By Jim Ehlers
Citrus County Public Library System

WHEREAS, Gov. Charlie Crist has proclaimed September as Florida Adult and Family Literacy Month, the Citrus County Library System (CCLS) would like to share comments from Learners and Tutors in its Adult Literacy program.

Some of our learners are Adult Basic Learners whose native language is English, but have difficulty reading and writing. Others are ESOL Learners whose native language is not English and who have difficulty reading, writing, and speaking in English.

Comments from adult learners

• “Trying to describe what this program means to me is like trying to describe a sunset to a blind man. I did not learn to read in school, but I am learning to read now. I hope the ones that need the tutoring go for it.
  This is going to open up another world.”

• “I live in the Inverness area for two years now, and I really need to improve my English. English is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, languages to learn. You write it one way and say it and read it a different way. From January, 2009 I have classes with the nice lady, Nancy Cardinell, who is volunteer improving my English. I go to the library in Beverly Hills every week. I am leaning English so that I can function in this society. Nancy helped me a lot, now I understand things that I couldn’t understand before. I like to read books and I will be able to read English.”

Comments from tutors

• “Since January 2009, I have been meeting with my learner, who is very good company. I am seeing a lot of improvement in my learner, including more confidence. Altogether, tutoring in the Adult Literacy program is a wonderful experience.” - Vic Gehen from Homosassa
• “The Literacy program provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to step forward and share the gift of reading. In an age of insurmountable problems with seemingly inadequate or nonexistent solutions, this program addresses adult illiteracy in our community without the delay of political debate or talk of additional taxation. Community volunteers are well-trained in the LitStart method, paired with an adult learner, and supported during the process of teaching their student. As a member of the first group of tutors trained in Citrus County, I feel fortunate to participate in a program that pairs concerned citizens with courageous individuals who are willing to face their fear of failure and plunge into the learning process. The stories shared by fellow tutors are heart-warming, and the joy in teaching someone to read is priceless.” - Cheryl Thomas

The mission of the Citrus County Library System Adult Literacy Program is to provide literacy instruction to adults in an effort to improve functional literacy skills, enhance quality of life, and encourage lifelong learning in an open, welcoming and sustainable environment.

All Adult Literacy services provided by the Citrus County Library System are free to the public. Furthermore, the Adult Literacy Program is open to all people needing assistance, regardless of their gender, religion, race,
color, national origin, disability or age.