SANTA BARBARA – For 25 years, the Santa Barbara Public Library System has provided Adult Literacy for free, but this year their state funding has been cut.
For many people, reading a book or newspaper is a skill they don't think much about, but 18 percent of adults in Santa Barbara County lack basic reading and writing skills. That's where the Adult Literacy Program comes in.
"I always say that libraries make a difference," said Central Library Director Irene Macias. "This program is an entry into the world of literature."
In California, more than 20,000 adults are provided free tutoring in 100 library districts. The Santa Barbara Public Library System serves more than 200 adults each year.
"The library's literacy program provides free text books, free reading materials, free other materials and those include things like white boards and markers, flashcards, all sorts of materials," said Beverly Schwartzberg, literacy coordinator.
But those resources cost the library money which now will be harder to come by. Funding for the program was eliminated from California's budget but even with the $45,000 slashed, the program here will still continue.
"We just couldn't consider cutting back the program so we are funding it through our other sources of funds," said Macias.
The library will now have to apply for more grants to make up for the thousands cut by the state. Luckily, the 150 Literacy Program tutors are volunteers.
"They come from all walks of life," said Schwartzberg. "Some of our tutors are retired teachers but many of them have no teaching experience, they're people who are accountants, they are people who are retirees, students, they are homemakers and they just come with a desire to help."
Volunteers are asked to make a six month commitment but some have stayed much longer.
"We've been doing this for 25 years since 1984 and we are so delighted to have tutors with so much experience still willing to make a difference in someone else's life," said Schwartzberg.
For more information on becoming a Literacy Program tutor, call 805-564-5619 or email Bev Schwartzberg at bschwartzberg@santabarbaraca.gov.
