A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

Diane Shimota

Adult Literacy to host celebration of authors in September

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The Redlands community is invited to join the Adult Literacy Program in its “Celebration of Authors.” Adult Learners will read from their works which were published in the adult literacy anthology, Our Stories, a Collection of Writings. Community leaders, including Mayor Paul Barich and Library Trustee Kate Pretorius, will describe their own literacy journeys, and the life-changing impact of literacy. The community of Redlands is invited to this festive event in gratitude for their continued support of adult literacy, particularly through the difficult years of the pandemic. The celebration will be held on September 25, 2022, beginning at 2:00 p.m., in the Contemporary Club. Registration is required.

Mark Corrin working at
Martha Green’s

The 2022 edition of Our Stories, a Collection of Writings, is the fifth anthology published by the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. This year, Mark Corrin, one of four authors who have submitted writings to all five volumes of the anthology, wrote “My Work at Martha Green’s.” In his story Mark wrote about starting work at the age of 20, and how much he loves his job, his customers and co-workers, and even his favorite menu item at Martha Green’s.

Ma, Isabel Vidrio has also published works in each of the five anthologies. This year she wrote two stories: one to R.J. Palacio, the author of the book, White Bird, and another personal story about a fire in her kitchen. Mark and Isabel have shown tremendous growth in their ability to express themselves. Their writings are a gift to the community.

Many adults who enroll in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program are anxious about their writing skills. The Redlands Adult Literacy Program uses multiple strategies to address this common concern and to help learners develop the skills needed for employment and communication with teachers, family, and friends. For example, tutors and learners use dialog journals to write short messages to one another. Computer classes integrate writing with technology lessons. Literacy teams practice steps in the writing process, beginning with brainstorming ideas and continuing through the final steps of editing and then publishing their writings. Topic ideas are generated through picture books, poem templates, story starters, and conversation.

Each edition of Our Stories, a Collection of Writings honors the hard work of the learners and tutors by including the unique stories of learners in the program. The 2022 anthology includes selections on learners’ memories, experiences that have changed them, captured moments, and reflections on books learners have read. This volume also includes a new selection of group submissions from adult literacy computer classes and collaborative stories from children participating in the Family Literacy Program.

Joan Wells, chair of the Adult Literacy Anthology Committee, shared her thoughts about the literacy anthology, “As I reflect upon the writings in Our Stories over the past five years, I’m inspired by the journeys that have led learners to our adult literacy community and resulted in so many accomplishments. Some have grown up in Redlands. Others have traveled great distances and across cultures to join us. All have demonstrated resilience and a dedication to learning. Similarly, our tutors come from many backgrounds, joining the community to give back through their love of reading and writing. Working together, learners and tutors have given the community five volumes of authentic essays, reflections, and poems. Their literacy journeys enhance our own as they make real the library’s mission to serve as a center for lifelong learning for which “the only admission fee is curiosity.””

We look forward to sharing Our Stories, a Collection of Writings, Volume 5 with the Redlands community at the September 25th Celebration of Authors. Registration for the event is required and will begin on September 1, 2022. Registration is free and information will be found at www.akspl.org.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program relies on its wonderful volunteer tutors to provide one-on-on tutoring to adults in our community. The next volunteer tutor orientation is scheduled for October 12, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the library. Perhaps you know of someone who needs help in reading and writing, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their lives by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. If you have any questions about the Celebration of Authors, are interested in becoming a tutor, or would like literacy services, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program at (909) 798-7565 ext. 4138 or email literacy@akspl.org. Literacy services are free and confidential.

Adults seek new literacy skills for many reasons

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People often ask why adults need help with their reading and writing. Over the last 10 years, the Redlands Adult Literacy Program has learned that each adult learner has their own unique reason for seeking help with literacy. For example, some adult learners have learning disabilities and need the one-on-one tutoring that the Redlands Adult Literacy Program can provide. Other learners were unable to complete their education because their native country or their family’s economic circumstances did not allow them to advance beyond elementary school. These learners may work on fundamental skills that will allow them to eventually work on gaining their high school diploma or its equivalent.

Some learners graduated from high school but did not master the reading and writing skills necessary for getting advanced certifications or taking college-level classes. Other adult learners have completed high school and are working, but do not have the necessary skills to respond to the ever-increasing literacy requirements of the workplace. Through individualized support and hard work, adult learners overcome obstacles to further their own or their children’s education and/or advance in their career.

The following are examples of learners who have overcome past obstacles to improve their literacy:

Jeanne Fortier and Isabel Vidrio

Isabel Vidrio grew up in Mexico and attended school through grade 6; higher levels of schooling were unavailable to her as a child because there was no middle school in her town and there was not enough money for her to go to another town for school. When she joined the program, her goals were to improve her reading comprehension and writing skills so that she could communicate with her children’s teachers and help her children with school. Her hard work in adult literacy enabled Isabel to change her and her children’s lives. Isabel earned an alcohol and drug counselor certification and volunteers her time to counsel others.  She completed adult learner leadership training, and she is able to communicate effectively with her children’s teachers and medical professionals without using a translator. Isabel shared, “this program is important for me because I improved my English and my reading and writing skills and am no longer afraid to talk with others.”

Jeanne Fortier, Isabel’s tutor, wants others to know, “The adult literacy program truly changes lives! I have witnessed tremendous growth and confidence in our learners and I am so happy to be part of this amazing program.”

Pete Smith enrolled in the adult literacy program when his work requirements changed last year. He had worked as a custodian for two decades, but last year his supervisor began assigning him work through emails. This meant that he needed to be able to read his work assignments and write an email response to his supervisor. Talk-to-text functions were not robust enough for him, so he joined the Redlands Adult Literacy Program to improve his reading and writing. By meeting with his tutor twice each week, he advanced his literacy tremendously. He is now able to communicate at work through email. He also shared that he read a book for the first time, and he “enjoyed it.”

Another adult learner (who wishes to remain anonymous) joined the literacy program with the singular goal of gaining the reading and writing skills she needed to complete her high school education. After working diligently with her tutors for several years she improved her literacy skills, accomplished this impressive goal, and graduated from the literacy program. She has been accepted to the Adult School and is working on furthering her education by obtaining her high school diploma.

The Redlands community is enriched by the hard work and dedication of each adult learner. 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 by calling Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at 909-798-7565, ext. 4138. All services are free and confidential.

Adult Literacy offers programs that help adults improve their lives

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The Redlands Adult Literacy Program partners with organizations in the community to better meet the needs of adult learners. The new partnership between the Redlands Adult Literacy Program and YMCA of the East Valley which began last summer continues to thrive by offering meeting space for adult learner teams and programs that have grown out of Adult Literacy, including Family Literacy, and Conversation Corner, a program that helps adults practice their conversational English.

The Adult Literacy Program is grateful that the YMCA provides space for individual learner-tutor teams and for group instruction in literacy. All tutoring sessions are learner-driven; volunteer tutors help adult learners reach their individual literacy goals such as reading a book, writing a letter, getting a job, or helping children with their schoolwork. At the group literacy meetings, teams of learners and tutors work together, and then gather for group instruction by reading a book together and building their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Lily and Nathan Rangel identify their favorite sports at a Family Literacy meeting

The Family Literacy Program is an extension of the Redlands Adult Literacy Program and was designed to support adult learners who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in Adult Literacy. Participants have family-oriented goals such as reading a book to their child, or helping their children with schoolwork. Parental literacy is directly linked to the success of children in school. Recently, participants in the Family Literacy Program met at the YMCA of the East Valley. The families talked about what a “sport” is and why sports are important and each identified their favorite sport. Everyone learned that the game of basketball was introduced in 1891 by James Naismith, who worked at a YMCA in Massachusetts and published the first rules for the game. The children were introduced to three new sports: gymnastics, basketball, and soccer. Every child received a book about sports to add to their own home library.

Following the meeting, one mother commented that the family literacy meeting “encouraged exercise and being healthy.” Another mom said that her son enjoyed learning about sports. Adult learner Lida Gadea shared, “The Family Literacy Program allows my daughter and niece to make new friends and try new things. The meetings are fun for the adults as well. We appreciate today’s book because it teaches about many different sports.”

Conversation Corner helps adults who are trying to learn conversational English, so that they have the conversational skills required for enrolling into the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. Conversation Corner participants meet Tuesday mornings at 11:30 at the YMCA’s Heritage Room. Instructor Renee Kennedy welcomes adults who would like to practice speaking English in a friendly environment. Renee Kennedy shared, “Conversation Corner participants have talked about grocery products and favorite recipes, and practiced useful skills such as ways to introduce themselves to people they encounter in their daily lives. This informal setting is a great way to practice speaking English.” These meetings have a hybrid format with a Zoom option for those who are unable to meet in person.

If you know of someone who needs help in reading, writing, or English conversation, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their lives by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. All services are free and confidential.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program seeks additional volunteers who can help motivated adults improve their reading and writing. If you would like to volunteer with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at (909) 798-7565 ext. 4138, email literacy@akspl.org, or visit the Adult Literacy website, akspl.org/literacy.

Courageous adult learners change their lives working with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program

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Many adults who join the Redlands Adult Literacy Program want to improve their reading and writing skills so they can get better jobs, further their own education, and advocate for their children. Through hard work and perseverance adult learners can change their own and their family’s lives for the better.

Rosa Le recently joined the literacy program and meets with her tutor weekly at the YMCA, a library partner that provides meeting space for literacy teams. Rosa joined the program to improve her reading and writing skills and to increase her vocabulary. Improving her literacy is the first step that she is taking to further her education. Her dream is to go to college and eventually become a decorator. Rosa’s daughter is a good example for her mom; she has completed her college education and wants Rosa to know that she can do it too.

The literacy program has helped Rosa gain confidence “to know that I can learn to read.” It has helped her to educate herself and to do things to help others. Rosa thinks that improving her reading and writing is important because “I have a business that I want to grow and I want to live a better life.” She says, “Everybody can learn to read and write and have a chance to get a better future.”

Rosa would like the Redlands community to know about the free tutoring available at the library. She shares, “Reading and writing is very important. I had no idea the library had this program; now I tell my friends that they have the opportunity to come and learn, and I tell them that they can do it.”

Crystal Moreno is a life-long learner who graduated from the Redlands Adult Literacy Program several years ago. Crystal joined the adult literacy program when she was a student at a local community college. Her learning disability made college-level English courses a challenge for her. Crystal was driven to complete her goal of being the first in her family to graduate from college and become a math teacher, specializing in helping children with learning challenges. Through her hard work and the help of the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, Crystal completed her Associate of the Arts degree, and recently celebrated her graduation from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Showing her own determination to excel, Crystal is already enrolled in CSUSB’s teacher education program.

When asked about the adult literacy program, Crystal shared, “Participating in adult literacy helped me feel more confident when writing essays for school, scholarships, and professional emails…it helped me reach my goal to finish my education by receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and continuing my education.”

Crystal also shared that she would “tell someone hesitant about starting the adult literacy program that it would be a fantastic experience because you will get to know your strength that you never thought you had. Also, you will get to meet other people that will inspire you and develop excellent relationships with the literacy program. Finally, it will help you boost your confidence and develop leadership skills.”

Stories like Rosa’s and Crystal’s would not be possible without the support of the local community. The Redlands Community Foundation recently granted $800 to the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. These monies will be used to purchase audio books that are available to adult learners and the Redlands community. Every donation is appreciated.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program seeks additional volunteers who can help motivated adults improve their reading and writing. If you know of someone who needs help in reading and writing, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their lives by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. The program provides the opportunity for free, one-on-one tutoring and literacy classes such as the writing workshops. If you would like to learn more about the program, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at 909-798-7565, ext. 4138 or email: literacy@akspl.org. To learn more about the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please visit the adult literacy website: akspl.org/literacy.

Adult learners share their stories in 2021 Adult Literacy anthology

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The Redlands Adult Literacy Program recently published its fourth volume of Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, composed of writings from adult learners enrolled in the Redlands Adult Literacy program. This year’s anthology is especially significant because many of the stories were written by adult learners who worked with their tutors remotely during the pandemic. Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, shared: “The community can celebrate the dedication of tutors and learners who prioritized writing during this difficult year. The anthology is filled with heart-felt and powerful stories, poems, and letters. The commitment to literacy expressed by each participant in the literacy program is evidence of the learners’ resilience.”

Yanhong Zhou reads
“The Story of ‘Smallpox'”

The anthology includes learners’ stories of overcoming challenges in their lives, including taking the first step to ask for help with reading and writing, choosing to leave home for a better life, or supporting relatives suffering from the Coronavirus. Manuela Ballesteros described her experiences of the past year in How the Pandemic Affected Me, sharing, “Fear and panic can paralyze you at any time and in any circumstance.” In her story, My Experiences During COVID-19, Maribel Mejia shared her experience as the mother of four children who spent the past year learning remotely from home. “It was stressful for everyone, but I am glad my kids were able to manage this situation and help each other with assignments. Two of my kids play the trumpet; you can imagine how noisy it was, but my other kids didn’t complain too much… they knew how important it was for their brothers to play an instrument.”

Personal stories highlight the authors’ transformative experiences or personal connections to people in their lives. Some learners shared their dreams for the future, their interests, or their important memories. In The Story of “Smallpox,” Yanhong Zhou shared the poignant story of her son’s love for his pet frog, a story that will touch the heart of any parent whose son has experienced love and loss of a pet.

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.

Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, Volumes 1 through 4 are available for checkout at A.K. Smiley Public Library. Additionally, many of the authors who submitted writings for the anthology accepted an invitation to read their stories on videotape and share them with the Redlands community. These stories will be available for viewing soon on the literacy webpage, www.akspl.org/literacy.

Adult learners, their tutors, and the community can celebrate when an adult learner reads their first book or newspaper article, attends a computer class and sends their first email, or writes a letter or story that expresses their hopes and dreams. These literacy skills enable adult learners to step forward to achieve new successes and change their own and their families’ lives. We are grateful for the continued support of the community, the city council, the Library, and the volunteers who make adult literacy, and now family literacy, available in Redlands.

If you would like to volunteer with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at (909)798-7565 ext. 4138 or email literacy@akspl.org. You can learn more about the adult literacy program by attending the next volunteer tutor orientation scheduled for January 2022.  Please contact Diane for more information.

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.