Literacy Volunteers-HBPL News
Spring 2019
Greetings dear reader!
It has been forever and a day since our last newsletter. If you've been staying in touch with us via social media, you'll know how busy we have been in the past few months.
On November 1, 2018 learners and tutors spoke on behalf of the literacy programs for our application for Community Development Block Grant Funds. One of our learners, Maribet, shares her speech in our newsletter. It is a wonderful reminder of why we are all committed to literacy and changing learner's lives.
"Welcome to our Oak View Branch Library. I hope you enjoy this wonderful day and continue to enjoy.  It's an honor to stand here in front of you and at the same time, a challenge for me to say these words in English. My name is Maribet. I am married and God blessed me with a son. He is seven years old and my son is the reason I decided to come to the library and learn English.
Why my son is the reason? I said to myself my son is growing up. He is going to speak English and I want to understand what he says. When my son started kindergarten, the homework they gave him should have been simple for an adult to be able to help him but I could not help him. Not because I didn't want to help him, but I didn't understand what he needed to do. And my son realized that I didn't know English. He asked me "Mami, why do you not understand English, didn't you go to school?"
I felt very sad but it was my reality at that time. For me, it was difficult for everything. At work, for my son appointments with his doctor, when I go out to eat... how to order the food? I was afraid when people heard me speak English, maybe they laugh at me.
I still do not speak English well but now everything changed thanks to the programs that we have in our library. I am happy to learn English. I feel comfortable when I go to see doctor with my son, when I go to the grocery store. I can read with my son.
I want to say thank you to all the people who donate their time. People like you make a difference all over the world. 

Thank you for sharing with us what you have." 
Maribet
Special Mention to Crown Ace Hardware!

Crown Ace Hardware store at Adams and Magnolia has always been very supportive, donating gift cards for our Wine & Words events for years. This past January 2019, Crown Ace Hardware went above and beyond.  Store Manager, Stacy Arias, hosted a "round up" fundraiser for the Literacy program. At the register, customers are asked if they want to round up their purchase to the next dollar amount. Stacy, working together with our treasurer Diane Bentley, proved that every penny counts, because the efforts earned the program a very generous donation. Thank you Crown Ace Hardware; we appreciate you!


Southern California Library Literacy Network's 2018 Writer to Writer Challenge
Congratulations to all participants of Southern California Library Literacy Network's 2018 Writer to Writer Challenge. The challenge consists of 
learners reading or listening to books, then writing letters to the author of the book(s) they read. 
The letters are often from the heart, honest and soul bearing, leaving not a 
dry eye in the house when they are read at the luncheon. Kudos to Diane Moseley, Literacy Volunteers-HBPL Program Director and SCLLN President and her dedicated crew for putting on yet another hugely successful event. 

On March 16, 2019 some of the Huntington Beach Literacy group, learners, tutors and
 participants attended SCLLN's Annual Writer to Writer Awards luncheon.  

Shipley Nature Center
 
On March 14th, the Thursday morning conversation class explored the surprisingly expansive grounds of the Shipley Nature Center before enjoying a delicious lunch at the Park Bench Café. Good food was enhanced by terrific discussion.

~2018 Holiday Parties~
Central Literacy celebrated on December 10 and Oak View Literacy celebrated on December 20. 
Delicious food, fun and friends!
    



Upcoming Events 
  • Marc h 25, 2019.  Eat at Beach Hut Deli 5-10pm and support literacy while enjoying a delicious dinner.
  • Free tour of the Public Cable TV station. Friday, April 5, 10am. 
  • April 10, 2019, join us at Central Library from 4 to 7pm for a Keep Collective jewelry fundraiser.
  • Eat at BJs downtown on April 25, 2019 and support literacy. Win! Win!
  • 2019 Walk!Run!READ! 5K and Kids Fun Run! is coming up Saturday, May 11th. Registration now open at walkrunread.com.
  • Join us at Duck-A-Thon, June 1 & 2, 2019 at the Huntington Beach pier.
  • Don't miss our Annual Awards Meeting, June 19, 2019 starting at 6:30pm. More details to follow as the event draws near.
And in Other Parts ... 
June 8, 2019 is OC Read's 1st Family Literacy Festival at Tustin Library, from 11am to 4pm
June 8, 2019 is READ/San Diego's 29th Annual Tutor Conference, from 8am to 4:30pm
Ralph's Community Support 
The number for Ralph's community support has changed. Our new # is VK051. Register your Ralph's card today, and Ralphs will donate to Literacy Volunteers when you shop at their store . 
Stay in Touch! 
Did you know you can find us on Twitter@literacyhbpl? "Like" us on  Facebook. Follow  o ur Literacy Volunteers-HBPL Blog! Social media keeps you informed and helps tell our story far and wide through sharing experiences of learners and tutors. 
Tutor Training
Do you know someone who would like to join our dedicated team of volunteers? For more information email literacy@surfcity-hb.org, or contact us at (714) 375 5102 for the Central Library or (714) 375 5104 for Oak View. We'd love to from you.
Support Literacy
Literacy Volunteers-HBPL is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that welcomes donations to support its operations and programs. Help support literacy in your community. To donate through Network for Good, click here. Or, c ontact us directly at (714) 375 5102..

Thank you for your ongoing support of the adult and family literacy programs at Huntington Beach Public Library. Without your help we would not be where we are today, and we appreciate you. Feel free to send your comments to literacy@surfcity-hb.org.
 
Sincerely,
Literacy Volunteers-HBPL Board of Directors & Staff
Literacy Volunteers | HB Public Library | 714-375-5102 | literacy@surfcity-hb.org