September is Library & Literacy Month

SEPTEMBER LAUNCHES LIBRARY & LITERACY

With Classes in full swing and kids are hunkered down with books and homework, I lament for a time when the libraries were the town halls of group studies and book reporters scouring the reference desks. With the convenience of “googling” or “facebook” many students may find the library obsolete.
Not so in St. Clair County’s Library system.

According to Allison Arnold, Director of Operations at the St. Clair County Library System, the county library system circulates over a million items of print and media materials every year. Not bad considering that there are over 70,000 card holders from children to seniors, exceeding the library system’s ratio of services among county residents of 173,000.

This month, all 11 libraries are highlighting card membership drives encouraging those who have not considered a membership, which is free, to take advantage of the offerings. A simple three minute application is a passport to the information world. A library card is a rite of passage for children giving them a valid identity of their patronage to the wonderful world of literacy. For adults a library card is a “life-skill” insurance policy where especially in today’s tough job market an adult can conduct their job research and due diligence from the resources and workshops offered by the libraries.

The county libraries theme “Connecting you to the World” is not just about the computer terminals and stations, but community events and volunteerism as well. All eleven libraries are conveniently located throughout the county, each having a local flavor catered to their neighborhoods. With the successful passing of the county’s millage in August, the funding will continue to sustain the necessary services.

Another critical service the Library system provides is their support of the St. Clair County Library’s Audult Literacy Project, which is now into its 24th year of providing literacy tutoring for adults - many of whom have worked in the manufacturing sector, found themselves out of a job and are picking up where they left off. The illiteracy rate in St. Clair County is about 18%, just above the state average of 16%. Already there has been an increase in the services, however, there is still the self-esteem issue and humility for adults seeking help. The literacy project ensures that confidentiality.

Another program that is growing is the English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring, where there are approximately 12 ESL clients who are bridging from Spanish, Turkish, and Russian to English. The Literacy project continues to do this efficiently thanks largely to 96 dedicated volunteer tutors. There are about 50 working pairs of tutors and students currently engaged, many who have retired or are finding the engagement a rewarding experience. All tutors have gone through an orientation and conduct tutoring sessions, in confidence, mainly in quiet secluded areas in the libraries.

For more information about tutoring or for volunteer opportunities, contact Sue Rutledge, Board President and volunteer of the St. Clair County Library Adult Literacy Project at (810) 987-7323.

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