26 November 2012

A Post from Paula...

Why is literacy important? Literacy is the foundation of learning. Literacy empowers adults to make a better life and world for themselves and their families. Adults who read raise children who read, do better in school and life. Literacy helps families be healthier, support themselves through work, become better citizens, and create a more fair and just society. The Placer Adult Literacy Service provides people with the tools to change their lives by giving them the reading, writing, and basic math skills they need to earn a living, stay healthy, and improve our community.

We are happy to announce that Style Magazine’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards have been published and PALS placed 2nd in the category of Favorite Tutoring Service.  We are truly honored to have been nominated and thank you to everyone who voted!

The last few months have been a busy time for the Placer Adult Literacy Service! We are excited to have begun revitalizing our program services in the Lake Tahoe area, specifically Kings Beach and Tahoe City. With enthusiastic assistance from Anne Greenwood, Kings Beach Library Branch Manager, we have generated a great deal of volunteer reading coach interest and have our first training scheduled for this month. Then will come the exciting process of spreading the word to potential adult learners!

Down the hill, nine new eager reading coaches were trained at the Auburn Library this fall and we hope to have them matched with learners soon! The speed at which new learners come into the program dictates how long that may take. So for some of you that have been waiting, don’t be discouraged! Your time will come! And remember there are other volunteer opportunities that anyone can take advantage of…just ask if you want to get busy sooner!

Thank you to all of our amazing people who work tirelessly on behalf of adult learners in Placer County: the Literacy Support Council of Placer County, PALS Reading Coaches, Library Administration, and Library staff!

Paula Westeren, Library Literacy Specialist