The Mariposa County Library was recently awarded an $18,000 matching grant from the California State Library for adult literacy, announced County Library Janet Chase-Williams.  The Mariposa Library’s adult literacy program began in 2011 as an adjunct to the Merced County Library’s Read and Succeed program. The grant will allow Mariposa to function independently.

Funds will be used to expand and enhance the current program, including:

• developing a tutor training program;
  
  
• providing books and other resource materials for learners and tutors;
  
  
• offering classes on blogging, social media, Internet searching and the use of cellphones, tablets and other devices; and,
  
  
• creating radio programming and other strategies to reach a wider range of people in need of literacy services.
  
  

“Literacy is not just important for the individual, it’s important for the community as a whole,” Ms. Chase-Williams said.

The low literacy rate in Mariposa County is about 9%, which means that about 1,600 residents lack the basic reading, writing and math skills to perform day-to-day tasks such as reading a newspaper, balancing a checkbook or filling out a job application.

To address this need, the Mariposa Library’s adult literacy program offers free one-to-one tutoring to anyone age 16 or older at the Mariposa, El Portal and Greeley Hill branches. Computer tutoring is also offered at the Mariposa branch. Learners work at their own pace to achieve goals they set for themselves. For example, if a learner wants to write a resume, help children with homework, get and use an email account, or pass a driver’s test, instruction is directed toward reaching that goal. Help with preparation for the GED, including math, and with taking the U.S. citizenship test is also available.

All program materials are provided free of charge to learners. Hours are flexible to fit in with the learner’s schedule. Learners must speak English well enough to communicate with their tutors.

Volunteer tutors, including math and computer tutors, must be 18 or older; have a high school diploma or equivalent; read at a 12th grade level; and, be English speaking.

For more information visit: MariposaLibrary.org, or email: karen.dusek@mariposalibrary.org or call 209-966-2140.