ALHAMBRA LIBRARY LITERACY (A.L.L.)

SERVICES PROVIDED
A.L.L. provides one-to-one basic literacy tutoring by trained volunteers to adults (age 16+) throughout the Alhambra area. A.L.L., through the Alhambra Public Library, has been offering this service since October 1983, when Alhambra joined the California Literacy Campaign.

Current classes and workshops

 

FUNDING
Primary funding for the program originally came from the California Literacy Campaign which is a Special Services Library Grant Program. The Library is expect to assume the cost of running the program after the 5th year, (we are in year 5). Additional funding is sought through community organizations, businesses and individuals in the community. The program holds various fund raising events (Rock ?N' Readathon, bake sales, etc.) throughout the year. 

TUTORING SITES
In addition to the Library Community Room and the Small Tutoring Center, we also use Alhambra Retirement Community day rooms, by appointment only. Tutoring pairs may meet in any public area. They are discouraged from meeting in their homes.

TIME COMMITMENT
Tutors and Learners are expected to devote at least 3 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months. Tutors and learners are considered partners. Often the partners work together a year or more.

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNERS
All learners come to the program by self referral. They are expected to contact the program directly to determine a time for assessment. They are then, assessed individually to ascertain their abilities. This assessment takes approximately one and one half hours. After this, they are then matched with a tutor or placed on a waiting list if no trained tutors are available. As prescribed by the California Library Literacy Service, we are to serve those adults who are not in the traditional school setting, who speak English but do not possess the most basic literacy skills.

MATERIALS
The Library has materials available for checkout. Additional materials can be found in the Tutoring Center.

SUCCESS SYSTEM

• Encourage GOAL SETTING based on each learner's personal needs and interests
• Provide RECOGNITION for the goals learners achieve
• Encourage DOCUMENTATION of goals achieved

AFFILIATIONS
The Literacy program is associated or member of Laubach Literacy Action (LLA), California Literacy Inc., Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN), San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council (SGVLC), We are also included in several #800 hotlines including the Los Angeles Times and Greater Los Angeles Literacy Network.

For links to other literacy resources click here.