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Annual Project Read Tutor-Learner Recognition

Luis Herrera, City Librarian

Randy Weaver, Project Read

Last month, I had the honor of attending Project Read’s Tutor-Learner Recognition celebration at the Main Library. Project Read remains one of my favorite programs offered by the Library because of its value and profound impact on the lives of both tutors and learners. I also have a personal connection to adult literacy. Many years ago when I worked at the Long Beach Public Library, I was fortunate to help establish one of the first adult literacy programs offered through the California Literacy Campaign. At the time, adult literacy programs were new to libraries and often, library staff resisted these programs and questioned their legitimacy in libraries. Some questioned whether libraries should be in the business of teaching people to read. After all, don’t library users already know how to read? If not, shouldn’t it be the role of schools and adult education programs to teach these skills? Libraries are indeed about literacy and information and the ability to read is an essential skill needed to take full advantage of all that a library has to offer. I’m glad that the State Library and public libraries resisted these challenges and saw the opportunity for libraries to be true partners in literacy. Today, adult literacy programs are integral to library services and play a significant role in teaching adults the skills to read and ultimately become information and computer literate. The recognition was a joyous testament to the dedication and passion that tutors bring to the program. Their compassion is a gift that cannot be measured in terms of dollars but by the impact it has on the lives of the learners whose lives are changed by gaining self-confidence and self-worth through a new found skill. The event celebrates the commitment toward self-improvement and the significant strides that learners make on their journey to personal growth. I was moved and inspired by the courage of our learners who shared their reading publicly with passion and purpose. Tutors, learners and staff should be proud of their achievements in creating a community of readers in San Francisco. Congratulations to all and continued success in the pursuit of your goals!

Jack and Leon	Jimmy and Mark	Captivated by Reading Minds
Ellen	Alexis Harte	Dorothy and Amberly, our Emcees
Wonderful	Queen	Tim
Lucille	John	Anna

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