Diane Shimota

Many adults enroll in A.K. Smiley Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program with the goal of improving their reading and writing skills so they can read to their children, help their children with school assignments, and communicate effectively with their children’s teachers and medical professionals. Recognizing the critical importance of literacy within a family, the Redlands Adult Literacy Program initiated family literacy services in 2019. Members of the family literacy program hold monthly meetings to help low-literacy parents develop skills that can support their children’s education, promote the value and pleasure of reading together as a family, and provide solutions to reduce the risk of multi-generational illiteracy.

Initially, the children in family literacy were ages 2 to 7 years old. Now, the program serves children up to the age of 12 and provides books of interest for a wider age group. The family literacy team provides a welcoming and consistent environment which supports learning. Each meeting dives into a book’s theme to involve and make learning fun for the whole family. During the meeting, families are engaged in interactive games, reading and writing, science, art, and math opportunities. The meetings model what parents can do at home to encourage a love of learning in their children.

One of the most important aspects of family literacy meetings is ‘parent time’ where parents meet separately while children participate in various activities. This special time for parents allows parents to ask difficult questions, share ideas with each other, and learn new ways to engage their children with literacy. The parent time helps parents learn new literacy skills that are immediately practiced when they rejoin their children in parent/child time. Family literacy consultant, Joan Prehoda, teaches a strategy that covers a single topic that encourages one aspect of reading, writing, or communication within families. Joan has shared strategies that support parents in many areas of literacy including: teaching the stages of writing development, developing children’s self-esteem, identifying and naming feelings, teaching problem solving skills that help children build their independence, identifying questions to ask children while reading to them to build reading comprehension, and sharing the importance of reading every day.

Over the past five years, the family literacy program has provided more than 1,500 books to build home libraries for family literacy participants. The children are always excited to choose new books to take home at the end of the family literacy meetings. Joan Prehoda shared that “during the last meeting I quietly uncovered the books and had to quickly step out of the way as the children swarmed around the table to see what books were available.” The books are readily available to children at home as the family literacy team has encouraged parents to leave them on shelves or tables in every room of the house and in the car so they can be taken along to appointments where families spend time in waiting rooms. Several parents were excited to report that because books are always within reach, their children are reading more and developing a love of reading.

Joan Prehoda and Renee Kennedy guide the overall family literacy program and are assisted by: Melany Chong who leads children in various interactive activities, Evan Shimota who teaches science lessons, and Barbara Vester who helps with community building exercises. “Without a caring and supportive team, the family literacy meetings would not be successful. Each team member contributes to our welcoming community that helps families develop a level of trust in us,” shares Renee Kennedy.

Future plans include hosting a book club for the older children to participate in.  Together, they will read the first chapter of their book club selection, then they will take the book home to read independently and prepare for a discussion of the book during the next book club meeting.

Renee Kennedy also leads a state-wide family literacy community that is available to leaders of family literacy programs throughout California. These meetings provide an opportunity to share and develop new family literacy practices which enhance family literacy programming at other libraries. “Selecting Renee Kennedy to spearhead the statewide family literacy effort is a reflection of how respected the Smiley Library family literacy program is,” observed Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator at Smiley Library.

The Family Literacy Program seeks to address the special needs of families whose adult members are currently enrolled in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program or who would like to enroll in the adult literacy program in the future. To learn more about the Family Literacy Program, please call Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at (909) 798-7565, ext. 4138, or email literacy@akspl.org.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program also invites you to consider volunteering to be a literacy tutor for adult learners. The next Volunteer Tutor Orientation is April 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Library Assembly Room. Call (909) 798-7565, ext. 4138, or email literacy@aksp.org to reserve a space or to obtain more information.

September was an eventful month for the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. On September 17, the Redlands City Council approved a proclamation declaring September 29, 2024 as “Adult Literacy Day in the City of Redlands.” Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich presented the proclamation to Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Program coordinator, Chev Sotheavy, adult learner and author, and Don McCue, director of A.K. Smiley Public Library. Through this proclamation, the Council reaffirmed its recognition of the vital work done by the Redlands Adult Literacy Program along with all its volunteers and community partners and “called upon our residents to promote literacy efforts and education programs throughout our community.” Since 2010, the program has been providing free, confidential, one-to-one tutoring tailored to the specific needs of adult literacy learners. This past fiscal year, the program was able to serve 101 hardworking adult learners because of the support from 111 dedicated volunteers.

In addition to the “Adult Literacy Day” proclamation, the program celebrated publication of its seventh volume of original writing, Our Stories, A Collection of Writings. This collection has become a much-anticipated annual tradition within the program. Each year, adult learners are encouraged to capture in writing their personal journeys to literacy. Their contributions reflect a wide range of reading and writing levels. For some authors, the first step was simply dictating their stories to tutors and then working through the writing process with their tutors’ help. Other learners spent months rewriting multiple drafts until they were satisfied and ready to submit their work for publication. Regardless of literacy level, these adult learner-authors share a commitment to the learning process and are developing important literacy skills that will help them to better communicate in the workplace, with their families, and in the community.

To showcase this year’s volume – which features work from over 40 authors – the literacy program hosted a Celebration of Authors on September 29. An audience composed of approximately 150 family members, tutors, adult learners, and community members gathered to honor the newly-published authors and listen as they read their work aloud. The readings ranged from childhood memories and travelogues to powerful stories of survival and hope. One author who made a particularly strong impression was Sharhonda McLaurin with her poem, “I Told the Storm,” excerpted here:

I told the storm, I am aware of your tactics

Have seen your clouds try and block the sun

You have turned beautiful days into gloomy ones

Your wind blows past my window singing songs of defeat and my lips can’t help but sing along

I love sad songs on dark afternoons

I asked the storm why does it enjoy raining on my parade?

It never answered.

To read Ms. McLaurin’s poem in its entirety, as well as the work of other inspiring new writers, visit A.K. Smiley Public Library. Copies of Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, Volume 7 are now available for checkout.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy coordinator, at (909) 798-7565 ext. 4110, or email literacy@akspl.org.

If you know of someone who needs help in reading and writing, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their life by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. Tutoring is free and confidential.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is preparing to publish its seventh volume of Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, composed of writings from adult learners and tutors who participate in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. This year’s collection includes the voices of over 40 authors, including young voices from the Family Literacy Program. As tutor Claudia Guillaume wrote in the anthology’s introduction, “Welcome to Our Stories,” each story “adds a unique perspective…that illustrates the courage to accept challenges and overcome learning and language barriers while navigating daily life with resourcefulness, determination, and grace. This anthology is a reflection of the heart, soul, and imagination.”

Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, Volume 7 will soon be available at A. K. Smiley Library for checkout. In the interim, we would like to share a few of the authors’ messages.

Author-learner Pedro Cruz wrote “The Freedom to Read,” a story illustrating several ways that the adult literacy program is important to him. He wrote, “When I began the program, I was hesitant to read a book. Now I am eager to check out my next book.” He shared that his self-esteem and confidence have increased through reading a wide variety of books. Pedro wants to read about history, different cultures and experiences, and different types and styles of photography. “I want people … to be more active in supporting your local libraries and your literacy program. I advocate for you to help people to understand how important the freedom to read is and how valuable the literacy program is to us and to our community.”

Several stories in this anthology included descriptions of how the lives of the authors have changed when they overcame the challenges they faced due to their low reading and writing skills. One author wrote about how his reading has improved a lot over the year and a half that he has been part of the literacy program. “I have read about 20 books…. I like to read biographies, true stories that encourage me to work harder.” Now, when he goes out to eat, he can read the menu. He reads books to his young granddaughters and he is able to pay attention to details like paying his own bills. The literacy program has given him confidence and he expressed his gratitude for all of the help he has been given.

Stories in this collection reflect the wide range of writing levels of adults in the literacy program. Each author worked diligently through the writing process with the assistance of a volunteer tutor. By working with their tutors, learners develop vital literacy skills that help them overcome obstacles in their lives.

On September 17, the Redlands City Council will consider the approval of a proclamation declaring Sunday, September 29, Adult Literacy Day in Redlands. In prior years the City Council declared Adult Literacy Day in Redlands to emphasize the importance of literacy in employment, family education, and civic engagement.

To further celebrate the life-changing impact of literacy, the Redlands community is invited to join the Adult Literacy Program in its Celebration of Authors on Sunday, September 29, at 2:00 pm at The Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands. Adult Learners will read from their works which were published in the anthology.  Light refreshments will be served.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at (909) 798-7565 ext. 4110 or email literacy@akspl.org. The next volunteer tutor orientation is scheduled for September 11, 2024, at 6:00 pm at A.K. Smiley Library. Please contact the literacy program to reserve your space.

If you know of someone who needs help in reading and writing, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their life by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. Tutoring is free and confidential.

In 1983 the California State Library funded the first statewide adult literacy program with $2.5 million. Forty years later, the values that were established in 1983 still ring true at California Library Literacy Services (CLLS), the statewide agency that provides funding for the Redlands Adult Literacy and Family Literacy Programs. This article highlights some of the core CLLS objectives, which have shaped the successful Redlands Adult and Family Literacy Programs.

A library welcomes everyone: Many of us cannot recall not having free and easy access to library services, but some long-term residents of Redlands never came to Smiley Library because they couldn’t read. In contrast, other adults, who are new to Redlands, eagerly come to Smiley Library because they know they will be welcomed and receive free services to improve their reading and writing. The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is a bridge that provides vital literacy services so that everyone can fully access library and community services.

Adult literacy programs rely on partnerships: CLLS funding for local literacy programs is contingent on local financial support. The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is grateful for the support provided by the city of Redlands, Smiley Library Trustees, the Friends of the Library, and local donors. These partnerships are based on a local and statewide recognition of the importance of adult literacy, which enables adults to get better jobs, advance their own and their children’s education, and leads to the promotion of better health and civic participation.

Adult learners are leaders in their own education and the Redlands Adult Literacy Program: Every year an adult learner speaks to the City Council to express their appreciation for the Council’s support of the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. The representative learner shares that year’s anthology entitled “Our Stories: A Collection of Writing.” Through these anthologies, the Redlands community learns about the lives and aspirations of community members who often feel invisible to the larger community. It takes courage, commitment, and drive to work to improve one’s reading and writing as an adult. Adult learners are the true ambassadors to anyone in Redlands who wants to make his/her life better.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program was reinitiated in 2010 by the Friends of A. K. Smiley Public Library. In 2015, with funding provided by the city, the adult literacy program became a key component of library services. Through the dedicated service of its many volunteers and the leadership of literacy staff, over 450 lives have been changed. Adults have been able to keep or advance in their jobs because of their new-found literacy skills. Adults have opened businesses in the Redlands community. Adults have worked to gain skills so they can read to their children and help them with their homework. A welcoming library, strong partnerships, and respect for adults seeking to improve their lives profoundly changes the city of Redlands.

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to attend the next adult literacy volunteer tutor orientation scheduled for Saturday, June 22. Please reserve your space by contacting Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at A. K. Smiley Public Library at 909.798.7565, ext. 4110, or by emailing literacy@akspl.org. Learn about how you might change an adult’s life through literacy and if you know someone who needs help with their literacy, please help them to contact Diane. All inquiries are confidential and services are free.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program has chosen the book, Harvesting Dreams, Defying the Odds to Achieve the American Dream, by Erica Alfaro as this year’s Community Read. The book was selected because of its focus on the life-changing impact of education, how determination can overcome adversity, and its invitation to everyone to dream BIG. Erica will share her challenging journey from immigrant, teenage mother, domestic abuse survivor, to earning her master’s degree and becoming a spokesperson for sharing your story and achieving your dreams. 

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program invites the community to meet author Erica Alfaro on Saturday, March 9th, 2024 at the Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka Street, Redlands. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 2:00 p.m. This is a free event open to everyone.

Harvesting Dreams has been read by over 100 members of the adult literacy community. They were moved by the challenges that Ms. Alfaro overcame in her quest for an education. Many adult learners who read her book said they could relate to her story and were inspired by her strength and courage.  

Cinderella Tran, an adult learner in the Adult Literacy Program, expressed her appreciation to the author by saying, “The book inspired me to think about how we have to encourage our children to get an education to better themselves.” Salma Marquez, a fellow-adult learner, said, “I think this book is inspirational for a lot of people especially Mexican people who came to this country. It is hard. Erica Alfaro is very strong.”  

Reading about the difficulties faced by Ms. Alfaro in her marriage, Yesenia Jimenez reflected, “I admire Erica for being a brave girl, even though she was very young, she knew how to take her place as a woman and distance herself from her boyfriend.” In her book, Erica shared that her boyfriend often discouraged her from continuing her education. Jeanne Fortier, an adult literacy tutor, reflected, “For Erica, giving up on her dreams for herself and her son was not an option.”  

Tutors and learners are well aware of the struggle that many people face to advance their education and they understand the courage and dedication necessary to advance themselves and their families in this ever more complicated world.  

This event is made possible through generous donations to the adult literacy program through the Friends of A.K. Smiley Public Library and support from the A.K. Smiley Public Library Endowment Fund. Copies of Harvesting Dreams are available for checkout at the Library. 

The ability to read and write at a level necessary to achieve your dreams is an essential need for everyone in the community.  Because the Redlands community has so many wonderful volunteers who donate their time to help others, the Redlands Adult Literacy Program is able to provide one-on-one tutoring in reading and writing for adults who need to improve their literacy skills to get better jobs, further their own education, help their children with schoolwork, or read a book.   

If you know someone who wants to improve their literacy, or if you would like to volunteer as an adult literacy tutor, please call 909.798.7565, ext. 4110, email literacy@akspl.org, or visit A.K. Smiley Public Library and ask for the adult literacy coordinator. All information is treated confidentially. You may also wish to visit www.akspl.org/literacy, to read more about the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. The next tutor orientation class will take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Please contact the literacy coordinator if you are interested in attending this class.