This week libraries were featured on the Today Show.
Many volunteer programs rely on their library as a tutoring site, tutor training location, as well as the host/office for the program. Some libraries provide circulating literacy collections and others even purchase consumables.
There are also many literacy services in Florida provided by the library. Librarians are dealing with poor reading and computer skills as people visit the library to file for government help, apply for jobs etc. Librarians struggle to provide them the help required. Literacy volunteers already work with adult learners and thus have the skills to help these desperate library customers.
In the comments section of this blog, please post ways you collaborate with the library or ask questions on how to improve your library partnership.
It is important to know that many libraries (along with literacy programs) are suffering from cutbacks in these economic times. Thus, any partnership needs to be a win/win situation.
A library may be more willing to increase support of the literacy program if the program helps the library. For example, literacy volunteers could help staff public computers a couple of times a week to work with those learners who can not read or speak English very well.
For more information on partnering with the library contact Sandy Newell at 850-245-6624 or snewell@dos.state.fl.us.
