Library Literacy Services Coordinator's Corner | | | | | Hello Fellow Tutors and Adult Learners, As we move through the fall season, our literacy community continues to grow, learn, and inspire. Thank you for the energy, dedication, and compassion you bring to every tutoring session, workshop, and class. Whether you are supporting a learner on their literacy journey or taking brave steps toward your own goals, your efforts are creating meaningful change across Yolo County. Adult Literacy Update:
Our advanced English language class continues to meet through November 2025. This tight-knit group of adult learners—launched in August—has now served 27 participants, with new learners joining regularly. Weekly attendance remains strong at 8–11 participants, and once the class concludes, students will have the opportunity to continue their progress through one-on-one tutoring support. | | | | | | | | | Spotlight Story: Elisa’s Journey in Family Literacy Elisa, a longtime educator and Esparto community member, has dedicated her career to supporting young learners and their families. After working in the casino industry, she followed her passion for education—earning her associate’s degree in early childhood education and becoming a preschool teacher in 2010. Throughout her work, Elisa has built strong connections with local resources, especially the library. “As a teacher, I see how important literacy is,” she shared. “Books help children understand life experiences in deep, meaningful ways.” Elisa joined the Library’s Family Literacy program as a caregiver provider. Through the workshops, she saw firsthand how essential community engagement is, particularly in rural areas like Esparto, where she has lived for more than 20 years. In addition to teaching, Elisa has also served as a parent educator and a RISE Legacy Coach, helping caregivers strengthen their parenting skills—often focusing on fostering a love of reading at home. “Literacy and parent-child engagement are at the heart of everything we do,” she said. Her ongoing involvement reflects her commitment to expanding literacy awareness and supporting families in her community. “I truly appreciate programs like those offered by the Yolo County Library,” Elisa added. “I hope we continue to see more initiatives that connect parents and children through reading and learning.” | | | California Library Association (CLA) Conference-Riverside, CA | | | Chair and Vice Chair of the CLA Literacy Interest Group: Elaine Kociolek, Contra Costa County Library Nancy Pacheco, Yolo County Library | The theme of this year’s California Library Association (CLA) Conference was “Telling Our Own Stories.” I attended several workshops each day that focused on Adult and Family Literacy, ESL services, and libraries as affirming cultural spaces. These sessions provided valuable ideas for strengthening our own literacy programs and for making our library an even more inclusive space for lifelong learners. As the Adult and Family Literacy Coordinator, I focused on strategic collaboration with two CLA Interest Groups in which I serve as Vice Chair and Northern California Representative—Literacy and Youth Services. Together, we successfully recruited new members, hosted two open meetings, and held a recruitment fair that welcomed and engaged attendees from across the state. This experience was both energizing and affirming, and I look forward to applying the insights gained to enhance our literacy initiatives and community partnerships. | | | | | | | Family Literacy Highlights: November 2025 On October 29, Family Literacy Coordinator Leticia Flores hosted an in-person Family Literacy Night in collaboration with WJUSD State Preschool. Throughout November, Leticia is also meeting one-on-one with 15 enrolled families at the Davis Branch, supporting their learning goals and helping them strengthen literacy practices at home. On November 15, Yolo Reads welcomed families to a lively Family Literacy Workshop at the Mary L. Stephens Davis Library. The session focused on goal setting, celebrating progress, and creating space for families to reconnect and share their experiences. This month's group included mothers who are In-home Childcare Providers. Their dual roles brought a unique blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to the workshop. Focus on Early Childhood Education and Goal Setting A key theme of the workshop was the role of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in supporting strong literacy habits—both in participants’ homes and in the childcare settings they lead. Many attendees are currently working toward ECE certificates or degrees. Together, the group explored opportunities available through Woodland Community College, as well as online trainings designed to deepen professional skills and support long-term educational goals. Participants also shared the new books they are reading with their children. These titles continue to serve as both joyful stories and practical tools for understanding developmental milestones and the critical connection between early literacy and later academic success. A Warm and Welcoming Gathering
The workshop offered a rich blend of information, meaningful conversations, and delicious food—creating a warm, collaborative environment for all who attended. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another, build community, and celebrate the achievements and dedication of our Family Literacy participants. | | | | | The Change Agent is a biannual magazine for adult educators and learners published by the New England Literacy Resource Center (NELRC) at World Education.
California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) has granted California Library Literacy Programs free access to The Change Agent, and they’ve announced the new edition. The focus is on elections, technology, and informed use of data. You will find great content to share with learners and tutors!
Just go to https://changeagent.nelrc.org/
User name: CLLS
Password: CLLS | | | Check out our Family Literacy Blog | Our family literacy specialist, Leticia Flores, writes informative family learning posts monthly on our Yolo County Library website. We call it "Explore Family Literacy/Explora Literacia Familiar".
Featuring great library resources like Bilingual Backpacks and Storytime Kits and exploring topics important to families - this page will make learning together interesting and fun. Con una plétora de libros estupendos y temas importantes para las familias, esta página hará el aprender juntos súper interesante y divertido. | | | | | | |
