Library also serves those who are reading-challenged

News

Staff Writer

Watch people walk into a public library and it’s easy to assume they can read. A library is, after all, a building full of books.

At the Main Library and four suburban branches, however, it’s likely that some of the people walking through the doors are there to learn to read or to improve their reading skills. Since 1985, the Jacksonville Public Library has offered literacy education services and now, 25 years later, the need is greater than ever.

The Center for Adult Learning at the Main Library offers 120 classes a month and serves more than 2,000 people. Classes are also available at the University Park, Pablo Creek, Southeast Regional and West Regional branch libraries.

Much of the increase in the need for services can be attributed to the recession.

“When the economy went south, a lot of people who couldn’t read or couldn’t read well lost their jobs,” said Literacy Program Manager Sharon Jaskula.

She explained that some of those people had been at their jobs for years and could read well enough to get by, often with the help of co-workers or supervisors.

“There was a tremendous uptick in young men who had done construction work,” said program supervisor Karen Wishart. “They didn’t need to fill out forms, but when they had to look for another job, not being able to read was a challenge because most employment applications are online.”

Students who earned a certificate of completion instead of a high school diploma in the public school system also are taking advantage of the library’s literacy programs.

“They’re not dropouts, but they couldn’t pass the FCAT and they’re not strong readers. Some people think either you can read or you can’t read. There are many levels of reading,” said Jaskula.

English as a Second Language classes are also in demand. Jacksonville has a growing international and refugee community with newcomers from the Middle East, Eastern Europe, African nations, Southeast Asia and Haiti.

Whether it’s learning or improving basic literacy, English speaking skills, computer use or basic math, the first step is an assessment interview.

“It takes about an hour. We want to make sure what we offer meets a learner’s needs,” said Jaskula.

The Center for Adult Learning has a need of its own. It’s funded by the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation Inc. and the State Library of Florida through the Division of Library and Information Services. A small staff is in place to manage programs and that means volunteers are always needed. Tutors work with students for a minimum of six months.

“It’s not like sitting in a booth for a day. It takes a long-term commitment,” said Jaskula.

Services offered at the Center for Adult Learning are free and confidential. To learn more about the center or to volunteer, call 630-2426 or visit www.coj.net, open the Office menu and choose Public Library.