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Do you offer classes for people to learn English?
No, this program is specific to adults who need help with reading and writing. If they cannot speak English, they are referred to a program that offers conversation classes. Once they have mastered a basic command of the language, they may enroll in the library's program. The majority of instruction is one-on-one, not classes.
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Do you tutor children or teens?
No, this is only for adults. However, if a student is 16 ' 18 years old and no longer in high school, but needs literacy help, he/she can be matched with a volunteer tutor.
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Does it cost to be in the literacy program?
No, it is a free service of the public library.
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Does Literacy work with the developmentally disabled population?
The short answer is yes. However, since our tutoring is carried out by volunteers, most are not trained to work with this population. Although we will assess anyone who requests it, a developmentally disabled learner may not get placed as readily as other students. We have to wait until a tutor who is able to support this population agrees.
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How do learners find out about the program if they can't read the posters, brochures, ads, etc.?
Print material is usually not for the adult learner, but for family and friends who see it and pass the information on. Most referrals are from word of mouth. Some of our learners can read simple text, but need support developing their reading and writing skills.
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How long do learners stay in the program?
There is no time limit on how long someone may be in the program. It's important that goals are being set and worked on. This is monitored by the volunteer and checked by the literacy staff.
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What can I do to help this program if I can't be a tutor?
There are many ways people can support the literacy program besides being tutors. You can tell everyone you know there's a new program in town. Especially target people you think might make great tutors or would be willing to talk to others about it. If you are a business owner, would you be willing to put a recruitment poster in your window? Brochures on the counter? Offer incentives to employees who volunteer?
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What materials are used to teach someone how to read?
Potential students are first given an assessment by the literacy staff to determine a starting point. Instead of assigning a grade level equivalency, learners are given material based on what they need to know to improve their skills. Learner goals are included so that the tutoring is learner centered. It's important that the learner (and tutor) become library users. It is encouraged that each get library cards on their first meeting and begin using them as soon as they're able.
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Who provides the tutoring?
Volunteers provide tutoring with the guidance and coaching from the Literacy Staff. Volunteers are the core of the program. Without their help, this program could not be offered. Volunteers attend an initial training and attend ongoing workshops to best support their learners goals.
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Why literacy in the library?
The public library is called the 'People's University.' It's open to everyone. Except if you can't read. In 1984, State Librarian, Gary Strong, introduced the California Literacy Campaign. Its purpose was to reach the hardest to reach ' those who spoke English, but couldn't read it, and bring them in to the library. He purposely did not include English as a Second Language as there were already many programs devoted to that group and didn't want to duplicate services or add another layer of competition for the same funds. There weren't many programs that addressed basic literacy. That year, 27 libraries started their literacy services. Today, there are over 100 libraries in the state that have integrated literacy into overall library services.
