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Carlsbad library highlights adult literacy, learner leadership and surge in volunteers
Summary
At the Library Board of Trustees meeting, staff reviewed the library’s adult literacy programs, recent learner successes, a new anthology of learner writing and an increase in volunteer tutor capacity following a volunteer expo.
The Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees heard an extended presentation on the library’s adult literacy services on Wednesday, focusing on one-on-one tutoring, partnerships that provide English instruction and recent learner-led accomplishments.
The library’s community outreach supervisor, Sandra Riggins, told the board the adult literacy program pairs volunteer tutors with learners for individualized, goal-driven instruction and supports related offerings such as ESL classes in partnership with MiraCosta College and the Career Online High School program. Riggins said volunteers contributed 3,834 hours in the last fiscal year, which she quantified as more than $148,000 in service value.
A centerpiece of the presentation was a personal account from learner and program facilitator Mihoko Zan, who described moving to Carlsbad from Tokyo and gaining confidence through the library’s classes and tutoring. “I deeply believe that the literacy program has positively changed my life,” Zan said, adding that participation helped her speak more confidently in public, take leadership roles in learner groups and expand her community involvement.
Riggins outlined measurable program features: year-round one-on-one tutoring, bilingual new-reader collections placed at multiple branches, computer-equipped tutoring rooms to support digital literacy, and the Career Online High School pathway that can lead to an accredited diploma and career certificate. She said the library helps learners access scholarships through the California State Library and the Benson Family Trust; two students had recently completed a prerequisite course and received scholarship support.
Staff pointed to individual outcomes to illustrate impact: one learner passed a real estate licensing exam after tutoring; another passed the U.S. citizenship exam and registered to vote after being sworn in. Riggins said the program serves “over 100 different learners” annually and emphasized the mutual benefit for volunteer tutors, many of whom are retired and cite personal rewards and community connection from tutoring.
The presentation also previewed an upcoming anthology of learner writing, Waves of Inspiration, and a planned book-signing event to honor program writers. Riggins said the library matched 11 new tutors with learners after the January volunteer expo and expects those pairings to accelerate learner progress.
Board members had no questions during the report. The board later approved the meeting minutes for its January 22, 2025 meeting by roll call (see related meeting business article).
