HomeMy WebLinkAbout14-118WHEREAS, embracing the value, of such services, Butte County served as a trailblazer in 1985 by
becominM one of the filrst libraryjurisdictionis in the state to, establish a library literacy program; and
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WHEREAS, adults need strong literacy skills to be productive members of the workforce and to grow
and sustain a robust economy, and the economic cost of low literacy in the U.S. has been estimated at more
than $225 billion each year; and,
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WHEREAS, through the library's literacy program, impoded to adults, who wi
the assistance of a trained volunteer tutor, and oftentimes despite great odds, are finally able, to realize
long -sought success in achieving their basic reading and writing goals; and I
WHEREAS, meaningful life changing occurrences, ranging from passing the GED, securing a better job,
being able to read to a child, voting for the first time, or bravely overcoming deep-seated insecurities to step
up as Literacy spokespersons, happen as the result of bringing folks together with the shared focus of literacy;
and
WHEREAS, Butte County Library Literacy Services has grown over the years to include services to
families, children, and babies as a means of promoting literacy for all — a strategy toward ireducing the number
of future adults in our community who may fall short of their potential because they struggle with reading and
writing; and
WHEREAS, these services also include those provided aboard the 36customized vehicle, affectionately
Known as the Literacy Coach, which travels throughout the county, Magalia to Gridley, Berry Creek to North
Chico, to share the joy of reading with story times, activities, and invitations to visit the library. Since hiitting
the road in 201 over 67,500 visitors, have climbed aboard the Literacy Coach, the vast majority being 3 to 5
yeaIr olds of whom 60,478 have chosen a book to ta;ke home and keep for their very own; and
WHEREAS, these highly regarded and well -loved services have proven in many cases to be award-
winning, most notably earning the prestigious California State Association of Counties Challenge award as well
as their Merit award!
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Adult Literacy Awareness Month in Butte County. As members of the Board of Supervisors, we wish to
recognize and honor the courageous Ilearners who have stepped forward anid are working so hard to iimprove
their skills as well as t�hie dedicated volunteer t�uitors who generously give of themselves. Together you
conitriblute to a thriving Butte County and are models of positive community engagement. Inspired by your
persistence andspirit, we urge all of our community members to likewise as,si;st in creating a more vibrant anilill,
literate community either by seeking hellp for skills or in helping someone else in their pursuit of literacy.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Butte County Board of Supervisors this 9th day of September, 2014 by the
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NOES: Rone
ABSENT:None
DOUG TEETER, Chair
Butte County Board of Supervisors
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