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03/18/2009 Agreement Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services LST A APPLICATION Application .Due: March 15. 2009 LIBRARY I ORGANIZATION NAME Monroe County Public Libran' MAILING ADIlRESS 700 Flemin2 Street. Kev West, FL 33040 PHONE # 305-292-3594 SUNCOM # FAX # 305-295-3626 CONTACT PE:RSON Anne Lavton Rice E-MAIL ADDRESS rice-anne(tUmonroecountv-fl.2:ov FEID OR SAMAS AND EO #59-6000749 CONTRACTING AGENCY NAME Monroe County Board of Commissioners TYPE (check one): . Public 0 K~-12 0 Academic 0 Multitype Library Consortium 0 Special 0 State Library CATEGORY (check one) . Access for Persons Having Difficulty Using Libraries o Library Technology Connectivity and Services PROJECT NAJME Southernmost Literacy Book Club PROJECT . New o Continuing If continuing, specify year: LSTA FUNDS REQUESTED $9,999.00 PRIORITY# 1 OF 1 APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED LIBRARY SEltVICE AREA POPULATION 754tOOO NUMBER OF PERSONS TO BE SERVED BY PROJECT 54t920 TARGETED lTSER GROUP (Check all that apply) D Children 0 Youth. . Adults 0 Older Adults 0 Mixed D Other, specify Norma Kula Typed Name and Signature of Le v "-J. r: v--/4 ~3-1/-2-0(!) Date Monroe County Public Library Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Limited English ProfICient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries NARRATIVE SUMMARY Our new project, The Southernmost Literacy Book Club, builds on the foundation created by the lSfA literacy grant awarded in 2002. It is the umbrella under which resides three synergistic components: Literature through Literacy, Pictures and Stories, and Literary Luminaries, offering English literacy instruction through Literacy Volunteers for new language learners, plus a vehicle by which they may begin to more fully understand, appreciate and communicate thoughts and opinions about the content of the literature they read and discuss -- for many students, for the f11"St time. This project includes participation in short story discussions that encourage th~ practicing new oral communication skills. It provides new language learners opportunities to improve reading and writing skills in the context of learning about authors such as Hemingway and O. Henry, as well as works by local, liVirlg authors. This project importantly includes authentic writing activities designed to strengthen the personal relationship learners have with their localltbrary, and introduces learners to guest authors, poets and storytellers invited to present their work at workshops and readings. INTRODUCTION The Florida Keys are an elongated, arching chain of nearly 822 low-lying islands, over 120 miles in length, connected by a single overseas highway. Population density is 75 persons per square mile. Monroe <::Ounty, frequendy referred to as the Keys, is located at the southern tip of the state. Given Monroe County's shape, every county service must recur repeatedly to effectively serve its 75,000 residents. Even with five library locations, there IS a minimum span of 20 miles between them. According to 2008 data from the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research, Monroe County has the highest retail prices and housing costs in Florida.. According to 1 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries the 2004 Florida Statistical Abstract. 13.6% of all children in Monroe County live below the poverty line. These demographics suggest a great divide between upper and lower economic status. The Monroe County Public Library system is a department of the County, reporting to the Deputy Administrator. A Library Advisory Board, consisting of five Commission-appointed members, meets monthly to provide counsel concerning all matters relating to the public libraries. Our mission is to provide the resources, services and environment for patrons to pursue their business, edl,lcational and recreational interests/needs. Every Monroe County library provides children's programming. full reference services, community outreach projects, public lectures of local interest, ~tnd electronic resources. The May Hill Russell Public Library in Key West, founded in 1892, is South Florida's oldest public library and the headquarters location. Monroe Countfs five community libraries provide a total of 216 service hours per week. Our staff of 30 FIEs serve 40,000 registered users and provide a collection of 207,000 titles. Volunteers contribute the equivalent of 275 FIEs annually. ''PeopleCounters'' indicated nearly 500,000 visitors during our last fiscal year. Local funding for fiscal year 2009-2010 is $2,800,000. While we are funded to provide services to the 80,000 residents of the Keys, we also serve many of 1he 3 million annual visitors. Started in 1984 under the auspices of Key West Friends of the Library, Literacy Volunteers of America-Monroe County, Inc. ("LVA'') began as a library literacy group of 20 volunteers headquartered in the Key West branch of the Monroe County Public Library. Over the years, the organization grew with community needs. In 1989 Library Literacy gained full affiliateship with Literacy Volunteers of America-a nationwide literacy provider-and officially became "Literacy Volunteers of America-Monroe County, Ine." Having expanded to twice its size, LVA moved to St Marys schoo~ and continued to work hand in hand with Monroe County Friends of the Library. In 2002, LV A became an affiliate of Pro Literacy America, and the need for further expansion made it necessary for L V A to come full circle-back to the Library, where it has its roots. L V A requested the library once again assist them in performing their mission-to help adults achieve personal goals by 2 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost literacy Book Club: library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries increased literacy skills" Through an LSTA grant obtained in 2002, LV A was able to offer tutor and student intake and training at five locations of the Monroe County Library. 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('I) (l) 0 OQ (1) -('6 0 fI) '.:!'l C P"'\ 0- ~ ~ Q _~ ~ o 0 ~:J '<: 0'" ::3 ct.. ~ 0.. ~ _ M CI) ~.... t""t' ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ g Q.. (D" ~ (1) a: ~~. en o~~ .Q~ '--/ ~ ~ o ~ (j o ~ tt1 (I) ~ r 0= Dl ~ (J) Q) < o. (I) (I) 0' ., r 3" ;::+ (I) a. m :::J CQ. iir ::J" \J a ~ Q.. (I) :3 .... I>> :::J a. o .... ::J" <D , -0 <D CiJ o ::J(J) (1)0 Ie ~~s: --CD 0 ::l3::s (03' Qog ~Sllo g c: g ;:+CD::S '<..,.... cm'< U)O-u -" '< c: ::lmO" (00= COO O""r DloO= ::J. c OJ ~ ~~ Monroe County Public Library Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Limited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries NEED Target Population: Our target population is a melting pot of nationalities, both colorful and culturally diverse. L V A learners hail from Poland, Cuba, the Ukraine, Russia, the Czech Republic, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Uruguay, Haiti, China and Japan. These learners wish to improve reading, 'Nriting and English speaking skills as well as integrate themselves into American culture. They obtain English literacy instruction on-site at the Key West location of the Monroe County library, and are a small slice of Key West's total population of 25,031 residents. Out of this total, 1,118 or 5.8% have just 0-9 years of schooling. An additional 9.5% or 1,842 have more than 9 years of schooling, but no high school diploma. 24.8% do not speak English in the home. Out of these, 19.4% or 2,960 1~'Speak English less than very well." (http://www.infoplease.com/us I census I datal flo rida I key -west,/) Our new program. The Southernmost Literacy Book Club, targets a total of 5,920 Key West residents who are new English language learns and/ or lack a high school degree. There are currently 50 students on the LV A waiting list in Key West, 20 additional students on the LVA waiting list in Marathon, and 14 on the LVA waiting list in Key Largo. There are always more students ()n LV A waiting lists than there are tutors to assist them. LVA's learner population last year included 10 parents and children enrolled in Family Literacy, 11 men and women enrolled in Workplace Literacy, and 165 men and women enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Basic READ programs. L V A served a total of 186 individuals last year 4 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost Uteracy Book Club: Library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries with a staff of two, part-time case managers, working approximately ten hours each per week. Pro Literacy .l\merica (LV A parent organization) Development Officer Mark Cass notes, 'This is a stellar example lof maximizing work through the professional management of volunteers as both an effective and cost efficient approach to meeting literacy needs. It is typically a 'one full-time person to 40 student ratio' as far as stiff to students being the ideal." LV A has been fortunate to have retained 100 active volunteers to assist with tutoring. The number of LV A students served without any full-time, paid stiff member, is quite remarkable. There is a still, however, a great need for additional tutors to work with students, as evidenced by countywide waiting lists, with more walk-ins every day. Unmet Needs Although there is LV.A, there are no other mechanism in place to expand the educational and social horizons of new language learners who, although they may be employed, are still not proficient enough in conununicating in English to be able to go out to a restaurant by themselves and order a meal, or go to a musewn and know what the guide is saying, or go to the library and participate in a short story discussion. These students are at a crossroad. Many can read English and somewhat understand, which would make them perfect candidates for the Southernmost Literacy Book Oub, but need assistance in conununicating and socialization. Many are terrified. "I go to work," says Rimma Bachlanova, an intennediate/advanced LV A student working in the Housekeeping Department of a local Key West guesthouse, "I come home, watch 1V, go to sleep. I like to go restaurant after work. Nice restaurant. But no, I cannot No understand. I like museums. I want to go see. No go. No understand! I want understand I want nice, American husband. I want to learn. I go no place. I get up. Go to work. Come home. Watch 1V. Go to sleep. I want to learn!" 5 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library SelVices for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Libraries There is no program presently in existence at the library which encourages discussions for new language learners in the context of literature. The literature through literacy program under the umbrella of The Southernmost literacy Book Club would remedy this unmet need There is no program in existence at the library teaching writing for new language learners in the context of their own lives. The Pictures and Stories program, using online writing resources and photographs to create personal notebooks and family albwns, would remedy this unmet need. There is no program in existence at the library which encourages new language learners to participate in discussions about writing and poetry. The Literary Llllninaries program, utilizing Key West's extraordinary wealth of local authors and poets, would remedy this unmet need. There is currently no bridge for learners who score as a level 3 or 4 on the standardized ESOLA (these students can communicate in English and be understood, but need help with tenses, pronunciation and vocabulary), but are not prepared for mainstream education or are still needing communications skills to improve their employment-These students require encouragement to utilize the library, as they are afraid that their skills put them at a disadvantage. This project would help create a bridge for those students to allow them. to improve their English communication skins in a library learning setting. positioning them to be, along with their families, lifelong library customers. The Library's mission is very clear: "To meet the changing needs of our communities for infonnation, education and personal enrichment in a variety of formats, in buildings that are inviting. comforrnble, and fitted for technological growth and development, with a staff that is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, in partnerships with our communities..." Lifelong learning is a core value of the Library. The Library's 2009 Annual Plan of Service states specifically, "Library users of all ages will 6 Monroe County Public Library Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Limited English Proficient and Other Persons. Having Difficulty Using Libraries find the means to continue to learn throughout their lives and to access, evaluate, and use information in a variety of formats." Monroe County Public Library (MCPLS) started library literacy in 1984 under the auspices of Friends of the Library --originally housing LV A in the Key West Library. The purpose and goal of our 2002 LSTA grant project ''Library Services for Limited English Proficient Hospitality Workers" was to improve literacy skills for adults employed in the hospitality industry by creating a stronger partnership between Monroe County Public Libraries, LV.A, and the Monroe <:ounty Sheriffs Office. This goal was achieved in what was honored as one of the State Library's Exemplary Programs. The three main accomplishments (and on-going benefits) of the project were: -$- Library services were provided to new customers. ~ Students were assisted by the library to achieve personal goals through increased literacy skills. ~ The library is positioned and promoted as a lifelong learning center. Inputs that made this program's success possible included library and LV A staff, literacy volunteers, trainings held both on-site at three library locations and off-site at the L V A study center, the enthusiasm of library and LV A staff, supportive project partners, facilities, materials and funding. Primarily, the project was successfully because the LV A partners and library staff have a clear grasp of the local ESL-Hospitality community, their needs, and challenges. Activities that facilitated program success included the creation of partnerships with Literacy Volunteers and the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, the dissemination of curriculums to five library 7 Monroe County Public Library Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Limited English Proficient and other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries sites) the recruiting and training of volunteers) the recruiting and enrollment of limited English proficient students) the development of library learning collections, the utilization of the workplace curriculum, and, most effectively, the promotion and publicizing of the project. In addition, MCPLS partnered with LV A and the Monroe County School District with the Even Start Family Literacy Program from 1999 through to 2005) providing library space in Key West and Key Largo for P A.C.T. (parents And Children Together) play groups. From 1997 - 1999 MCPLS partnered with LV A and United Way with the "Community Integration" program, inviting limited English proficient immigrants to tour the library, use the computers and obtain library cards in an effort to assist these students become more fully integrated into the English speaking community. Library Croals This project proposes to provide the Key West library with the Southernmost Literacy Book Club to assist in teaching English to ESOL students who comprise over 90% of the student presently served by L V A and help to take them to the next level as citizens who can communicate effectively through increased literacy skills, appreciate English literature, be able to discuss stories, and create authentic writing, as the next step in the learning process. This project intends to add to the non-traditional customer base for the Key West library and use the effectiveness of this program as a litmus test to determine if this program should and can be carried up the Keys to the other four library locations to better serve the limited English proficient communities there. 8 Monroe County Public library Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries During this grant term, we will strengthen the presence of LV A by premiering our new program at our Key West library location. We will involve other educational and social service organizations in the community that support literacy as we explore areas for future program funding. Creating Library ellSlomerr We are designing library literacy to attract and create new library customers. We start with the training of new tutors who, as part of their certification, will have a section of their training devoted to instructing students on how to connect to library resources as well as educating them on our new Soutbemmost Literacy Book Dub, encouraging new tutors as well as existing tutors to work together with their students as new book club members, utilizing all three parts of the program _ People and Stories-Florida Memory-and Read and Write Around Florida. Lbrarians would be a natural presence at the :&ok Club events. They would be available to sign up new borrowers, provide book recommendations and refer participants to other library resources. LV A volunteers and instructors will promote library use on a daily basis with students. Tutors and adult educators are important people who make the difference on whether students become lifelong library COJ1Sumers. As most of the students targeted with this program speak little or no English, which naturally makes it difficult to utilize library services, this project will enable a new population to access a service not previously available, in a student friendly environment. It will encourage their progress in order to make the library literacy experience a familiar one. Built into the program design is instilling in these new users a love of the library which should assist in their evolution into regular library consumers who view the library as a lifelong learning center. 9 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Limited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries Mid-year evaluations by students, tutors and librarians will be distributed. Recommendations for change will be incorporated into the second half of the grant period. 10 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost LiteraOJ Book Club: Library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries Inputs Contractors Literacy Volunteers of America Inc. of Monroe County is a private, not-for-profit literacy provider that matches volunteer tutors with students who are in need of improving basic literacy skills. There are 100 volunteer tutors in Monroe County. Last year L V A assisted 186 students in achieving personal goals through increased literacy skills. Many students are already library customers, and those who are riot will be targeted as new customers. Student goals included: . learning to read and write for personal satisf-action, . obtairling employmen4 . obnWling better employment, . ObnWling a library card, . obnWling a driver's license, . learning to speak in English to one's children's teacher . Obtaitling citizenship . increasing confidence . progressmg to a program of higher education. 11 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries LVA programs include Basic READ, ESL, Family literacy and Workplace Literacy. All LVA tutors will receive special training to teach their students to access and use library resources, such as family programs, e-govemment help, and historical archives. Staff Library Administrator, Anne Layton Rice will serve as the Grant Project Lead, writing reports, overseeing expenditures, coordinating with contract vendors, and publicizing the grant Circulation Librarian,. Kris Neihouse, has led numerous book clubs and meet-the-author events. She would schedule the Literacy book club meetings and represent the Library at the events. A Reference Librarian would provide assistance with word processing software. Lbrary cataloging staff would create MARC records for materials purchased or created for the grant and submit the records to DCLe for inclusion in the WorldCat database. Students Annually LV A served 186 students last year. Currently, and at any given time, LV A has 40 to 70 students enrolled. All students enrolled at the time this grant begins will be directed to the Southernmost Literacy Book Club. Additionally, new students who are enrolled throughout fIScal 2009-2010 will be directed to this new program. Training All LV A certified tutors in Key West will be invited to be trained to assist students in utilizing this new program. In addition to the regular training that new tutors will receive throughout fIScal 2009-2010, tutors will receive a minimum of two hours additional training in the 12 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries utilization of the Southernmost Literacy Book Club as an instructional tool to use with their intennediate to advance level students. LVA's standardized English as a Second Language and Basic READ trainings have been developed by LV A National for use on local, state and national levels. They have been time prov(~n to effectively teach both students for whom English is their frrst language as well as speakers of other languages to increase literacy skills. LV A lead trainers Mary Casanova and Sharon Plezia have over 30 years of combined experience in certifying volunteers. LV A philosophy and methodology advocates a student-centered approach using real-life materials placed in context with the learner's needs, goals and learning proficiencies. Facilities For the purposes of the first year of this grant, we are focusing on our Key West library branch for provision of services through the Library Literacy Book Club, using it as a prototype for expansion to the other library locations after a full year has been completed. The Key West Lbrary maintains a fully-equipped auditorium that can accommodate up to 80 persons. A mobile computer training lab (from our 2000 LSfA grant) is available for word processing training and use. Materials Materials targeted towards the goals, needs and learning proficiencies of students will be provided at the Key West library branch to include LV A tutor and student intake forms. Twenty copies of 'The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway" will be purchased to compliment the ''Literature through Literacy" component of the Book Club. (20 x $14.96 13 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost LiteraCf Book Club: Library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries =$299.20 excluding shipping through Amazon). The library has a variety of popular adult learner items which include: · l,iving Language audiotape and booklet sets. Example title: "English for the Real World" f()[ speakers of Spanish, available for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. · The Thwnbprint Mysteries series. This unique series offers quality mystery fiction for a.:iults who want to read at their appropriate skill levels. · R.ecorded Books SmartReader and SteadyReader senese SmartReader sets include audiotapes recorded at two speeds with a read-along book. Topics include biogrnphies, rrlysteries and fiction. SteadyReaders are unabridged recordings (narrated 10-150/0 slower dlan standard) with a read-along book. An I,V A tutor writes about the project's effect on her ESL students. "I think the most important result was that being welcomed at the library made them feel more included in our community. They have library cards! And it's free.. .they checked out (materials) ranging from . Greek and Roman history to the Everglades to Learning to Read... Thank you for providing such a positive experience for these hardworking, interesting people." Publicity L V A has over the past 24 years developed a very good working relationship with the local media in Key West, including the Key West Citizen, Lower Keys Barometer, Keynoter, Conch Color, Key West the Newspaper, Clear Channel Radio Stations (WEOW, WKEY, WAIL, WIaXTF), WWUS, WCNK, WFFG, WIIS, WKIZ and Comcast Cable. LVA's Executive 14 Monroe County Public Ubrary Southernmost Literacy Book Club: Library Services for Umited English Proficient and Other Persons Having Difficulty Using Ubraries Director and Board President are both professional advertising writers who will assure information dissemination about this new program through no-cost publicity releases and public service announcements will be ongoing throughout this grant. 15 ACTION PLAN Project Activities /Timeline ./ CREATE CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT WITH LVA Responsible Person: Library Administrator. Estimated Date of Completion: October 1, 2009. Upon notification of award, a contractual agreement will be made between Monroe County Public Library and sole source vendor Literacy Volunteers of America-Monroe County, Inc., with a schedule of payments and outline of services provided drawn up, agreed upon and signed by October 1,2009. ./ PREPARE AND PRESENT PROGRAM COMPONENTS FOR SOUTHERNMOST LITERACY BOOK CLUB Responsible Person: L V A Executive Director Estimated I)ates of Completion: October 31, 2009 for the Pictures and Stories component November 30, 2009 for the Literaty Luminaries component December 31, 2009 for the Literature through Literacy component December 31, 2009 for short story volumes purchased for program use During the first quarter, library staff in concert with L V A will establish three program components under the umbrella of The Southernmost Literacy Book Club to 16 include Pictures and Stories, Literary Luminaries, and Literature through Literacy. All grant materials purchased or created will be catalogued and submitted to OCLC for inclusion in the W orldCat database. LV A will set up a schedule to interface with library staff to hold activities on a varying weekly, monthly and bi-monthly basis to include short story discussion groups, storytelling sessions, online writing activities, book and poetry readings and a poetry and! or essay contest. New opportunities for practicing English for new language learners will be incorporated in activities. 20 copies of The Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway will be purchased for learner use for the IiteratuTe through Iiterary portion of this initiative. We intend The Southernmost Iiterary Book Club to build on the foundation created by the LSTA grant awarded in 2002. It will serve as the umbrella under which will reside a three component initiative designed to enhance literacy services offered at the Key West library branch by offering not only English literacy instruction but "the next step" for new language learners - a vehicle by which they . may, with their newfound literacy skills, begin to more fully understand, appreciate and communicate thoughts and opinions about the content of the literature they read and discuss __ for some students, for the first time ever. TIlls project will include learner participation in short story discussions that encourage the practicing new communication skills through activities to include reading out loud, paired reading and choral reading. TIlls program will also offer opportunities to improve writing skills in the context of learning more about great literature, with authentic writing activities to be completed both on and offline, designed to strengthen the personal relationship learners have with their local library. TIlls project additionally intends to attract and add new non-traditional library customers while at the same time encouraging existing customers to use Monroe County Public Library resources more 17 frequendy. The Southernmost Literary Book Club will be the umbrella under which will reside a synergy of three programs: .:. Literacy Luminaries Inspired by the higWy successful "People and Stories" model, this program will create greater public access to literature for populations often excluded (such as immigrant students enrolled at LV A, and those without high school diplomas), bringing local poets, writers and storytellers to the Key West library branch to present and share their work. Bi-monthly presentations of a minimum of one hour and maximum of two will be made to the new language learner audience as well as the general public. These sessions will be facilitated by library and L V A staff including Circulation Librarian, Kris Neihouse, who has led numerous book clubs and meet-the-author events. We anticipate up to ten student attendees for each session. Tutors who attend with learners will incorporate the work of visiting luminaries into their English literacy instruction sessions, allowing learners to use their own words and draw upon their own experiences in discussing short story writing, poetry, and stories told by storytellers. As learners examine the poetics, issues and the values the stories explore, they will acquire new vocabulary in a literate and literary context. Bi-monthly communications advising L V A tutors and students of guest writers and poets will be disseminated to the list of 100 L V A tutors in. the Lower Keys each time there is a speaking engagement. Additionally, notices will be submitted for inclusion in the Friends of the Library newsletter. We plan a minimum of six guest authors/poets/ storytellers participating in the Literary Luminaries program for the first year, however, we are hopeful for more than six. Speaking engagements will be a minimum of one hour maximum two hour incl'ements. 18 .:. Pietllres and Stories 1bis program is based on the popular Florida Memory model that is already online which targets learners interested in Florida history. Florida Memory is part of the Florida Electronic Library which will also be promoted as part of this program. The writing tool is part of the online classroom at http://www,:floridalnen1ory.con1/ OnlineClassroom/. 1bis program will have a local focus on the Florida Keys. 1bis program will introduce an online writing component, using Florida's rich photographic history to complement stories. Writing activities will include writing about what learners see, learners having at their disposal a selection of photos based on themes oflocal and larger scope interest (i.e., Key West, Hurricanes, Lighthouses, Civil Rights). Those learners wishing to use the Florida Memory project's "Writing Around Florida" page will choose a photo, and be asked questions to prompt a critical thinking response to incorporate into a writing exercise. Additionally, learners may wish to bring their own photos or artwork to write about, and choose between working on or offline. Learners will be encouraged to bring personal pictures of family members, pets and local places to combine with personal stories that have special meaning for them, utilizing the language experience approach (LEA) approach. By participating in the Pictures and Stories writing component of The Southernmost Literacy Book Club, Monroe County adults will improve their writing skills and gain confidence. Pictures and Stories will be encouraged for use by tutors as an exercise to use with students when they meet for lessons for a recommended one half hour writing exercise on a bi-weekly basis. Additionally, the curriculum librarian, LV A director and/or LV A Lower Keys Coordinator will facilitate a monthly Pictures and Stories writing class. Much like Literary Lwninaries, monthly communications advising LV A tutors and students of writing classes will be disseminated to the list of 100 LV A tutors in the Lower Keys each time there is a class scheduled. 19 Additionally, notices will be submitted for inclusion in the Friends of the Library newsletter. We plan a minimum of six facilitated sessions for the first year. Each session will be a minimum one hour, maximum tw.o. Additionally, this program will have an independent study component, so that the LV A hallmark of "flexibility of scheduling" is provided with a library home base, thus assuring learners the freedom to work on their personal writing online utilizing the Florida Memory page whenever they choose, so long as the library is open and there is internet access. .:. Literature Through Literacy A localized adaptation of the successful Read and Write Around Florida model, this program offers short story discussions for English language learners, offering traditional library programming-the book discussion-to adults learning English. These discussions will be targeted to learners eager to practice their conversation skills, new or hesitant readers of English, and adult English learners participating in family literacy. A facilitator utilizing the Read and Write Around Florida training manual (either curriculum librarian, L V A director, coordinator or L V A volunteer) will facilitate bi-rnonthly discussion groups with intermediate to advanced level adult English language learners. Discussion groups will be open to the general public. We will begin with Ernest Hemingway's "Old Man At The Bridge." Additional stories will be selected by library and LV A staff, based on the language level of participating students, for a total of six facilitated, one-hour sessions for the first year. The role of library staff will be critical to the success of this program; the Key West library's curriculum librarian will be important in the implementation, scheduling and execution of this project, as will be pa:rticipation by both L V A tutors and students invited to attend programs. 20 We view it higWy important to establish a stronger relationship between learners and the children's and reference librarians. Building trust and relationships in a cutback environment, where our library is now closed on Mondays, will require some strategic planning. The L V A director has suggested we include in our program plan an annual covered dish day for library staff from new language learners enrolled in L V A programs to introduce library staff to new tutors and their students and promote friendship an<i relationship building. Upon notification of award and after program startup, membership cards will be made available to join The Southemmost Literacy Book Club at the Key West community library branch. These cards will be made available to L V A tutors, learners and the general public targeted towards library patrons of diverse cultural backgrounds as well as any new library customer who wishes to participate. We will closely watch the comfort level of participants when mixing new language learners with English language speakers. ./ PREPARE AND PRESENT ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE AND BASIC READ PROGRAMS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Responsible Person: LV A Executive Director Estimated Date of Completion: December 31,2009 or earlier Applications will continue to be made available for L V A Basic READ and ESL programs on site at the Key West library branch. L V A staff will set up a schedule to interface with library staff to pick up completed apl?lications and conduct testing for students. Tutors will be matched with students on a one-to-one ao.d small group basis and tutoring sessions of no less than two hours per week will take place both on and off-site with a student-centered approach as students set personal goals to work on 21 through increased literacy skills. New learners will be introduced to adult learner collections at the Key West community library branch. These materials include easy reading with adult themes. Especially helpful are the Living Language audiotape and booklet sets, the Thumbprint Mystery Series and Recorded Bo()ks SmartReader and SteadyReader series. Tutors will be trained to assist students in availing themselves of these and other library resource materials. ~ RECRUIT AND TRAIN TUTORS/RECRUIT AND ENROLL STUDENTS Responsible Person: L V A Executive Director Estimated Time of Completion: September 30, 2010 · A. minimum of one and maximum of three tutor training workshop certifications will be held to certify volunteers in the L V A ESL program and to train new tutors on the use of dle three components under The Southemmost Literacy Book Club umbrella. · A minimum of one tutor in-service will be held to educate current tutors of the benefits of . irlcluding instructional elements present through the three program components into tlltOring lessons with leamers. · J.\ minimum of 15 and maximum of 30 tutors will be trained to assist limited English proficient students gain strength in English by conversational practice related to the program. · J~ minimum of 100 learners will have been recruited, intaked and placed on L VA's 'waiting list for a tutor. 22 · A minimum of 500/0 or 50 learners will work on a one-to-one basis with a trained, certified L V A tutor on improvement of literacy skills. · A minimum of 50% or 25 of those students matched with a tutor will complete student s(~lf evaluation forms. · A minimum of 700/0 of student self-evaluations received or 17 will indicate student perceived progress as evidenced by gains in skill levels and achievement of personal goals through increased literacy skills. · A minimum of 70% or 18 student self-reports will indicate increased skills at accessing library resources. · A minimum of 50% or 25 student files will reflect progress as indicated by gains on standardized testing including ESOLA (English as a Second Language Oral Assessment), Basic READ (Reading Evaluation Adult Diagnosis) , tutor reporting and/or student reporting and/or pre- and post-comparative writing samples. At least one tutor training workshop will be scheduled on-site at the Key West library. The tutor training workshop will be one day in length and will be offered throughout the length of the project. Tutor training sessions will teach members of the community how to differentiate between a Level 1 and Level 4 student, become familiar with what a 23 kinesthetic, tactual and visual learner is, and, how to administer pre- and post- E.S.O.L.A. oral assessments. An important part of the tutor training workshop will focus on assisting LV A students to access library resources at the Key West library and encourage tutors to enroll students in The Southernmost Literacy Book Club Student recruitment is already ongoing, achieved through word of mouth and referrals from many social service and educational agencies countywide. Student recruitment is also achieved by featuring "Student of the Month" photos and stories about student success stories in the local newspapers. A mid-year survey will be conducted to assess student, tutor, and staff participation in these programs. During the second half of the grant period, recommended changes will be incorporated ../ PROMOTE AND PUBLICIZE Responsible Person: Library Administrator and L V A Director Estimated Date of Completion: September 30, 2010 The library and L V A will work closely together to pr?mote this project and to position the library as a lifelong learning center. By October 31, 2009 or before, L V A Director and Library Administrator will coordinate convenient times to schedule a photo opportunity to assist in publicizing the premier of new literacy services at Key West. By December 31, 2009 photos will have be(~n taken of library staff and literacy students at the Key West library branch of the Monroe County library system with accompanying stories written, approved and prepared for 24 submission to newspapers in the lower keys including I<.ey West Citizen, Key West Keynoter, Key West the Newspaper, Big Pine News Barometer, Celebrate and Miami Herald. In addition, public service at1nouncements will be written, approved and prepared for submission to radio stations between mile markers 0 - 47 including WKEY, WWUS, WKFZ, WCTH, WI<EZ, WCNI<', WPIK AND WMKL to promote program expansion and inform perspective students that they will be able to access enhanced literacy services the Key West branch. In addition, photos and stories will be submitted to the Key West Friends of the library newsletter, as well as directed, with student stories, to local and. state legislators. At four weeks prior to a tutor training workshop, publicity releases will be sent to all local newspapers. After every tutor training workshop, a class photo will be taken and submitted with a story to local papers. "Student and Tutor of the month" will be featured and submitted to local newspapers. A two-page fact sheet will be provided that can be shared with other literacy programs and libraries who want to replicate this program to also share our lessons learned. ../ SUST AINABILITY The Monroe County Public Library gave birth to the first literacy program in the county in 1984. The program has been sustained and is growing. In a cit), where 23.65% of the adult population is targeted by literacy services, there will always be a need for literacy instruction in Key West. Likewise, there will always be the need for volunteers to assist in tutoring on a one-to-one and small group basis. History shows the library has partnered effectively with many agencies including the Monroe County Sheriffs Department, Monroe County School System, AARP, Healthy Start, Healthya 25 Families" Literacy Volunteers and Zonta International in order to provide increased social services within the community. LV A also partnered with these same agencies and diversifies funding sources so that, since 1984, they have been able to sustain themselves. Last year LV A received funding from the Sheriffs Asset Forfeiture Fund (SAFF), the Community Foundation, Publix Foundation, Monroe County Social Services (Board of County Commissioners) and local organizations and businesses sponsoring fund raising events such as the Keys Bees Costumed Spelling Bee (Sunrise Rotary) and Battle of the Bars (Schooner Whar!). History ha.s also proven that through collaboration and cooperation both the Monroe County Public Library System and LV A have been able to sustain our programs in the past. If past experi.enc(~ is any indication of future performance, we feel confident this project will able to be sustained, as well as experience growth. 26 LibrarylOrganization Name Momoe County Library System Project Name The Southernmost Literncy Book Club - Library Services for Limited Eruilish Proficient and Others Havine Difficulty Using 1be Librarv- Y ear One BUDGET (Round all amoWlts to nearest dollar. Add additional Iines if needed to include all infonnation in a section.) ~ LOCAI1STATE MATCH SALARIES & BENEFITS (All salaries to be paid from fedenl or local sources) POSITION TITLE F. T.K s s TOTAL SAlARIES....... .................................... ... .......... ...... $ CONTRACTUAL SERVICES (List each vendor) literacY Volunteen S 9..499.00 s S $ 350.00 150.00 50000 s s SUPPUES (Specify) Copier ooper/printer car1ridgeslcard stock for making club cards $ TOTAL SUPPI.IES.... .... ........... .... ................. .... ................ ... S TR.A'VEL..... .......... ...... .... ....... .............. ........ ... .....0............ ... ........... S $ $ $ $200.00 $200 00 EQUIPMENT (Equipment and fiuniture with a useful life of at least ODe year and a unit cost ofS 1,000 or more) s s TOTAL EQUIPMENT.......... .... ..... ..... ...... ........ ....... ... .......... S OTHER (Specify) In kind a portion of telephones at L V A S S $ _$250.00 TOTAL OnIER...... ... .... ................. ..................... ... ... .......... $ $ $250 00 TOTAL ................................................................... $ 9..999.00 + $ 450.00 = $ 10..449 LST A Application OLIS/LSTA01, Effective 11/20f2001 Budget Narrative Even though this project does not require a match, Literacy Volunteers will make a financial commitment to the project in the amount of $450.00 In addition, it will expend funds that are not calculated, including such items as office space and furniture, use of computers and volunteer time expended. Office supplies (six reams of copier paper, one ream card stock paper, one black and white/one color printer cartridge, 50 student notebooks) 200.00 Telephone (250/0 portion) 250.00 Total $450.00 Explanation and Justification for Expenditures: Card stock and printing costs will be incurred for Southernmost Literacy Book Club membership cards as well as cost for student notebooks for a minimum of 50 students. Telephone is a necessary tool for the daily operation of LV A in Key West,. included at 250/0 of LVA's annual bill, a percentage derived at taking into consideration total grant contract is approximately 250/0 of total LV A annual budget. Contractual Services: LS.T.A Local/State Total Literacy Volunteers of Monroe County $9,4999.00 $9,4999.00 Explanation and Justification for Expenditures: As a sole source provider of services, LV A will provide two part-time positions for this project. These include the Project Director (239 hours or approximately 5 hours per week at $28.85 per hour x 48 weeks, slib total $6,895.00, no benefits) and Lower Keys Coordinator (239 hours or approximately 5 hours per week at $13.00 per hour x 48 weeks, sub total $3,105, no benefits) who will work for this project.at flexible service delivery sites. Director will be responsible for much of the planning and implementation of literacy activities interfacing with library staff on a countywide level as well as working with Library Administrator on evaluation of the program. Lower Keys Coordinator will assist with day-to-day operations conducting intakes, testing and coordinating work on all project reports. Pro Literacy America states one full-time person is appropriate for covering 40 students, 250/0 of 40 hours is ten hours per week for ten students (covered with this grant)~till a modest number of hours, considering the numbers of students to be tlrgeted and served with this program. TotU Contractual Services; $9,499.00 Library Materials: LS.T A. Local/State Total 20 copies, The Short Stories of Ernest Hemingwqy @ 115 each plus shipping $350.00 $350.00 15 copies, I'Tuesdqys with Maury" @ 19.99 per copy, no .rhipping 150.00 150.00 Total $ 500.00 Explanation and justification for expenditures: 20 copies of The Short Stories of Ernest I-Iemingway and 15 copies of Tuesdays With Maury will be utilized for the short story discussion component of this project by learners. Addi~onally, these sets of books can be used multiple times. Adult Paperback books will be checked out by.LVA tutors working ESL students enrolled in insttuctiorlal one-to-one and small group tutoring to enable them to work with the texts to give assignments and maintain study after learning sessions end. Tutors will check out additional materials (videos and cassette tapes) as needed to supplement their lessons.