The Oakland Public Library Foundation develops private partnerships with corporations and private foundations to support the Oakland Public Library. This generous grant from Verizon will add two part-time staff and computer software for Second Start's Computer Learning Center (CLC). The Oakland Public Library's Second Start Adult Literacy Program serves Oakland adults who read below the fifth grade level by providing classes, volunteer tutors and computer learning.

Duff Axsom, Executive Director of the Oakland Public Library Foundation, said: "The Oakland Public Library Foundation is pleased to welcome Verizon as a partner in adult literacy in Oakland. This grant provides funding to implement a new strategy to assist adults in reaching their literacy goals."

The Verizon grant will allow Second Start to include the development of individual study plans for students. The individual plans will provide students with a road map to work towards accomplishing specific life tasks that they identify. These tasks relate to the workplace, home life and the community. In addition, staff will be available as literacy coaches to ensure that students are working towards their goals.

For further information about the grant or the Second Start Adult Literacy Program, please contact Joyce Mende Wong, Second Start Program Coordinator, at (510) 238-6931

Media Contact:
Kathleen Hirooka, Community Relations Coordinator
(510)238-6713, khirooka@oaklandlibrary.org

Alison Bowman
(510)238-3271, abowmanopl@yahoo.com