Literacy

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Mary, born into slavery in 1868, loved watching the birds fly free in the sky while she worked in the fields. She wanted to be free too! But she had to keep working. No time for rest. No time to learn. Even when Mary and her family were freed from slavery she still had to work hard.

One day, Mary was given a Bible, but all she could see were squiggly lines! Mary became determined to learn to read but there was always work to be done and a family to raise. Late in life, Mary said, "No more waiting! Time to learn!" You'll be amazed to learn Mary's age when she finally learned to read and became truly free.

This true story definitely shows that you are never too old to learn. I love how this book is full of hope and the vibrant collage illustrations by Coretta Scott King award winner, Oge Mara, really help tell the story in this amazing picture book biography. There are even real photos of Mary on the front and back covers.

   
Posted by Ginny H. on May 16, 2022
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read   
African American    Biography & Memoir    Civil Rights    Diversity    History    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Nonfiction    Read    Staff Picks   
Tween   
Think Library    Kids    Reviews   

April 17–23 is Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week with photos of two volunteers.

This week, we’re celebrating the volunteers that support the Library’s mission, lending their time and talent to make a difference in our community! Dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers are essential to the success of the Library!

 

Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners (VITAL): Mary DePew, Volunteer

According to a recent survey of adult skills, 1 in 6 Americans struggles with basic literacy skills. Locally, 1 in 10 Monroe County residents speaks a language other than English at home. VITAL provides a safe and respectful learning environment for adults who want to improve their reading, writing, math, or English-language skills. VITAL’s volunteer tutors help adults in our community attain greater life success through literacy!

   
Posted by Aubrey D. on April 15, 2022
Bookstore    Connect    Friends of the Library    Library News    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Outreach    Service    VITAL    Volunteering   
Think Library    Adults    VITAL - Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners   

2021 Accomplishments

2021 Accomplishments

2021 was a big year for us! While we continued to increase access to our services through virtual options, we also resumed all of the in-person services and events you love. Here are some of the accomplishments that made our 2021 great!

Events and Services

11,706 people participated in 984 Library-sponsored in-person and virtual events. Summer reading continued virtually, with its participants nearly doubling the initial goal of reading one-million minutes!

We launched several long-term programs including a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge and Monroe County Field Notes, a virtual dig to uncover stories about 19th-century landmarks and people. The research will help diversify our community’s history.

   
Posted by Aubrey D. on February 17, 2022
Connect    Library of Things    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Read   
Think Library    Adults   

Top Circulating Items of 2021

Top Circulating Items of 2021

2021 is in the books! We’re taking a look back at the media that kept you entertained and educated last year. We tallied the numbers and here are our top circulating items of 2021!

Planning your 2022 reading list? There are some great options here, including Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. The internationally acclaimed and award-winning author will speak at our February 5 Power of Words event!

   
Posted by Aubrey D. on January 6, 2022
Learn    Library News    Library of Things    Literacy    Read   
Think Library    Adults    Teens    Kids   

Wordless Picture Books

Wordless Picture Books

A wordless picture book? Not everyone is skilled at improv, so how do you read without words?

According to Reading Rockets––a wonderful national public media literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help––sharing wordless books is a terrific way to build important literacy skills. This includes listening skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and increased awareness of how stories are structured.

   
Posted by Amy C. on November 21, 2021
Journey    Pancakes for Breakfast    Have you seen my duckling?   
Early Literacy    Literacy    Picture Book    Storytelling   
Preschool   
Think Library    Kids   

Family Literacy Month

Family Literacy Month Raffle Giveaway

November is National Family Literacy Month––an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important role that families play in the education of their children. This month we encourage you to explore our literacy resources and visit the Library with your family!

Family Literacy Month Giveaway

One of our favorite sets of children’s book characters is the timeless Frog and Toad. Arnold Lobel wrote and illustrated countless children’s books and received several awards for his work, including a Caldecott Medal, two Caldecott Honors, and a Newbery Honor.

In support of Family Literacy Month, we’re giving away 40 copies of the classic early reader, Frog and Toad are Friends. We are also giving away two gift cards for a pair of one adult and one child tickets to Cardinal Stage's upcoming production of A Year with Frog and Toad!

   
Posted by Aubrey D. on October 27, 2021
Connect    Early Literacy    Fiction    First Theater Experiences    Learn    Library Events    Library News    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Read    VITAL   
Infant/Toddler    Preschool    Tween   
Think Library    Adults    Kids   

Lia & Luis Who Has More?

Brazilian American siblings explore math concepts while trying to figure out who has more of their favorite snack. This story includes Portuguese vocabulary along with various measuring terms such as more, less, heavier, lighter, and eventually...equal! This includes a glossary for the Portuguese words used and tips for exploring math concepts with children. Recommended for children ages 3–6.

Reviewed by Christa S.

   
Posted by Ginny H. on September 29, 2021
Lia & Luís : who has more?   
Early Literacy    Family    Fiction    Inclusiveness    Learn    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Picture Book    Realistic    Siblings   
Preschool   
Think Library    Kids   

Indiana’s High School Equivalency Testing Changes

Preparing for the High School Equivalency Test

What is a High School Equivalency Credential?

In the United States, adults who leave high school before graduation have another way to secure a high school equivalency credential. Through testing, you can demonstrate you have the same skills and knowledge as a high school graduate.

The High School Equivalency (HSE) is a high school diploma alternative aligning to current Indiana high school academics, preparing you for continuing education or employment. The assessment is based on five subject areas: math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. Workers with this credential earn an average of $10,000 per year more than those without, helping them create a whole new future.  

 

   
Posted by Mandy H. on September 17, 2021
Learn    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    VITAL   
Think Library    Adults    VITAL - Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners   

Brood X

Hoopla Cicada Titles

 

Brood X, the Great Eastern Brood of cicadas, has made the summer of 2021 a very loud and interesting season in Indiana. Dogs and birds alike have loved these natural protein snacks, but there is more to these weird insects than meets the eye (or ear).

According to National Geographic Kids, there are over 3,000 species of cicadas (Shaw, 2021). These 3,000 species are divided into 2 distinct groupings: annual and perennial. Only 7 species of cicadas fall into the perennial category, meaning they emerge en masse like Brood X (Shaw, 2021).

   
Posted by Amy C. on June 21, 2021
Animals    Early Literacy    eBooks    eLibrary    Environmental    Gardening    Literacy    Nonfiction    Picture Book    Read   
Infant/Toddler    Preschool    Tween   
Think Library    Kids    Reviews   

Early Literacy Skills and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Babies and toddlers are like little sponges, hungrily soaking up everything around them. Curiosity to understand, explore, observe, and taste everything around them is crucial to early brain development. These natural instincts sometimes lead to exciting and embarrassing stories to tell at their high school graduation. These little people are constantly observing, listening, and emulating the world around them, especially their caregivers. You are babies' and toddlers' first (and most important!) teachers!

   
Posted by Amy C. on April 10, 2021
Caregiver/Teacher Resource    Family    Learn    Library Events    Literacy    Picture Book    Story Walk    Storytelling   
Infant/Toddler    Preschool   
Think Library    Kids   

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Literacy