The Thousand Oaks Library’s Read TO Succeed program was recently in the news, receiving the Celebrate Literacy Award for Exemplary Service in the Promotion of Literacy. The program’s Mentor Teachers received the award from the Ventura County Reading Association, and also received special recognition by the City Council for receiving the award.
Read TO Succeed Mentor teachers are a group of dedicated volunteers made up of retired teachers, literacy and reading specialists, who oversee Moorpark College Education student tutors. Under the Mentor Teachers’ supervision, 2nd and 3rd grade student previously reading below grade level made significant improvement towards challenging reading goals. In addition to instruction and mentoring, the Read TO Succeed program supports family involvement in literacy building activities and English/information classes for parents of participants held at the library.
This program was initially conceived by Library Director Heather Cousin, and has been directed by Children’s Librarian Charlotte Burrows since the fall of 2017. At the City Council recognition ceremony, Charlotte said, “We are so pleased with the success of the Read TO Succeed program and thrilled that the Ventura County Reading Association has recognized the efforts of these wonderful Mentor Teachers/ Advisory Board Members. The Celebrate Literacy award identifies literacy champions in our community and we are thrilled to acknowledge and recognize the Mentor Teachers for their contributions to the Thousand Oaks Library, the families and students they serve, and their community.”
The Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library are also thrilled with the success of Read TO Succeed, and proud to be sponsoring such a visionary and effective program.
About Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library
The Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library is a California-based group of avid library advocates dedicated to enhancing the Thousand Oaks Library with support services and intellectual and cultural programs that enrich the lives of area residents of all ages. Learn more at www.ftol.org.
Contact
Kathy Leslie, Publicity Coordinator
Email: publicity@ftol.org