Welcome
Welcome to Monrovia Public Library Literacy Services' fundraising site. We are always in need of donations to keep our program up and running, especially with the increased stress from the California state budget. We are forever thankful for your generosity.
The Need
Did you know that the Monrovia Public Library offers literacy services to adults? Many Monrovia residents do not know that this service exists, even if they are involved in the City in many ways! We hope to let all Monrovia residents know about this free service and how they can be involved.
Who: 25% of adults in California are functionally illiterate. This means that they have basic reading and writing skills, but cannot read or write well enough to get a better job or help their children with school. Their low literacy level may be caused by learning disabilities, by speaking English as a second language, or because they just fell through the cracks as children.
What: Literacy Services at the Library is designed especially for adults. The program is open to all adults who speak at least basic English and is free to participants.
How: Literacy learners work individually with volunteer tutors trained in adult literacy. Literacy Services supplies all materials and on-going support for learners and tutors.
Where and when: Learners generally meet once a week for 1.5 hours at the Monrovia Library. The schedule varies upon the learner’s time and needs.
Why: People need strong reading and writing skills in today’s society to survive and flourish. Literacy Services provides a path to a better quality of life by building skills, awareness, knowledge and self-esteem.
What you can do to help:
- Volunteer as a literacy tutor. Tutoring takes less than two hours a week and is a rewarding experience. Seeing your student get her/his GED, help her/his child with homework, or experience the pleasure of reading is truly heart-warming. Literacy Services provides training and materials, so the only prerequisites for being a literacy tutor are the ability to read and write and the willingness to help your neighbor!
- Encourage people with low literacy levels to sign up for the program. People with low literacy are often embarrassed about their challenges and need encouragement to sign up. We provide a safe, nurturing environment for people who wish to cross the bridge to the literate world.
- Help spread the word. Post or hand out literacy fliers at your work site, church, service club, etc.
Upcoming Events
On Saturday, August 8th, 2009, we will be holding a tutor training in the Community Room in the library from 9 am to 3 pm. Whether you are a seasoned tutor or just someone interested in the possibility of tutoring in the future, this is the training for you. This training will enable you to become a tutor in our program. The training is free and will not provide lunch for you. Please RSVP to either Melanie Goodyear or Lauren Arevalo by calling (626) 256-8272.