Literacy Blog

Early Literacy Materials @ Your Library!

Submitted by Christina Thompson on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 4:34pm

North Channel Library is lucky to have wonderful support from our community. We would especially like to thank the North Shore Rotary Club for their recent gift to help promote early literacy! Thanks to the generosity of the North Shore Rotary Club, the library was able to purchase many wonderful educational items for children’s use, such as puzzles, puppets, sensory toys for babies and toddlers, and a Hatch Early Literacy Station for preschoolers which comes preloaded with educational games. So next time you see a North Shore Ro

New ESL Classes at Baldwin Boettcher

Submitted by Elise S. on Tue, 09/13/2011 - 3:41pm

globe Do you know someone who wants to learn English? Baldwin Boettcher Branch currently offers two ESL classes for adults, and more are planned to start in the next few weeks. These free classes are geared toward helping new immigrants meet their work and personal goals through English conversation study and language exercises in small groups of two to eight people. Those interested in joining a class may stop by the library or call us at 281-821-1320 for more information. The library also has the Rosetta Stone language learning program, as well as a selection of ESL books, CDs, and DVDs which may be checked out for an extended loan period.

photo credit: clipart.com (school edition)

Join discussion of One Amazing Thing

Submitted by Steve Zach on Fri, 08/26/2011 - 10:47am

Just us for a discussion of One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni on Wednesday, September 28 from 11 a.m.

Volunteer as an ESL Tutor

Submitted by Elise S. on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 2:52pm

Intermediate ESL class Baldwin Boettcher Branch needs volunteer ESL tutors for both one-on-one and small group classes. Several tutor training sessions are planned in the coming weeks, including one on September 10 at nearby Barbara Bush Branch. For more information on the ESL program, please stop by Baldwin Boettcher or call 281-821-1320 and speak with Cindy or Elise. Helping new adult immigrants learn or improve their English skills is rewarding, fun, and a way to make a positive difference in people's lives.

Become an ESL tutor!

Submitted by Steve Zach on Thu, 08/04/2011 - 4:25pm

Volunteer here at the Parker Williams Branch and help someone open up a door to new opportunities in their life by being able to read, write and speak English.

We will host a training session for volunteer English as a second language tutors on August 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. After this session, tutors will work with a small group of adults once or twice per week to help them gain literacy skills for work purposes, to help their children in school, or for countless other uses. Second language ability is not required for tutors, and materials including lesson activities are provided.

For more information or to register for this workshop, please call us at 281-484-2036.

Study for the GED online

Submitted by Steve Zach on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 6:57pm

If you have been interested in studying for your GED but have difficulty scheduling a class in person, you may be interested in an online class that will begin soon. Parker Williams Branch Library, 10851 Scarsdale, will host orientation and pretesting on July 6 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for an online GED preparation class sponsored by College of the Mainland. The only requirements for registration are as follows:

Share a Book (or the Ability to Read It)

Submitted by Steve Zach on Mon, 06/20/2011 - 9:57am

Christopher and Walter Dean Myers This story from StoryCorps, told by beloved author Walter Dean Myers, is an excellent reminder that someone close to us -- a co-worker, family member or friend -- may desire assistance with reading, and also a reminder to never miss an opportunity to read aloud. Volunteer as a tutor through the library literacy program or call Literacy Advance of Houston or the

Literacy

Become an Adult Literacy Tutor

Submitted by Christina Thompson on Wed, 04/06/2011 - 2:11pm

How would you like to give a gift that can truly change somebody’s life? The library is looking for individuals who want to learn how to be a literacy tutor to adults. You can volunteer at any Harris County library branch and help someone learn how to read. We will train you how to be an effective tutor. The next training session will be at the North Channel library on Saturday, April 30^th from 9 am to 1 pm. To register, or for more information, please call the library at (281) 457-1631.

American Dream and Ice Cream

Submitted by Elise S. on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 5:47pm

Our ESL students and tutors have been working so hard, we are throwing a party for them, and everyone is invited! On Tuesday, March 29, at 5:30 PM, the Baldwin Boettcher Branch staff will have a wonderful variety of luscious ice cream flavors and scrumptious toppings all ready for you to prepare an ice cream sundae to die for. This program for all ages will honor the students in our American Dream ESL Program, which is funded through a generous grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the American Library Association.

Get "Money Smart"

Submitted by Steve Zach on Tue, 03/22/2011 - 11:29am

In difficult economic times, getting "Money Smart" is more important than ever. Each April, the FDIC sponsors free financial education events around Houston with a goal of helping consumers learn about savings and money management on any number of topics.

Join us at any of the events at Harris County Public Library branches listed below. In the meantime, learn about other Money Week (April 2-9) speakers and events around Houston at http://www.moneyweekhouston.com/. And anytime during the year, take the Money Smart online class available on our databases page http://www.hcpl.net/ref/dbsubs.htm#business

Please contact the branch hosting the session you would like to attend: