Facing the Page

Aguilar CRW Opens with a Bang!

The Fall Cycle started at Aguilar Library's Center for Reading and Writing (CRW) on September 12, 2011! Thirty new students and six new tutors joined the excitement and will spend the next 12 weeks working together — reading, writing, and challenging themselves along the way.  

New students spent eight hours in orientation learning the ropes: discussing their goals, learning what makes a good student, learning what makes a good tutor, and sharing their expectations about studying at Aguilar Library. Students discussed why they want to improve their literacy skills. One student said she knows how to get money out of the ATM, but can't figure out how to put money in the ATM. A second student said he wants to help his son with his homework at night. A third student is looking for a promotion at work and needs to be better able to read the manual. And a fourth student wants to read the letters she receives from her family in Senegal. Students join the CRW for these and many other reasons. 

New volunteer tutors tried their hand at helping students learn how to use reading software on the Library's laptops. New students learned from continuing students about the importance of excellent attendance. Some of the exciting programming in store for everyone is a digital photography class, a special dance/literacy workshop series, a new book collection. and smartboard activities.

Aguilar Library's CRW is located on 110th Street (between Lexington and Third avenues) and works with students who read below the sixth grade level. Tutors attend a centralized training class in September and work with small groups of students for four hours each week.

Currently there are 125 students and 35 tutors working together at Aguilar Library's CRW.

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Meaningful Goals in Adult Literacy

The strength of NYPL literacy is the focus on meaningful, attainable goals like those mentioned here: using the ATM, reading letters from family, helping children with homework, and advancing at work. In some ABE programs around the nation, the only acceptable goal for literacy students is to pass the GED exam. Of course, passing the GED is a wonderful goal, but it's just one color in a rainbow of important aspirations. New York communities are greatly enhanced by the development of involved parents, capable workers, and financially knowledgeable citizens. I can't wait to hear about the goals that Aguilar CRW students reach this cycle!