1. A Note from Our Teacher
The Adult Literacy Program has seen a great deal of growth and results so far this year. Our 39
tutors have helped 47 learners work toward achieving their goals. Many learners reported they now
read more to their children or grandchildren and help them with homework. Many have improved
their computer skills and feel more comfortable with technology. A number of learners found a new
job or got a promotion at work and several will be voting for the first time as U.S. citizens.
Some highlights from this season include:
Amal M. took classes at Moorpark College.
Baldo G. started his own plumbing business.
Gladis M. got her driver’s license and completed her first book in English.
Greg W. turned his volunteer job into a part-time paid staff position at the Boys and Girls Club.
Rufina M. completed her studies for U.S. citizenship.
Silvia R. received her GED and got a full-time job.
As always, our volunteer tutors are the heart of our program, giving their time and talents to help
students gain the skills they need to become more effective family members, workers and
community members. Tutors have taken advantage of our expanded resource collection and
participated in quarterly workshops designed to provide ongoing training as well as a forum for
sharing ideas and concerns. We look forward to another productive season of offering our services
to help community members improve their reading and writing skills and achieve the goals they set
for themselves.
Judy Savola, Adult Literacy Teacher Pictured Below: Baldo and his tutor, Alan Levy
Fall 2016
Volume 1, Issue 1
Adult Literacy Newsletter
Camarillo Public Library

2. Steve Libuser
“I have found tutoring at the Camarillo Library, an absolute gem of a community, as gratifying as I envisioned
it would be sometime before I became a tutor a few years ago. I currently have four students I see either once
or twice a week on the four days a week I am at the library. Their reading levels vary widely – from a stroke
victim with limited neural connection and speech, to a highly educated and verbally adept German national
who is an avid reader in English wanting to build her vocabulary, grammar and writing skills. The staff
support and the materials at the Adult Literacy Center have been great. Judy Savola, the Adult Literacy
Teacher, and Kellie Prather, Adult Literacy Coordinator have offered continuous support. They have been
flexible and innovative in helping me with the individual needs of my students. I encourage my students to
attend Judy’s English as a Second Language class in the hope they will benefit from this experience in a
different way from my time with them one on one.”
Tutor and Learner Spotlight: Steve Libuser and Susi Meckelburg
Susi Meckelburg
“I am living in Oxnard for one year on an exchange program between the German and U.S. government. My
husband is working at the Naval Base in Port Hueneme. During my time in the U.S. I wanted to improve my
writing and reading skills. A good friend who is a great fan of the Camarillo Public Library recommended the
language service that is provided there. That is how I met Judy Savola. We had a wonderful talk and after that
she tried to find a tutor for me. Shortly after our first meeting I got her call with the information that there was
a “matching” tutor for me. And that is how Steve and I met. It was a good start from the beginning and since
then we have met almost every week. We prefer meeting at the library because it is a special and inspiring place
and it is worth the drive for me from the Channel Islands Harbor where I live with my husband and our dog.
We are working with the book “Challenger Adult Reading Series 8” but also with many articles from
newspapers and magazines. But sometimes we just talk about politics, current topics, traveling and cooking.
Time flies in every meeting and it is a lot of fun. I have learned a lot of new vocabulary and gained much self
confidence in speaking because of Steve’s work. He is a very good and funny teacher. I will miss our meetings a
lot when we have to return to Germany this fall. A big, big thank you to Judy, Steve, the Camarillo Public
Library and the Oxnard Adult School for providing this amazing service.”
Pictured Below: Susi and Steve at the Camarillo Library
2

3. “One day, I came to open up a fortune cookie during my visit in Camarillo and it said: You will find
hidden treasures where you least expect it. I’ve always believed that my life is filled with blessings, treasures
and opportunities. And, my experience at the Camarillo Library includes all of those three. When I first
decided to go to Camarillo to visit my high school teacher, Mr.Dewitt and his family, I wanted my three
week stay to be more adventurous and meaningful, something different from the norm. In fact, I have
studied English for many years and I have been interested in writing a short English storybook that has
Korean contents. So, I thought applying for the tutoring program might be a good idea to study English
with locals and get some help with editing my writing. And, I was lucky to grab the opportunity thanks to
the generosity and kindness from the library. When I contacted the adult literacy center supervisor Judy
and coordinator Kellie, I could feel with my heart that they were sincerely willing to help me. My tutors,
Don and Melissa, always gave me the motivation and inspiration throughout the whole tutoring sessions.
All of the members from the adult literacy center not only spared their valuable time and effort to help me
with my English and storybook but also shared the unconditional love one human being ever can
experience in his/her life. I could pick up a lot of vocabulary, phrase and idioms many native speakers use
on their daily basis. For the first time in my life, I was very eager and happy to study English. Moreover, I
was able to meet great people and become friends with them. Honestly, I really don’t know how to
verbally explain my gratitude toward what the Camarillo Library has done for me. I was in need and was
desperate. I was blessed to have an opportunity to take a part in the tutoring program. Now, I am also
deeply motivated to spread the love to others in need when I go back to Korea. People I met at the
Camarillo Library are the true blessings and treasure. It was my honor to have been able to study at the
adult literacy center. The things I have experienced at the library have amazingly enriched my life. Thank
you!”
Bo Mi and her tutor, Don Seidler Bo Mi and her tutor, Melissa Yu
3
Student Testimonial: Bo Mi Lee

4. Updates from Laubach Literacy
Thank you for reading the first issue of our quarterly
newsletter! I am excited to share these testimonials about
the vital service that the Adult Literacy Center provides for
our community.
If you, or anyone you know has an interest in becoming a
learner or a tutor, feel free to drop by our walk-in office
hours on Monday and Wednesday from 3 pm - 6 pm. If
you are unable to come by during office hours, you may
contact me to set up an appointment.
Kellie Prather
Adult Literacy Coordinator
(805) 388-5580
kprather@camarillolibrary.org
4101 Las Posas Road
Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: 805.388.5580
Fax: 805.388.5822
E-mail:
kprather@camarillolibrary.org
Adult Literacy Center
Camarillo Public
Library
Laubach Literacy of Ventura County is offering FREE training and materials for people interested in
volunteering to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults living in Ventura County.
When: September 17, 2016 and October 15, 2016 (Saturdays)
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on September 17 & 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on October 15
Where: Barrister Executive Suites
1500 Palma Drive
Ventura 93003
For registration, information, and directions, call (805) 385-9584 and please take some time to check
out the website at laubachventura.org.
A Note from Our Coordinator