2007-2009 Grant Recipients
August 2007
Eleven counties across the State will be getting help from the New York State Library for Adult literacy programs, New York State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Janet M. Welch announced today. Twelve grants to public libraries and public library systems totaling $400,000 will be awarded to support Adult Literacy Library Services programs in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
The grant projects will offer library-based literacy classes and basic educational test preparation opportunities for adults through some 33 public libraries and neighborhood branches across the State. The libraries will partner with community education and service agencies during the grant years.
“New York State’s Adult Literacy Library Services grants help adult students and their families use library resources to continue their education and develop workforce skills,” said Mrs. Welch. “They are designed around the particular needs of adult students and include computer literacy as well as traditional literacy skills needed for jobs and parenting.”
With the support of these funds, libraries will increase services to adults who read below the sixth-grade level, adults with learning disabilities, and adults preparing for the general equivalency diploma (GED). Also, aided by these grants, libraries will help welcome new immigrants to communities through model English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs that teach citizenship preparation and English language and conversation skills.
The following is a list of the public libraries and library systems that are receiving adult literacy grant awards.
Andover Free Library (Allegheny County) $37,749 – Adult Literacy Computer Café
The Andover and Richburg Libraries’ Computer Café project will increase library hours and expand library services to reach adults with low literacy skills. Adult students will participate in computer tutoring programs, one-to-one tutoring, and computer-based general equivalency diploma (GED) classes. Partners for this project are Southern Tier Library System, Literacy Volunteers of Allegany County, Inc., Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES and the Allegany County Employment and Training Center.
Brooklyn Public Library (Kings County) $37,749 – Technology Literacy for English Language Learners
Brooklyn Public Library will offer basic technology workshops for English language learners who face the challenges of living in a new and technology-driven culture. The computer classes will focus on practical life skills: health literacy, civics and vocational preparation. The classes will be supplemented by workshops offered by experts in each of the life skills. The library’s primary partners, the Literacy Assistance Center and Church Avenue Merchants Block Association, will share best practices and help the library reach out to new immigrants.
Hempstead Public Library (Nassau County) $37,749 – The New Road to Citizenship
The Hempstead Public Library will expand and enhance its successful Adult Learning Center in response to the community’s increased demand for citizenship information and education. The program will provide soon-to-be citizens with the tools and information they need to pass the redesigned U.S. Citizenship Exam and prepare them to participate in local, state and national elections. The agencies cooperating with Hempstead Public Library in this project are C.A.S.A, (Coordinating Agency for Spanish Americans) and Literacy Nassau.
James Prendergast Library Association, Jamestown (Chautauqua County) $36,812 – Log On for Literacy
Low-income Chautauqua County residents who lack a high school diploma or English proficiency and do not possess computer skills will benefit from the Log On for Literacy program at the James Prendergast Library Literacy Center. The project will provide basic and intermediate computer skills and Workforce Readiness Credential Training through collaborations with Erie Two Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES and the Jamestown A.M. Rotary Club.
Mahopac Public Library (Putnam County) $29,659 – Opening Doors: Workforce Empowerment through Literacy Education
The Mahopac Public Library, in partnership with the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center and Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County will deliver a series of workshops for the clients of the Women’s Resource Center. The center’s clients are victims of or witness to domestic violence and/or sexual assault. The workshop series, led by a trained facilitator, will help the clients develop literacy and computer skills, job search strategies, and interview skills so that they can attain a measure of security and independence in their lives
The New York Public Library (New York) $37,749 – Integrated Technology-Assisted ESOL Instruction at Aguilar Branch Library
The Aguilar Branch Library will pilot ESOL evening class curriculum that integrates traditional classroom instruction and technology-assisted instruction to students who live or work in Manhattan’s East Harlem community. The library will test to see whether a curriculum that combines the most useful aspects of both types of learning will increase student retention in the program and improve language skills. The two-year project will serve up to 120 adults in the beginning and low-intermediate ESOL levels.
Oneida Public Library (Madison County) $34,376 – Project Read: Expanded Services for Learning Disabled Adults
Oneida Public Library will expand the library’s successful “Project Read” services to address the needs of learning disabled adults. The project will teach current and prospective tutors successful strategies for working with learning disabled adults. Hands-on computer workshops and technology-aided instruction, including voice recognition software, will help learning disabled adults acquire skills essential for employability. Agencies participating in the project include the Community Action Partnership for Madison County, Madison-Cortland ARC, Madison-Oneida BOCES, Mid-State Regional Adult Education Network, the State Education Department’s Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), Working Solutions and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Madison County.
Onondaga County Public Library (Onondaga County) $37,634 – T.L.C.: Tutor/Teacher-Library Connections
The Onondaga County Public Library will strengthen partnerships with adult literacy tutors, teachers and learners and help them use library resources and programs in support of their educational programs. Activities include making adult literacy materials more accessible, increasing communication about resources relating to employment, health and parenting, teaching computer skill classes, establishing tutor and student recognition programs, and establishing “traveling librarian” visits to adult literacy classes.
Patchogue-Medford Library (Suffolk County) $27,814 – Enriching Community through Computers, Conversation and Citizenship
The Patchogue-Medford Library, in partnership with the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District and Literacy Suffolk, Inc., will provide a number of library services to help the community’s growing Hispanic immigrant population improve workforce skills. Computer instruction, conversation groups, and citizenship preparation classes are part of the library’s Enriching Community program.
Pioneer Library System (Ontario County) $32,302 – Going the Distance: Linking Libraries and Literacy in Wayne County
The Pioneer Library System, Macedon Public Library, and Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County (LV Wayne) will work together to increase the programs and resources available to Wayne County adults who need ESOL, basic literacy and workforce skills. Libraries will purchase materials for learners and install computer workstations. Volunteer tutors recruited to serve the rural population will receive training at sessions in nearby libraries and through a distance learning component.
Westchester Library System (Westchester County) $30,534 – Welcoming New Americans @ Your Library
Westchester Library System will pilot a project in Mamaroneck (2007-08) and in Peekskill (2008-09) to provide a variety of learning opportunities for immigrants. Offerings will include basic ESOL tutoring, conversation groups, citizenship preparation, and a Welcome Desk for New Americans that will offer information and referral assistance. Volunteer recruitment will be coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties with support from the libraries, local agencies and churches. Volunteer training will be coordinated by Literacy Volunteers of Westchester.
White Plains Public Library (Westchester County) $19,871 – Literacy for Life at the White Plains Public Library
The White Plains Public Library‘s Literacy for Life program will help meet the needs of the city’s growing immigrant community. This project will expand the capacity of the White Plains Public Library and their partner, Westchester Community College, to provide ESOL services. The program will provide interactive learning software and life skills workshops to supplement current and potential students’ educational programs.