This month, the San Benito County Free Library is celebrating 30 years of providing adult literary services to the community.
The library’s Adult Literacy Program pairs English language learners with volunteers who help participants master words they need to share books with their children, help youth with homework, complete job applications and write resumes in a second language.
“What’s awesome is the magic that happens when learners and tutors come together,” said Carla Lehn, California Library Literacy Services program coordinator, in a press release from the library. “Not only is the learner’s life changed for the better but so is the volunteer, even though they may be giving just a couple of hours a week.”
Last year, public libraries across the state provided adult literacy services to 21,192 people at 558 locations. Of those learning English, 65 percent reported they were able to complete a job application and help a child with homework after meeting with tutors.
In celebration of three decades of adult literacy programs, the San Benito County Free Library is hosting an open house celebration from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18. There will be cake served from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., children’s crafts story time from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and a presentation honoring the accomplishments of Adult Literacy Program participants from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The county library’s Adult Literacy Program was founded in 1984, when the county librarian at the time, Jo Wahdan, obtained a state grant under the Library Services and Construction Act to purchase literacy materials needed to start the program. Since then, the program has been partially funded by the California Library Literacy Grant starting in 2007. The Friends of the Library have also worked to secure continued funding and volunteers for the program.
For more information about the Adult Literacy Program or to learn how to become a literacy tutor volunteer, call (831) 636-4107 ext. 20 or go to the library’s website at www.sanbenitofl.org/services/adult-literacy.
