LSTA Grant Program Spotlight

Broward County Library's Literacy Help Center program addresses the challenges posed by the swelling numbers of adults and children requesting literacy assistance, English language learning programs and computer access. This program targets neighborhoods with the greatest demand in their libraries and therefore the greatest need for supplemental programs and services, especially access to technology. At each site, one part-time certified Literacy Coordinator manages the program on-site, assists students in Grades K-12 with homework, provides enhanced literacy and English language programs for adults and provides youth and adults with computer technological instruction.

 

The Literacy Help Center program is designed to assist students with homework, provide enhanced English language programs for adults, and increase the availability of computer technology and training to all ages. The Literacy Help Center program is managed by Broward County Library's Learning Services and Youth Services units and is strengthened by ongoing partnerships with the School Board of Broward County, ProLiteracy America,  After School @ Your Library, Hispanic Unity, Friends of Literacy, and the Urban League of Broward County.  

Vonda Bryant, the program manager, is a former VALF board member.

The pilot Literacy Help Center was developed in early 2009 at the Lauderhill Towne Centre Library with funds from the Ann Jacobs Trust and was expanded to four sites with funds from a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant in Fiscal Year  2010. The project was expanded again to four more sites using additional LSTA funds in FY 2011, bringing the total number of Literacy Help Centers to nine.  

In June 2011, the Literacy Help Center program won an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties, which recognizes innovation in county government programs.