The Los Angeles Times reports as many as 53% of working-age Los Angeles County residents have trouble reading street signs or bus schedules, filling out job applications in English or understanding a utility bill. The national average is 48%, according to the 1990 National Adult Literary Survey.

Monrovia Public Library Foundation wants to help those in the Monrovia community who can’t read. As English author Rumer Godden said, “When you learn to read, you will be born again… and you will never be quite so alone again.” A community such as Monrovia can not be entirely unified when some of its citizens live with the loneliness of illiteracy.

MPLF’s innovative literacy program is the first step in bridging the gap between residents and providing everyone with the opportunity to become successful family members, workers, and citizens.

In 2014 a dedicated group of 38 tutors worked with 53 learners. 27 participants in that group reached their literacy goals and 11 are continuing their work in 2015. The program emphasizes building basic literacy skills such as proficiency in reading and writing English, computer skills, and health and financial literacy.

One of the most important features of the Library’s literacy program is how it attracts new participants. The very people who would benefit cannot read flyers or advertisements about the program. The Library works with civic partners, religious leaders, educators, and others to refer friends and family members to the literacy program.

A part-time literacy coordinator, supported by a California state grant, oversees the literacy services program.

MPLF is also committed to ensuring the Library continues to provide its extremely successful literacy program for children. This program includes a summer reading club and its publicity, programming and reading contests and prizes, as well as iPad access and educational apps.

You can join this life-enhancing program. Click here and let us know if you want to volunteer or want more information.