18 Oct What? There’s a Literacy Program at the Library?
“What? The Library Has an Adult Literacy Program?”
The literacy program in Muskogee Public Library has existed since the 1970s – over four decades. Yet, we still hear, “I didn’t know there was a program like that!”
How often does this happen? Surprisingly, much more than it should.
We host events and visit many places to talk about literacy and our program. Word of mouth has been a significant source of publicity. Businesses and organizations share our information on their sites, but people still tell us they had no idea about the literacy program.
We share it through articles such as this. I have gone back through the history of the literacy program for the past forty years, and have found more than a few that have been written about what we do and why we do it.
Why is it so important for people to know our program exists?
I will give two examples of students I believe show the importance of any literacy program.
A mother’s son became sick with an ear infection. She took him to the doctor and they prescribed medication for him. The mother gave it to her child for a week, but he became sicker.
She took her child back to the doctor hoping to find answers and relief for him.
The nurse, who took notice of the situation, asked the mother how she was administering the medication.
The mother said she was giving it to him orally. It was to be put into the child’s ear. The mother, who had low English language skills, had misunderstood and misread the instructions. (Source: Celebrate Literacy/Oklahoma Literacy Coalition Student Authors)
Another quite intelligent adult wanted to study healthcare at a local college but was told she couldn’t attend their program since she did not have a GED. She explained to them that she had to stop attending school in the 11th grade because a parent became ill and she needed to help take care of the family. She told them she was prepared to take the ACT or SAT but was disappointed when they told her it wasn’t possible. When she decided to enroll in our program, she was discouraged about her future and didn’t think she would be able to meet her goal.
These stories, though personal, are not unique. They are two examples of many. All are significant.
There will always be those people who are surprised to find out about the adult literacy program at the library but with your help, more people will be aware.
How can you help? Visit us. Meet our tutors. Ask questions. Share with others.
Notice I didn’t ask you to meet students or ask them questions. Our program is confidential. Students often let us know how much they appreciate the confidentiality. It is important for possible students to know about that confidentiality.
Here’s what happened with the mother and the student wanting to attend the healthcare program:
The mother started attending an ESL program after the nurse recommended it. She became confident in her language skills and happily shared her essay at an adult literacy student author event giving credit to her tutor and the program. Her son was fine. His ear infection healed and he was soon up and running.
The student who wanted to study healthcare, enrolled in our GED program and attended a small group class and individual class. After she passed the GED test, she enrolled in a local nursing program.
About two years later, she returned to thank us. She told us how much she appreciated our help and that her tutors not only taught the information for the test but gave her so much confidence to believe in herself and go further with her healthcare education. She was never going to doubt herself again.
When you share about the adult literacy program at Muskogee Public Library, the opportunities for more success stories grow.
For more information, contact Penny Chastain, Adult Literacy Coordinator.
918-682-6657 ext. 101 or pchastain@ eols.org.