New York State Library

Division of Library Development

Adult Literacy Services Program

Grant Project Reports
2000-2001

Brooklyn Public Library

[report to follow]

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Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System

Julie Wever
(518) 563-5190 x12

"Literacy: A Necessary Job Skill"
$14,800

Brief Description:

Geographically isolated adults in need of career skills were offered literacy instruction as it relates to computer and other job skills. Tutors were also recruited and trained.

Project Activities:

• 30 tutors were trained and matched with students
• list of suggested resources for adult learners and their tutors was prepared
• high interest-low reading level materials were added to the collections of the four participating libraries

Project coordinated with the following agency:

• Literacy Volunteers of America

Project Impact:

• Provided a wide variety of new materials for ESL and ABE learners and tutors
• Tutors are working with students in parts of Clinton County identified as having the highest need
• Job search materials available

Evaluation Results:

• Quantitative:
  • Software use - LVA Office 10 uses per week; member libraries 5 uses per week
  • New registrations - "best guess" estimate 50 new registered users
• Qualitative:
  • Responses to questionnaires indicated a high level of satisfaction with software, library as a working environment and job related materials.

Problems/Recommendations:

Staff changes at LVA Clinton County had a significant impact on the workshop component. Recommend a signed letter of intent including completion dates for services agreed to by all participating agencies. Project should be designed with some "fallback" room to allow for setbacks.

Project Statistics:

• Number of students 55
• Number of tutors 30
• General Public 50

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Florida Public Library

Madelyn Folino
(845) 651-7659

"Literacy Services and Materials for Migrant Farm Families"
$7,100

Brief Description:

Spanish speaking migrant farm working families were offered English language literacy activities and materials. Bilingual tutors were recruited and a collection for this population was established.

Project Activities:

• 10 tutors recruited and trained
• Collection of easy reading materials for adults established
• Students recruited from year round English speaking and seasonal Spanish speaking populations

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• Literacy Volunteers of America
• Agri-Business Child Development
• Farmworkers Community Alliance
• Friends of the Library

Project Impact:

• Library has become a source of information about literacy training
• 10 new tutors are welcome to use the library for instruction
• Expanded relationship with local agencies that serve migrant farmworkers
• Computer instruction is now offered in Spanish

Evaluation Results:

• Quantitative:
  • Increase in door count of approximately 30 people per month
  • Increase in circulation of materials to non-Florida residents of 20 items per month
• Qualitative:
  • Oral and anecdotal

Problems/Recommendations:

• Tutor recruitment and retention through training period
• Transportation for students

Project Statistics:

• Number of students 8
• Number of tutors 10
• Number of hours of tutoring provided 84
• Number of literacy-related info. requests 40

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Guernsey Memorial Library

Melanie Battoe
(607) 334-4034

"Discover Reading"
$20,000

Brief Description:

Project addressed adult and family literacy needs through workshops, new library materials, and collaboration with community organizations.

Project Activities:

• Twelve workshops were offered to parents and children to promote use of the library and literacy skills
• During the program year, 30 new students enrolled with Literacy Volunteers adult education program.
• A Literacy Resource and Information Center was established at the library with updated adult literacy materials. A small room in the library was made available for L.V.A. tutoring.
• Information about all literacy organizations and opportunities in Chenango County was made available at the library
• Two professional development training workshops on literacy related issues were held and 20 teachers/tutors participated.

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• Literacy Volunteers of America
• BOCES
• SUNY Morrisville
• SUNY Oneonta
• Headstart, EvenStart, Early Headstart
• Dispute Resolution Center
• The Children's Center, The Place, Day Care Centers
• Local elementary schools

Project Impact:

• Over 40 families attended monthly programs (40% of these families had not been library users before).
• Professional development workshops made professionals more aware of library resources
• Adult literacy section of library became more accessible and current
• Improved collaboration between L.V.A. and other literacy organizations and the library staff.
• Increased promotion of family literacy issues within Norwich and the surrounding areas.

Evaluation Results:

Feedback on family workshop evaluations was very positive; attendance at programs kept increasing.

• According to evaluations, 89% of the participants at the professional workshops felt the programs met their needs and answered their questions on the topics.

Problems/Recommendations:

• Morning workshops were not practical and were rescheduled for evenings
• Attendance suffered in winter. Spring break brought renewed interest in attending family programs.

Project Statistics:

• Total attendance at programs - 186
• 150 newsletters and 1800 flyers distributed
• 130 new materials purchased

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Hempstead Public Library

Irene Duszkiewicz
(516) 481-6990

"Write to Work"
$12,000

Brief Description:

Writing classes for GED test preparation were offered along with computer and word-processing training.

Project Activities:

Class designed to prepare students to take the writing portion of the GED exam was offered to 63 students

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• DOOR - Department of Occupational Resources

Project Impact:

• 63 students completed GED writing training

Evaluation Results:

• Quantitative:
  • Only 20% of program participants were able to sign up for the exam
  • Of the 11 students who reported registering for the test, 7 passed
• Qualitative:
  • Students reported that it was instructor feedback that most contributed to improved writing skills

Problems/Recommendations:

Lack of laptop computers for the participants limited the amount of time they could practice their word processing skills. Scheduling students to work in the library's Adult Learning Center was difficult.

Project Statistics:

• Number of students 63
• Number of hours p/w 4 service is available

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Lyons School District Public Library

Theresa Streb
(315) 946-9262

"Literacy Information for Employment (LIFE)"
$15,720

Brief Description:

Basic literacy, computer literacy, and English instruction geared to employment were offered to adults in Lyons and Wayne counties.

Project Activities:

• An intensive basic skills program was provided for 12 students
• Expansion of the library's literacy materials collection

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County
• Even Start

Project Impact:

A significant portion of program participants reported that they had developmental disabilities. Basic skills programs were not available to them elsewhere.

Evaluation Results:

All evaluations except for one were extremely positive

Problems/Recommendations:

The original objectives of this project centered on getting participants into employment or pre-employment programs. These goals were not met. The Department of Social Services consistently failed to refer adults for this program. Many adults referred had developmental disabilities which slowed down the learning process.

Project Statistics:

• Number of students - 12
• Number of tutors - 2
• Number of hours of tutoring - 111

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Monroe County Library System

Paula Smith
(716) 428-8393

"Books & Baggage: Strategies for helping adults with learning disabilities utilize public libraries"
$20,000

Brief Description:

The Library System worked with area literacy providers to increase literacy skills for adults with learning disabilities and to acquire additional library materials for this purpose.

Project Activities:

• A two-part workshop for educators and librarians was held at five locations. The workshop focused on learning disabilities, learning strategies and multiple intelligences
• A core collection of books, materials and computer software for people with literacy challenges was placed in 35 public libraries and five literacy provider agencies
• 24 reading pens were placed in libraries and agencies for use by patrons with reading disabilities
• Collaboration between public libraries and literacy provider agencies was strengthened.

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• Literacy Volunteers of America
• Volunteers of America/Rochester
• St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center
• Rochester City School District
• Learning Disabilities Association of Genesee Valley

Project Impact:

• Librarians and tutors have become more sensitive to the special needs of those with learning disabilities through the workshops
• Collaboration has been strengthened between the public library and literacy provider agencies so that the target population can be better reached and served.
• Books and software serving literacy providers and students are now readily available at public libraries throughout Monroe County.
• A more active interaction between public libraries and the Learning Disabilities Association has been established.

Evaluation Results:

• Evaluations of the workshop on learning disabilities were very positive. An impact evaluation was distributed 3-6 months after the training and a 50% response was received - all positive.

Problems/Recommendations:

• More software was needed than originally anticipated. There were a few technical problems, a need to train staff to use the software, and delay in acquiring appropriate materials.

Project Statistics:

• 190 educators and librarians attended workshops on learning disabilities
• 1650 flyers distributed
• 170 new items (books, audiovisuals, and computer software) were purchased.

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The New York Public Library, The Branch Libraries

Harriet Gottfried
212/340-0952

"English for Speakers of Other Languages"
$20,000

Brief Description:

The Library contracted with the Riverside Language Program to hire teachers for ESOL classes, publicized the classes and enrolled students. Library orientations were offered.

Project Activities:

• Six English classes for ESOL students were offered at the Clason's Point Branch Library. A total of 164 students registered and of this total, 107 students completed the classes.
• Students who were not able to enroll in the Library's program were referred to the Literacy Assistance Center, the New York City Board of Education and free or low cost community based adult literacy programs..
• Students received an orientation to the Library and registered for library cards. They were introduced to various special collections and services.
• Self-instructional books, videos, audiocassettes and CD-ROMS were purchased for the branches offering ESOL classes.
• The Library's outreach staff worked with the Mayor's Office of Adult Literacy and the Literacy Assistance Center to recruit and refer students and publicize schedules for ESOL classes.

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• Riverside Language Program
• Literacy Assistance Center
• Mayor's Office of Adult Literacy
• New York City Board of Education

Project Impact:

• 107 students completed the course, thereby increasing their English language proficiency. Students also learned about library resources and services. Some took advantage of the Internet access available at the branch libraries. Others attended free cultural programs, brought their children to story hours and borrowed books and videotapes.

Evaluation Results:

• NYS Place Test was used to determine placement levels at the beginning and end of instruction. Average gain per student was 5.2 points.
• Teachers reported anecdotal evidence supporting how much students enjoyed being in a language learning group. Students often assisted one another with information about applying for jobs, seeking housing, etc. Students reported that having class in the library introduced them to resources and services they would not otherwise have known about.

Problems/Recommendations:

• More prospective students came to register than could be accommodated. These were referred to other agencies and were told about library resources.

Project Statistics:

• Number of students served: 164
• Number of students referred: 150
• Number of publicity items prepared: 3,000

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Olean Public Library

Kathy Price
(716) 372-0200

"Reading for Life"
$17,204

Brief Description: Adults living in low-income housing units were offered literacy and life-skills education opportunities. Collaborators included Literacy Volunteers of America and Olean Housing Authority.

Project Activities:

• The literacy and life-skills levels of adults living in Olean Housing Authority's low income housing were assessed and a program was provided to address the needs indicated by the assessment.
• 74 individuals received group programming designed to help them seek education and employment opportunities in the community.
• 6 adults were provided with individual tutoring
• 12 tutors were trained to assist learners in accessing community services
• 40 mentors were trained and supervised to offer weekly Homework Help sessions.

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• Literacy Volunteers of America of Cattaraugus Co.
• Olean City School District
• St. Bonaventure University
• Jamestown Community College
• BOCES
• Olean Housing Authority

Project Impact:

• The library's literacy services were improved through the purchase of adult low level materials. Bookmobile visits to each housing site were increased. Community events to encourage individuals to utilize available services were held.

Evaluation Results:

• Surveys for 74 participants were analyzed to determine their need for additional services. Life skills surveys, pre and post reading assessments, tutor narratives and phone calls were all analyzed in order to track students' progress

Problems/Recommendations:

• Participants repeatedly emphasized a need for more computer training. The technology-training component of this project should be increased.

Project Statistics:

• 6 students were individually tutored
• 68 users participated in other aspects of the program
• 336 hours of individual tutoring was provided
• 17 youths were mentored
• 150 books, 12 audiovisuals and 3 computer software programs were purchased.

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Oneida Public Library

Carolyn Gerakopoulos
(315) 363-3050

"Project Read"
$17,381

Brief Description:

Project established a coalition of community literacy and support organizations, recruited students and instituted a literacy program countywide.

Project Activities:

• A coalition of cooperating agencies was formed to insure that all people with literacy needs would be served
• Two literacy volunteer training session were held - 15 tutors were trained.
• 30 students in need of literacy support were tutored
• A Literacy Resource Center at the library was expanded to serve the needs of tutors and students

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• Literacy Volunteers of America
• Laubach Literacy Action Affiliates
• BOCES
• Family Ties

Project Impact:

• Literacy Coalition was formed to coordinate the literacy efforts of all the agencies involved. The Oneida Public Library served as the center of all activities.
• Tutors spent 21 hours in training. They provided students with 200 hours of instruction.

Evaluation Results:

• A post-test was administered to all students who had participated in the program for several months. 50% showed marked improvement in recognizing sight words, using decoding skills and in reading comprehension.
• 80% of students gave positive answers about their tutoring experience in a satisfaction survey
• 90% of the tutors gave the training instructor the highest rating available.

Problems/Recommendations:

• There was no problem in recruiting students. The problem was in getting them to commit to the long hours of instruction necessary to improve their reading skills.
• Some people with developmental disabilities were referred to the program. These people's needs were beyond the scope of the program.

Project Statistics:

• 15 tutors were trained
• 30 students were tutored
• 200 hours of individual tutoring was provided
• 350 literacy related information requests were handled
• 62 literacy book and non-book materials were purchased

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Queens Borough Public Library

Bruce Carmel
(718) 480-4235

"ESOL Literacy Class"
$18,975

Brief Description:

Model training programs and instructional materials for use by other ESOL teachers were developed. The Queens Borough ESOL program was expanded to include more students/teachers.

Project Activities

• 42 students received ESOL tutoring
• Curriculum was designed to serve beginning ESOL tutors; diagnostic literacy test was revised.
• 2 ESOL training workshops were conducted; 4 assistants to the ESOL teacher were trained.
• 14 ESOL students applied for library cards
• Outreach at Elmhurst Hospital identified more potential students

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• NYC Literacy Initiative
• Elmhurst Hospital

Project Impact:

• Students who were able to attend the 9 hours of instruction per week available in the first semester made rapid gains
• During the second semester, instruction was differentiated to address the multi-level abilities of participants

Evaluation Results:

• 90% of enrolled students completed the course
• 12 students were promoted to a regular Beginning ESOL class; 4 moved into an ALC Literacy program where they receive small group instruction
• 5 students co-authored an autobiographical book; 22 students wrote, mailed and read letters to each other

Problems/Recommendations:

• Saturday morning class was problematic for many students resulting in a gap between students who received tutoring 3x per week and students who received tutoring 2x per week. This was addressed in differentiated instruction during the second semester.
• Although high interest was expressed at the outreach hospital site, few students identified through the hospital attended the tutoring sessions at the library.

Project Statistics:

• 42 students received a total of 297 class hours of instruction
• 18 ESOL teachers participated in the program
• 4 training sessions to tutors were offered

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West Seneca Public Library

Mary Moore
(716) 674-2928

"Working Together for Success"
$15,000

Brief Description:

Reading and writing skills improvement classes were offered to parents at an elementary school. These parents and their student attended public library orientations also.

Project Activities:

• Family literacy sessions were held at the participating elementary school every week between November and May. This program was designed to help parents help their children improve literacy skills.
• Special projects and programs were also held at the library and the Charles E. Burchfield Nature and Art Center.

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• West Seneca School District
• West Seneca Youth Bureau-Americorps/Vista

Project Impact:

• Increased awareness of the public library and the services it provides to all age groups. There was a unifying community spirit among all program participants.
• Literacy project participants were encouraged to attend library events throughout the year and to use the library's new computer that has CDROM capability.

Evaluation Results:

• Separate evaluation forms were distributed to both parents and children. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Problems/Recommendations:

• Slow response from parents, despite written notices and phone calls from VISTA volunteers delayed the start of the program.
• One of the two elementary schools could not participate because of administrative problems at the beginning of the school year

Project Statistics:

• 24 students were served at weekly meetings
• 10 special programs were presented
• 750 new materials, including a microcomputer and printer, were purchased

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Wyandanch Public Library

Rita Liversedge
(631) 643-5325

"Literacy Opportunities in the Library"
$5,820

Brief Description:

A model library orientation in English and Spanish for 50 adults was created for use by participating libraries. Computer skills were taught.

Project Activities:

• 79 students were assisted in utilizing library services through a library orientation program delivered both in English and Spanish
• 24 students learned basic computer skills combined with literacy assistance

Project coordinated with the following agencies:

• Literacy Volunteers of America
• Board of Cooperative Education Services

Project Impact:

Project has grown through "word of mouth". Response has been extremely positive.

Evaluation Results:

Pre and post-tests were administered to participants in library orientation and computer literacy course. 64% responded that they increased their library use and 100% reported satisfaction and increased self-esteem.

Problems/Recommendations:

None

Project Statistics:

• Number of students - 79
• Number of tutors - 25
• Number of hours of tutoring provided--2, 400
• Number of literacy-related information requests--160

Last modified on February 10, 2003 -- asm
For questions or comments contact Anne E. Simon.
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/literacy/01digest.htm