International Literacy Day

Did you know that September 8 is International Literacy Day? Neither did I till very recently. One may think literacy isn't that huge of an issue but according to the International Reading Association, " More than 780 million of the world’s adults (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read or write, and between 94 and 115 million children lack access to education." Without literacy, simple things as such reading a label, filling out a job application, even getting around can be virtually impossible.

Want to get more involved? Check out the International Reading Association, ProLiteracy or even your local library. Often times libraries have literacy programs which they can always use volunteers for. See the Southern California Library Literacy Program website for a list of libraries. Even if you don't see a library listed near you, it's still possible there may be a literacy program there, so ask. For example, I live in Monrovia and even though they are not on the SCLLP list, I know they have a literacy program from looking on their website in the past. Last but not least, ALA (American Library Association) has lots of information on literacy from children's to adult literacy. Check out the Office for Literacy and Outreach.

Feel you just don't have the time, then take the time to sign the ProLiteracy and Literacy Powerline's Declaration for the Right to Literacy scroll which will be presented to President Obama.

Missing in Action

It didn't seem that much time had passed since I last posted. But lo and behold, it's been over a month. For those of you that haven't seen me around, I've been busy with my other 2 part-time jobs, 3 classes, starting up two new programs at a local library, tackling grad school applications and more.

For the first month of this semester, I've been working extra shifts here at the PCC Library. In the past due to my schedule, I wasn't able to work extra shifts especially during the first two weeks of the semester. Since I was finally available, I felt I should help out as needed. I've also put in extra time at the elementary school library as well this past month or so due to our bi-yearly Scholastic Book Fair and Open House.

Even though I'm taking "fun" classes this semester, they've still been taking up a certain amount of my time. Two of my classes, Art in Childhood Education and Beginning Acting, are directly related to library programs/activities I'm getting involved in now. One of the new programs I'm starting up is an ASL (American Sign Language) storytime at one of the Pasadena Public branches. Right now, I'm teamed up with a library tech that does a family storytime on Thursday afternoons to get some on-the-job training as a volunteer. Eventually, I'll move into my own spot which will be an actual ASL storytime in the near future hopefully. It is also my hope to go to a couple of other local libraries and start up similar programs in whatever free time I still have.

In addition, I have been developing a Deaf Book Club program which will meet for the very first time next Saturday morning at the same Pasadena Public branch I'm doing storytime at. It's been a bit more work than I anticipated but I'm very excited about this new program and am enjoying the work thoroughly. Unlike the storytime which is a weekly event, this will only be a monthly event.

Last Sunday, I was able to participate in a One City, One Story event for the first time ever as I arranged to get a sign language interpreter for the finale program at the newly opened Pasadena Convention Center. I will confess that it was no easy feat getting this to happen. In the end, it was one of my friends who is studying to be an interpreter who volunteered to do the honor. I am hoping that all these things are just the beginning of what I hope for the future for the deaf/HOH and disabled within the library community. One has to start small even for big dreams.

Last but certainly not least, I've been tackling library graduate school applications as well. Between taking the MAT test, writing essays, gathering up recommendations, studying up for the GRE, it's been a whirlwind of activity to say the least. God willing, I get in at least one school. But as one of my former instructors said to me recently, "So many doors are opening up for you right now. Even if you don't get in right now, it would be a disappointment but not detrimental. And you can always apply again." So true! One thing I've learned so far is if you really want this, you can't give up that easily. This may not be an easy road but it's been one of my most enjoyable journeys so far which I don't anticipate ending anytime soon.

Stay tuned for more regular postings in the next week and an upcoming blog event to get more interaction happening here!

Volunteer Opportunities at Pasadena (CA) Central Library

The main branch needs volunteer assistance with the Pasadena Community Calendar and the online database AccessPasadena.net

What is involved:

• Data entry,
  
• Online research and verification,
• Customer service.

Provides an opportunity to gain inside knowledge of the various facets of public libraries.

Required skills:

• Effective computer skills: software, browser and typing;
• Effective communication skills: telephone and e-mail.
  

Recommended preparation

• Completion of: LIB 1, 10A, Bit25/CIS 1, LIB 102 (Reference) and LIB 105A (Cataloging)
  

Requirements:

• 5 hours per week, Monday- Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm. Flexible schedule.
  
• Minimum commitment of 4 months.

To apply, contact:

Aracely Sustaita
Technology & Information Systems
Pasadena Public Library / Glendale Public Library
626.744.4254 - phone
626.449.2165 - fax

Volunteer and Play It Foward Saturday October 11th and 12th

I know this is short notice if you didn't get Krista's e-mail. Here is the text:

We are collecting used books to give to several locations in Pasadena...one or more Elementary schools, one Middle, one High School Library and several classroom libraries. These books are going to be delivered to Lake Avenue Church this Saturday Evening (5:30 - 7:00 PM) and Sunday 9 AM - 3PM.

Also... we would love to have some assistance in our libraries that are receiving these books to help them get processed and on the shelves. So that is actually another need that will go beyond just this coming weekend.

I am looking for volunteers with some library experience to assist in receiving these books and making a rough sort or even more detailed sort if we have the personnel.

The times are listed above and if anyone could give me a couple of hours of more that would be so appreciated. If you know of anyone who might be interested they can contact Judy Boehr.

Book Some Time to Help Out at the Public Library -- Volunteer Now!

From the Pasadena Star News Sept 28, 2008, p. A4
Book some time to help out at the public library
By Linda Fields Gold, Staff Writer

South Pasadena Library, 1100 Oxley St.
The advantage of working at the library is that it connects you to your community and its activities, you become a part of educational and cultural events, you make the library a better place and use your talents and skills to stay active, and you meet nice people.
South Pasadena needs teen volunteers and adults who are interested in helping with children's storytimes. Or, if you like working quietly behind the scenes, you might choose to mend or re-shelve items.
People who reshelve recently returned items are very much in demand. Shelf readers are vital and make sure materials are in order so that they can be easily found by the next patron.
International Collection Aides use foreign language skills, including Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.
Computer Data Input Aides input data for forms, databases, indexes, charts, reports, and statistical tracking.
If you are interested in assisting at South Pasadena, you must stop in and fill out an application. All library volunteers receive training and recognition at an annual event. Those who work with children must pass a background security clearance.
For more information on the South Pasadena options, please call (626) 403-7330, Library Administration offices.

Volunteer Opportunity at City Terrace Library

City Terrace Library (in East LA, part of the County of Los Angeles Public Library) is starting a Friends of the Library group and looking for volunteers interested in becoming members.

If you are interested please contact Jing Li, Community Library Manager
City Terrace Library
County of Los Angeles Public Library
4025 E. City Terrace Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90063
(323) 261-0295 (phone)

Award Celebration and Ice Cream Social

Set the day, May 13, 2008 at 12:15pm to celebrate. In case you haven't heard, The Shatford Library is the proud winner of the 2008 Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Excellence in Academic Libraries Award.

This national award recognizes the accomplishments of librarians and other library staff as they come together as members of a team to support the mission of Pasadena City College.

So ditch the diet and stop by the library for celebration and ice cream libation. And if you have a bit of time on your hands could you help out and volunteer for ice cream scooping duty? The library needs four volunteers to help dish out the good kind of Rocky Road (not saying that there will be Rocky Road ice cream but one can think positive).

If you can help out please contact Mrs. Kim and she'll get you set up for the ceremony.

Pasadena Central Library Needs Volunteer LT's

Pasadena Public Library has a Community Calendar of events database which does a great job of sharing with the community the different things that are happening in the Pasadena area.

If you have time or need on the job experience they need help with the data entry. It is a good opportunity to observe the workings of the library and being of service to your community as well.

If you would like more info contact Anne Mellow at 626-744-4318

Monterey Park Public Library Needs You!

If you want to get on the job experience with technical services Monterey Park Public Library has need of folks who can help process, mend books and materials and help out on special projects.

This is a volunteer opportunity that would look very nice on a resume. If you are interested there will be representatives from the library on campus for the job fair next week or you can contact Evena Shu, Senior Librarian at 626-307-1379