Reading Clubs: A Window to the World

Second language learners who can speak English and want to improve their listening, conversation, reading, vocabulary and communication skills can join a Reading Club. These popular small groups led by a volunteer tutor are a fun way to practice your English and get acquainted with great works of literature.
Prospective students must call the program office to schedule an assessment appointment and to register to a Reading Club. English language level must be low intermediate ESL or higher. Call the program office (510) 745-1480.

Reading Clubs are held in all major Alameda County Branches,

including Centerville in Fremont.

Albany
Castro Valley
Dublin
Fremont
Newark
San Lorenzo
Union City

Important Dates for Reading Club

Summer Session 2015

June 18 -August 24^th (Start varies depending on location)

Phone registration starts June 1^st  

Students must Call the Write to Read Office to sign up – (510) 745-1480.

Library Closed Friday, October 10, 2014

Dear tutors,

On Friday, October 10, the entire Alameda County Library staff will participate in a day long staff development day. Please be aware that all branches, and administration building (FRM) meeting rooms will be closed.

If you are meeting on a Friday, please cancel your reading club meeting. (FRM & NWK)

Thank you!

Changes to Branch Reading Club Checkout System

This summer we're making a major change to how we check out books to students. We've gotten rid of the old sign-out sheets and book numbers-a system that you probably remember from grade school. Now students will use their personal library cards to check out their reading club books!

We pilot tested this system last term at the Fremont branch, where it worked well. This summer we're taking it to three branches-Centerville, Newark, and Castro Valley. In the fall, all the branch reading clubs will be using the new system.

If you are a branch tutor, please click here for the new instructions. Please read them and let Sally Ianiro know if any parts are unclear. All feedback of any kind is welcome!

If you are a Fremont tutor, your instructions are slightly different, and you'll receive them in an email before the term starts.

With your help, we'll have a smooth changeover to the new check out system.

Thank you for being such a valuable part of Write to Read.

--Sally and Mamta

Who's Reading What this Summer?

Summer classes start the week of June 16 for most of the summer reading groups. Here's a look at what they'll be reading:

 

* Estela Yap's Fremont club: Across America on an Emigrant Train

* Linda Alpers's Centerville club: The Delany Sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom

* Judy Tokubo's Newark club: The Courage to Give

* Lynn Running's Castro Valley club: The Help

* Alison Trent's Fremont club: TBD

* Susan Schacherer's Fremont club: TBD

 

END OF TERM INFORMATION

Select Your Books Now for Summer and Fall 2014

Dear Reading Club Tutors:

Please click here to see the book sets available for the summer.

If there is a line through the book title, the set is either out for processing or another tutor has reserved it.

If the title is in red, click on it to read a book review written by our staff or a fellow tutor.

Please send me an email ASAP with your book club selection if you are teaching this summer. I will fill selections on a first come, first served basis.

Thank you!

Sally

Important Dates for Reading Club Tutors:

· May 10 – Winter/Spring term ends

· May 14 – Annual celebration, 6:00 – 8:30 PM, Fremont Library

· June 2 – Phone-in registration for summer term begins

· June 16 – Summer term begins

· September 15 – Fall term begins (Please note change of date)

· December 13 – Fall term ends

BRANCH Tutors

Your Checklist for End of Term

o Check at your branch for envelope we sent you containing summer schedules

o Call students who aren’t attending but have books out

o Return book set by library mail; address red bag to Sally Ianiro in EXT

o Include list of any missing books, the copy numbers, and student names

o Email us your final student attendance

o Reply promptly to Mamta’s email request for your volunteer hours

o Have a terrific summer!

FREMONT Tutors

Your Checklist for End of Term

o Look for summer schedules in your inbox and distribute them to students

o Collect student books and return them to the office

o Inform students who want to keep books to turn them in to any Alameda County Library branch

o Complete your final student attendance sheet

o Reply promptly to Mamta’s email request for your volunteer hours

o Have a terrific summer!

Easy Voter Guide

June 3, 2014 IS PRIMARY ELECTION DAY!

How will we choose our next Governor? What are the two state propositions?

May 19, 2014 ..........Last day to register to vote in this election

May 27, 2014 ..........Last day to request a “vote by mail” ballot

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Hi Tutors,

We highly recommend the The Easy Voter Guide, which has been providing literacy students and new voters with nonpartisan, easy-to-read election information in California since 1994. It’s such a great tool that many adults in California use it, not just literacy students.

The guide is now available online for the June 3, 2014 Primary Election in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean at http://www.easyvoterguide.org/.

 

The Alameda County Library also has a terrific voter website at http://guides.aclibrary.org/elections. If your student isn’t yet registered to vote, this is a great place to start.

Thank you for encouraging participation in democracy and sharing your knowledge!

Sally and Mamta