THE LIBRARIES DIVISION RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board's Goal to "Enhance funding for Library programs and various life-long-learning opportunities for our residents and visitors."
Pursuant to the Administrative Code, the Libraries Division requests that the Board formally accept this donation from the Broward Public Library Foundation, Inc., through a donation from the Sun-Sentinel Children's Fund.
The Literacy Help Center (LHC) program focuses on four neighborhoods that have shown the greatest demand on their libraries for supplemental educational programs and services. These targeted communities are comprised of low-income and underserved families who have less access to the Internet and computers than other groups. Schools near these libraries report that 75% to 98% of the children attending qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch programs, a national indicator of poverty level. In addition, the use of library technology for employment needs is highest among these communities. The participating locations are Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library in Pompano; Tamarac Library; Lauderhill Towne Centre Library; and the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Literacy Facilitators, aided by trained volunteers, provide drop-in homework help two or three days a week. The Facilitators also introduce students to technology and the internet through guided computer activities such as exploring the American Library Association Recommended Sites for Children and Broward County Library's online databases, teaching Internet safety, and utilizing the reading, math, and science focused software loaded onto the program’s laptops. Literacy Facilitators also provide literacy-based programs, computer skills classes, and workforce development workshops.
The Facilitators, aided by volunteers, provide English language and adult literacy assistance through the library's English and Crossroads Cafe and Each One Teach One programs. English and Crossroads Cafe provide opportunities for basic to intermediate English language learners to practice their English language reading and conversational speaking skills. Literacy Facilitators also help customers hone new technical skills to increase their employability, find job opportunities and sharpen their resume writing and interview skills. Participants have access to dedicated laptops, printers, and fax machines to help with all aspects of their job searches, including setting up email accounts, accessing the Internet to find prospective employers, contacting potential employers, and submitting job applications. The LHCs give students and adults the opportunity to gain life-changing skills, opening doors and making them better able to achieve academic and economic success.
The Broward Public Library Foundation, Inc. is committed to enhancing the collections, programs and services of the Broward County Library system beyond the means of public funding. |