are not profitable, and they're not supposed to be. That's why we support them with our tax dollars - to ensure that they continue to make the betterment of all their main priority. America's public libraries are a cornerstone of our democracy and play an important part in our nation's commitment to public education.

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And why should any of our public monies, let alone 8 percent of the library's budget, go to the profits of a private company with a home office in Maryland? READ MORE !

Colleen Foster was the director of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library from 1994-2000.

San Diego Co Library - Amanda Rocks !

Amanda Rocks !
Learn Alive: May-Jun 2010 by Kevin Vigil, Library Associate

When I first stepped into the El Cajon Branch Library nearly fiveyears ago, I couldn’t help but notice the sparseness of the literacy center. There were no computers on the desks, a large wall devoid of color, and only one bookshelf with a handful of materials. The literacy office was a clear reflection of the nearly empty center adjoining it, except for one computer, a few file boxes scattered on the floor, and Amanda Schukle.

Amanda was LEARN’s first literacy coordinator and the sole staff member of the month-old program. As an outreach librarian, Amanda was hand- picked to take the reins of the fledgling LEARN program, which previously had been managed by the San Diego Public Library. Although many tutor/learner pairs had participated in the SDPL-run program, only twelve tutor/learner pairs successfully transitioned to LEARN. Amanda was tasked with getting more adult learners and tutors involved while attempting to develop an effective literacy program.

Initially, she faced a number of challenges. Some of these challenges included how best to provide services throughout the San Diego County Library’s large geographic area, developing effective volunteer recruitment strategies, figuring out a comprehensive training model for tutors, and building a literacy program that was fully integrated with the library. Periodically, communicating the significance of LEARN proved to be difficult , but Amanda consistently informed people of the program’s unique value.

Along with these challenges came successes. “The first being the very existence of LEARN,” stated Amanda. “The program was and continues to be a conduit for people to create their own success.” As adult learners improved their literacy skills, they began to accomplish long established goals, such as obtaining a driver’s license, a promotion at work, or reading a story to their children. These successes reaffirmed Amanda’s belief that “literacy programs go hand-in-hand with libraries… the library is for everybody.”

LEARN had grown leaps and bounds by the time Amanda was promoted to the department of Collection Development at library headquarters. More staff members came on board, and a second literacy center was added at the Vista Branch Library. Adult literacy and ESL services expanded as the number of tutor/learner pairs steadily increased throughout the county.

Nearly five years later, LEARN continues to grow, as does Amanda. Recently, Amanda announced that she accepted a position as one of three library services managers in the San Mateo County Library system in Northern California. Although she will be taking many memories of the San Diego County Library with her, LEARN holds a special place in her heart. “I’m so proud of how far [LEARN has] come” stated Amanda. “It’s nice to see the impact the program has made on people.” With over 500 active adults taking advantage of literacy services in the San Diego County Library, it’s nice to see the impact Amanda has made on LEARN.

Congratulations and the best of luck Amanda! You will be missed!

San Bernardino Public Library - Declaration for the Right to Literacy

Declaration for the Right to Literacy

Be a part of an historical moment by signing the ‘ Right to Literacy ‘ Scroll at the San Bernardino Public Library. The Scroll will be presented to President Obama at the White House in September 2010.

July 31: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Authors in Support of Literacy
Norman F Feldman Central Library
555 W Sixth - San Bernardino
August 3
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm @ Norman F Feldman Central Library
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm @ Jack L Hill Literacy Open House
with Dorothy Inghram – John Weeks – Phil Yeh
555 W Sixth - San Bernardino

. . . related link of interest:

Declaration for the Right to Literacy
Literacy Powerline: June 17, 2009

Right to Literacy Convention delegates from across the country determined and voted on the first United States Declaration for the Right to Literacy. The Right to Literacy Convention was part of the National Community Literacy Conference in Buffalo, New York on June 13, 2009.

Literacy leaders, using the model of the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, convened from across the nation. The need was clear; tens of millions of adults and children do not have the skills needed to succeed in life. Literacy is the number one tool to change that plight. The right to literacy must be a national priority.

The resolutions support 5 pillars of literacy:
1. Building the Community
2. Strengthening the Family
3. Ensuring People’s Self-Determination
4. Improving the Workforce
5. Transforming the Literacy System

Click here to endorse the

DECLARATION FOR THE RIGHT TO LITERACY !

Literacy Tribune: July 2010

Literacy Tribune: July 2010
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: The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
For decades, hundreds of oil wells have been drilled into the ground in the Gulf of Mexico.

Member Spotlight: Milton Whitley

In July 2007, at the age of fifty-two, Milton Whitley began working with a basic literacy tutor at the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) in Maryland.

Organization Spotlight: Washington County SOAR
will celebrate its first anniversary this August

A History Lesson: Woodrow Wilson

Technology Watch: Apple's iPad
by Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner
One of the hottest pieces of technology today is Apple’s iPad

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 !

Libraries - sign of community health

Libraries - sign of community health
Siskiyou Daily News: June 29, 2010 by Dr. Judy Broeckel

Health can be viewed as occuring at multiple levels. One could be a healthy individual, part of a healthy small unit like a family, and/or part of a healthy large unit like a nation.

In looking at big units/groups of people, some patterns emerge. Very poor nations/groups have a lot of certain types of health problems like parasites and starvation, and certain types of infections are more common.

Very wealthy nations/groups have the classic diseases that go with wealth: obesity, heart disease and cancer being examples.

The health of states or nations can be measured by more than just counting the number of people with certain diagnoses. Healthy states have vibrant economies, personal liberties, and busy, productive people.

One of the benchmarks of civilization is literacy. READ MORE !

. . . in other news:

Daily Kos: Finally! Someone goes after the Big Literacy Monopoly
Like me I suspect many of you are sick of public libraries and how they are constantly trying to improve communities, quality of life and literacy.

LosingLibraries.org - The Big (Awful) Picture
an effort to map and chronicle the full range of cuts, closings, and diminished library services nationally. From Library Journal in partnership with Mandy Knapp and Laura Solomon (responsible for SaveOhioLibraries.com).

CA & National Literacy Calendar: July 2010

California Literacy Calendar: July 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: July 2010

Jul 6 -7pm: Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group – Culver City
Jul 7 -7pm: Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group – Sherman Oaks
Jul 10 -10am: Learning Disabilities Adult Support Group – Tarzana
Jul 17 -10am: Sensory Friendly Film: Despicable Me – AMCs Covina - S Diego
Jul 19+ Reading Institute - US Dept of Education – Anaheim
Jul 22+ Comic-Con International – San Diego
Jul 24 10:30am: Understanding Dyslexia w/ Bud Pues = Burbank Library
Jul 28 7pm: In The Heights Fundraiser - San Diego Council on Literacy
Jul 29+ National Storytelling Conference – Woodland Hills California

California – National – International: July 2010

Jul 2 National Literacy Day
Jul 4+ Correctional Education Assn. Conference – Little Rock AR
Jul 7+ Autism Society National Conference – Dallas TX
Jul 8+ Golden Kite Awards: Retrospective – Abilene TX
Jul 12+ IRA: World Congress on Reading – Auckland, New Zealand
Jul 15+ Conference of the Americas – Miami Beach FL
Jul 19+ Pacific Northwest Children’s Book Conference – Portland OR
Jul 23+ Sierra Storytelling Festival – Nevada City CA
Jul 28 + Storytellers of Canada Conference – St. John's, Newfoundland
Jul 29+ Center for Health Literacy Conference – Alexandria VA
Jul 29+ National Storytelling Conference – Woodland Hills California

San Diego Public Library - READ San Diego - Director looks back on success of adult literacy program: 5 years at the helm of READ/San Diego

Director looks back on success of adult literacy program:
5 years at the helm of READ/San Diego
Sign On San Diego: June 26, 2010 by Katie Steiner

Valerie Hardie describes her job as part traffic controller, part ninja assassin.

As literacy program administrator of READ/San Diego, an adult literacy program, Hardie keeps busy promoting the program, writing grants and reports, running the show.

And even though it can be an exhausting job, one that requires multiple cups of coffee every day, it is a job that Hardie wouldn’t trade for anything.

In August, Hardie will celebrate her fifth year as READ/San Diego’s director, a program she’s been with since its inception 22 years ago.

“It’s been an extraordinary journey,” Hardie said. “I still continue to feel very privileged to work in San Diego at a job I believe in, that I think is relevant more so now than any time.

“I see miracles happen in the workplace.”

During those 22 years, the program has helped more than 20,000 adults learn to read and write, Hardie said. Currently, 450 to 500 adults are enrolled in the program.

Plus, the program has become known locally, statewide and nationally for its work. Jose Cruz, CEO of the San Diego Council on Literacy, said much of the program’s success can be credited to its director’s longevity.

“It’s a reflection of Val’s passion for literacy and the dedication to the kind of work she’s been doing,” Cruz said. “You can’t buy the passion and you can’t replace the continuity.”

Back in 1988, when the program was in the developing stages, Hardie was a young library assistant at the San Diego Public Library. She had also worked as a tutor in the writing center at UCSD.

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Twenty-two years later, READ/San Diego has six full-time employees, three AmeriCorps volunteers and a permanent home behind the Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market St.

It also has more adults wanting assistance than it can sometimes handle. At any given time, the number of people waiting to be paired with a tutor is 80 to 150, Hardie said.

Last year, when the list had reached 150, the program had to suspend enrolling new students. Some people are left waiting for six months to a year.

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During READ/San Diego’s 20th annual tutor conference on June 12, at least 250 people, ranging in age from college students to retirees, spent their Saturday at the University of San Diego campus learning how to become better tutors. READ MORE !