Literacy – Spanning the US :: Stanislaus Co CA :: Tulare Co CA :: Santa Clara CA

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#LibrariesTransform

Partners In Reading

SJPL

Colvin shared her secrets for how she stays in shape and maintains her sharp wit.  READ MORE @

State of America's Libraries 2017 :: ALA

State of America's Libraries 2017

ALA News: April 2017

2017 State of
America’s Libraries Report

In the 21st century, libraries of all types are responding to the changing social, economic, and political impacts of living in a digital society. Academic, school, and public libraries provide services that empower people for change. Library workers’ expertise, combined with dynamic collections and digital resources, help individuals develop new skills, communicate with others through new technologies, and help make their communities better places to live. These and other library trends of the past year, including the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2016, are detailed in the American Library Association’s 2017 State of America’s Libraries report, released during National Library Week, April 9– 15, 2017.

Executive Summary

In the 21st century, libraries of all types are responding to the changing social, economic, and political impacts of living in a digital society. Academic, school, and public libraries provide services that empower people for change. Library workers’ expertise, combined with dynamic collections and digital resources, help individuals develop new skills, communicate with others through new technologies, and help make their communities better places (PDF) to live.

Since 2015, the American Library Association (ALA) Libraries Transform campaign has promoted public awareness of the importance of libraries and library workers. More than 6,100 libraries and library advocates have joined the campaign to date, and ALA continues to promote awareness of the value, impact, and services provided by libraries and the expertise provided by library workers.

A recent study (PDF) shows that the 3,793 academic libraries in the United States contribute to student learning and success in four ways:

> Students benefit from library instruction in their initial coursework.

> Library use increases student success.

> Collaborative academic programs and services involving the library enhance student learning.

> Information literacy instruction strengthens general education outcomes.

Academic librarians are embracing new responsibilities in such areas as scholarly communication, digital archives, data curation, digital humanities, visualization, and born-digital objects. Other emerging areas include bibliometrics and altmetrics, e-learning, custom information solutions, and research data management.

School libraries serve 98,460 of our nation’s public and private schools. More than 90% of traditional public schools report having a library, while 49% of private charter schools report having one. These libraries have always supported the curriculum, encouraged student creativity, and promoted lifelong learning. Today’s challenges—such as information literacy, intolerance, and funding cuts—highlight the need for well-funded school libraries and credentialed school librarians.

School librarians use standards-based learning experiences that promote critical evaluation of print and digital resources and the creation of valid student work. There is some evidence that school library budgets may be increasing, after five years of reductions, and there is hope that the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) will be used in support of school libraries. The law includes language that allows schools to budget funds for school libraries and acknowledges school librarians as specialized instructional support personnel.

Our 9,082 public libraries play a vital role in such community services as early childhood literacy, computer training, and workforce development. In addition, they provide a safe place for everyone, reflecting and serving the diversity of their communities in their collections, programs, and services. The thousands of public libraries in towns and neighborhoods across the United States invite community conversations and actions that further understanding and address local needs.  READ MORE @

Literacy – Spanning the US ::Marin Co CA :: Worthington MN :: Cape Verde AZ

ESL classes quadruple thanks to school and library collaboration

Point Reyes Light: 3.23.2017 by Silas Valentino

English as a Second Language classes are set to quadruple in West Marin thanks to a joint effort between Shoreline Unified School District and the Marin County Free Library, which together roped in $26,000 from state adult education funds to hire five new teachers and increase the number of classes.

Beginning this week in Point Reyes Station, six free morning and night classes are now offered at the Dance Palace Community Center from Monday through Thursday, with concurrent free child care. The same services will be offered in Tomales in April. Bonny White, West Marin branch manager for the library system, said E.S.L. classes used to only be offered once a week in Tomales and Point Reyes Station. It was a conversation Ms. White had with Bob Raines, Shoreline’s superintendent, in which the two agreed that a language couldn’t be properly learned with just one class a week, that prompted the effort.  READ MORE @

If you’ve ever considered volunteering in a school but have hesitated because you lack a background in education, it’s time to rethink your position.

“Teaching is not a pre-requisite for volunteering,” assured Betty McAllister, a regular volunteer with the Southwest Adult Basic Education (ABE) program in Worthington.

“You just need to like people, know how to read yourself and be willing to help people learn English.

“Any necessary materials are provided for you, and the staff recommends what to do if you’re at all unsure.”

Although McAllister is a retired teacher and school administrator, she emphasizes that an open mind and patience are the two most valuable resources a volunteer can bring to the local ABE program. She’s spent about 90 minutes weekly for the past nine years assisting adult English language learners at the West Learning Center.

“The people working on building their English language skills are so appreciative that someone is willing to help them — and it’s a lot of fun, too,” attested McAllister.  READ MORE @

Adult education expands literacy to Verde Valley

Cape Verde Bugle: 3.25.2017 by Bill Helm

There’s not a single soul at the Camp Verde Adult Reading Program and LEARN Center who works as much as 26 hours in a given week.

From the director to the office manager to the instructors, each is available 25 hours each week to meet the needs of the area’s adult learners.

Even if the Verde Valley’s sole in-house adult education program wasn’t losing state funding as of July 1, the program has always been on the proverbial shoestring budget.

When CVARP first opened for business in 1988, the program started with a 16-member board of business members and teachers.

The teachers were actually volunteers. Maybe they had teaching experience. But CVARP wasn’t paying them.

Even today, CVARP relies on volunteers. One of its teachers, Elida Proper began as a volunteer.

“I first became involved with CVARP when I was working on my master’s degree at NAU studying English as a Second Language,” Proper says. “After graduating, I became one of the ESL instructors. In 2010, I began helping adults get their GEDs.  READ MORE @

2016 America’s Most Literate Cities Ranked

Central Connecticut State University: 3.31.2017

After a four-year hiatus, Washington, DC returns to the top spot in the 13th annual survey of America’s Most Literate Cities by Central Connecticut State University.

The study is conducted by Dr. Jack Miller, president emeritus of Central. It reports on a key measure of America’s social health by ranking the reading habits and resources of the nation’s 82 largest cities.

The top 10 cities this year are:

1.     Washington, D.C.

2.     Seattle

3.     Minneapolis

4.     Atlanta

5.     San Francisco

6.     Pittsburgh

7.     Portland, Ore.

8.     Cincinnati

9.     St. Paul

10.   Boston

The Bottom 10:

Chula Vista, CA

Fresno, CA

San Antonio, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

Anaheim, CA

Stockton, CA

El Paso, TX

Bakersfield, CA

Laredo, TX

The complete 2016 rankings are available online.

Dr. John W. Miller, president of Central Connecticut State University, is the author of this study. Research for this edition of AMLC was conducted in collaboration with the Center for Public Policy and Social Research at CCSU.

The original study was published online in 2003 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Literacy – Spanning the US :: Buffalo NY :: Hawaii :: Oxford AL

@LiteracyBuffalo

Literacy volunteers needed to teach adult students Beyond little libraries

Niagara Gazette: 3.23.2017 by Michele DeLuca

When Susan Shaft pitched her idea for a little library in Niagara Falls during a Pints for Progress meeting, she didn’t win the pot of money which was collected at the door that night to support the best idea presented.

She did however, get a phone call from a women representing a group of philanthropic employees the Seneca Niagara Casino, who raised $500 or so to help purchase a little house-shaped box to contain the micro lending library on Main Street in Niagara Falls.

Once the little library was installed, Shaft, the Niagara County director of programming for Literacy New York/Buffalo-Niagara, was able to turn her attention back to the real work of her literacy group — teaching adults to read and write.

Her organization, funded by a grant from New York state, is headquartered Buffalo and has locations in Niagara Falls and Lockport.

“We have basically two different types of students — students who read or write at 5th grade level or lower,” she said, “or foreign students who want to read or write.”  READ MORE @

@HawaiiLiteracy 

“This is something they’ve tried to hide for years,” Matthews said. “To sit here and be vulnerable with another adult — that’s asking a lot.”  READ MORE @

The Case for Investment in Adult Basic Education :: ProLiteracy

The Case for Investment in Adult Basic Education

ProLiteracy Blog: 3.29.2017 by Jennifer Paulding

There is a significant connection between participation in adult basic skills programs and increased employment and income levels, high school equivalency and postsecondary education attainment, and civic participation. This return on investment, however, remains mostly unknown to policy makers, funders, and the general public.

ProLiteracy’s new white paper, The Case for Investment in Adult Basic Education, is based on a 10-year research study conducted by Dr. Stephen Reder, Professor Emeritus of Applied Linguistics at Portland State University. Dr. Reder found substantial evidence proving that involvement in adult basic skills programs has a positive return on investment related to improving an adult’s life. It has been concluded that low adult literacy has a huge adverse effect on the employability and earnings of American adults, and on our nation’s economic and social well-being. This research provides a strong case for the need to increase investment in adult education through federal and state policies, private foundations, and individual donors.

Thirty-six million adults in the United States have low-literacy skills, reading at or below a third-grade level.¹ Forty-three percent of adults living in poverty have limited literacy skills.²  Historically, there has been little research to demonstrate the positive impact on adults, jobs, and future generations, as well as the return on investment that adult literacy skills programs realize. However, research conducted by Dr. Stephen Reder provides a new opportunity to demonstrate for stakeholders the positive outcomes that adult basic skills (ABS) programs can have on an individual’s life, career, and income.

Dr. Reder’s research examined the correlation between participation in adult basic skills programs and later increases in income, literacy levels, high school equivalency attainment, postsecondary education engagement, and civic participation/voting activity.

The study findings showed a positive outcome for individuals in four of these five areas:

1.  individuals participating in an ABS program showed a dramatic increase in income over time, especially those participating for 100 or more hours

2.  participants were more likely to go on to obtain a high school equivalency credential, especially those participating for 100 or more hours

3.  program participants were more likely to pursue secondary education and received more credits than nonparticipants

4.  program participants were more likely to develop improved literacy proficiency over time, especially those participating for 100 or more hours

This research provides a strong case for an increased investment in adults and adult education. These outcomes directly impact all Americans in that they contribute to a healthy economy, increase employment, reduce public assistance, and lower health care costs.  READ MORE @

Literacy – Spanning the US :: Charlottesville VA :: Rutherford Co NC :: Kansas City MO

@LVCA_Wordplay 

Hear Together: Literacy Volunteers

WNRN: 2.07.2017

Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle (LVCA) addresses low literacy and undereducation among adults in our region through free, individualized reading, writing and English language instruction. Our mission is to help individuals become better workers, consumers, neighbors, citizens and parents through one-to-one tutoring.  LISTEN 📻

New literacy council established to improve adult literacy

Digital Courier: 3.21.2017 by Scott Carpenter

Before now, there were no comprehensive options available for adults who lack literacy skills. But a new literacy council has recently been established for Rutherford County. The Lake Lure Community Education Foundation (LLCEF), in partnership with the Rutherford County Library System, has created Rutherford County Reads (RCREADS). It is in the process of obtaining official nonprofit legal status.

The idea for this project started when LLCEF president and current Rutherford County Librarian April Young was library manager of the Mountains Branch Library in 2011. Young also heads RCREADS.

“I just kept getting so frustrated,” Young stated. “Adult non-readers would come to me for direction on where to get help, and I had no where to send them. I used to be able to send people to Buncombe or Henderson literacy councils, but those resources stopped taking students from outside their counties.”

Young moved to Rutherfordton from Hoke County in 2011. In 2015, when Young became county librarian, she began to see and hear more about the problem of adult illiteracy.

“I would hear from health department and social services personnel, who had a need for literacy resources. In this county, there was no comprehensive program available for adults,” Young said.  READ MORE @

@KCLibrary 

Kansas City Public Library Offers Citizenship Classes

Public Libraries Online: 3.14.2017 by Alyson Iuchs

While countless public libraries have a webpage listing local and national naturalization resources, the Kansas City (MO) Public Library (KCPL) is one of the only public libraries to form a program and team specifically designed to help immigrants become citizens. KCPL created the Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment (RISE) program to help connect local immigrants with quality services and resources through outreach, education, and advocacy. Julie Robinson, the refugee and immigration services outreach manager said, “In many countries, people don’t have the option of going to the library. This is their first experience and they don’t understand what they can gain from a library.”

The library started a free citizenship preparation class when they saw a need in their patron base. The classes teach basic U.S. history, offers a review of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) “100 Questions,” and lets participants practice the citizenship exam and interview.  READ MORE @