MLLS Libraries
Butte County Library
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What is big, green, and purple and read all over?!
Butte County Library’s brand new Literacy Coach!
The customized 36’ vehicle enables the Library’s Literacy program to provide expansive services to hard-to-reach children under the age of five and their parents or caregivers who might not otherwise have access to the wonders of the library due to geographic, economic, or language barriers.
Story times, crafts, book giveaways and other school readiness activities are offered on the Literacy Coach along with parent workshops promoting literacy and learning for the whole family. This wonderful endeavor is the result of a three-year grant sponsored by the Butte County First 5/Children’s and Families Commission. The granting partners, Home Health Care Management, Inc. and Grandparents as Parents, provide families access to health resources and support referrals.
Technology is also a key component among the services provided. Thanks to a Library Services and Technology grant, the Literacy Coach is outfitted with six laptop computers. In addition to computer trainings, (introduction to computers — basic operation, word processing, key boarding, and learning software for parents and children), adult learners and families have access to the internet via a satellite connection. This state-of-the-art hookup will also allow for the immediate issuance of library cards.
Parents and caregivers visiting the Literacy Coach also learn about other library services including the availability of volunteer literacy tutors. With the improvement of their own literacy skills, these parents will be better equipped to help their children be ready for and successful in school.
Stops for the Literacy Coach include taking part in local celebrations throughout the county and visits to state pre-schools, Head Start centers, low-income housing complexes, limited resource private daycares, and other similar sites.
The response has been positive Just seeing the Literacy Coach is an occasion for children and parents. It radiates an inviting quality that lends itself to coaxing even the most reluctant of visitors. The vibrant artwork was created by Oroville artist Jim Burch and is inspired by our local surroundings—the warm California sun, majestic Oak trees and captivating native wildlife. Patrons and residents enthusiastically report sightings as it travels around the county and those aboard the Literacy Coach are greeted with awed second glances, hearty waves, and eager smiles from young and old alike.
Starting with a Blue Bird chassis, the Library’s Literacy staff designed the vehicle from the ground up and focused on maximizing its versatility and ease of use in providing programs. The Literacy Coach was built by OBS of Canton Ohio.
If you’d like more information about the Literacy Coach, please call 538-7198.
If you see the Literacy Coach out and about, be sure to give a wave! You’ll know good works are going on in our community.
See you on the road!