Homework Club and Adult Literacy at the San Benito County Free Library
Mission: The San Benito County Free Library provides the community lifelong learning opportunities. The library delivers responsive informational, educational, recreational, and cultural library services within a welcoming environment.
Activities: Help students and adults become strong, active learners.
Needs/Projects this semester (see programs below):
Adult Tutoring Program: The San Benito County Free Library Adult Literacy Program has been helping community members improve their reading skills and achieve their literacy goals for over 30 years. In January 2007, the literacy program was rejuvenated due to grant funding, committed volunteers, and the hard work of part-time staff. The literacy program is a one-on-one learning partnership of learner and tutor to accomplish practical goals that address everyday needs. Gavilan student tutors must be at least 18 years of age, read and speak English proficiently, complete a short training program (which can be done at home), and meet with tutors on a weekly basis at the San Benito County Free Library during the library’s business hours. These are:
Sundays 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Mondays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesdays 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesdays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursdays 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fridays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturdays 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tech Tutorial Program
The San Benito County Free Library Tech Tutorial Program pairs technology tutors with technology learners on a one-on-one basis and provides learners with help sessions in basic technology areas such as basic computer and internet skills for seniors who have little to no prior experience with technology; using library databases to find current information on health issues, legal resources, test preparation and sample exams (GED, Citizenship, SAT etc.), and social issues; printing and emailing an article using databases at the Library; downloading the library’s free Enki eBooks on Apple and Android devices; using social media such as Facebook and Pinterest, and email basics. Gavilan student tutors must be at least 18 years of age, read and speak English proficiently, be proficient in the above listed technologies, and be available to meet with tutors at the San Benito County Free Library during the library’s business hours. (See above.)
Homework Club: Homework Club is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 10th, 2019. This program is held Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, serving grades 1-5. The Club averages 10-15 students per session, with the majority coming from Spanish-speaking homes. Most students need help with language arts or math--or both. For the first hour staff and volunteers circulate among the students, helping them as needed. For the last half hour, students who have finished their homework may color, do puzzles, etc. The club tries to correct their homework to ensure that they understand the assignment. Some students need one-on-one help, while others are more independent. Attendance varies with some "regulars" and others on a drop-in basis.
The Homework Club supervisor will give volunteers a basic outline of procedures and tips. Volunteers will be under general supervision and will need to be at the library on their days shortly before 3:30pm. Volunteers are welcome to work both Tuesday and Wednesday, or only one. Two students per session are needed.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Gavilan students are needed to help publicize this program—this can be in the form of creating and distributing materials to the community. A bit about the program: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program offered that encourages children to read. The program requires an adult to register for the program through the library and complete a reading log. When the log is completed, children will receive a prize and certificate.
Crafts: Exercise your creativity by planning and helping with crafts! Crafts are from 4:00-5:00pm on Fridays:
- 1st and 3rd Fridays, Family crafts (all ages)
- 2nd Fridays, Teen crafts (ages 13-18)
- 4th Fridays, Adult crafts (ages 18+)
- 5th Fridays (if applicable): Bonus family craft
Storytime: Students are needed to select books and read to children and their families. Storytime is in both English and Spanish on the following days/times:
- Storytime in English, Wednesdays at 10am and 11am
- Bilingual Family Storytime, Thursdays at 4pm
Who should apply: Anyone who enjoys helping children or adults, has patience, and reads and speaks English proficiently. Students are asked to dress appropriately; business casual preferred.
Don't apply if: You are unable to pass a background check, or don’t meet the required time commitment for each program and do not exhibit the characteristics listed above. If you are under 18 years of age, you may not apply to work in the Adult Literacy Program.
Contact information
Adult Literacy Program: Adriana Garcia agarcia@cosb.us (831) 636-4107 & Erin Baxter, erbaxter@cosb.us, (831) 636-4107
Tech Tutorial Program: Erin Baxter,erbaxter@cosb.us, (831) 636-4107
Homework Club: Sally Tiffany, stiffany@cosb.us, (831) 636-4107
Address:
470 5th Street, Hollister, CA 95023
(831) 636-4107 Website: www.sbcfl.org
Last updated 8/17
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Crafts, and Storytime added 7/30