PAR Learner News

On Wednesday, January 25, 2012 the King Library hours changed. King Library is open 7 days. Please click here to find out when your favorite branch libraries are open. Some branches are open Monday to Thursday. Other branches are open Wednesday to Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about how PAR works? Click here to find out more information about PAR.

New PAR Authors

Read the 2011 Writing Challenge stories below about the question, What Makes Me Happy. These stories were not edited much because PAR wanted you to read the learners' own words with as little editing as possible, except to make the stories easier to read.

Click here to read their stories:

Phyllis's Story

Sonia's Story
Darryl's Story

Leon's Story

Meet Leon, who talks about why he joined an adult literacy program and about how it has helped him in his life.

Learning Tips

For ways to learn more, to learn faster, and to remember for longer, read these tips.

Tips for Using Computers

If you are using a computer during tutoring sessions or on days that you do not meet with a tutor, here are some ideas that may help.

If you are working on reading, how to pronounce something, new words, or letter sounds, repeat what the computer says. Talk to your computer. Sitting quietly is not as good as repeating. You can get extra practice speaking, and your computer will not care if your words don’t sound right.
If it is hard to write while you are sitting at the computer, write your message down on paper first. Then when you get to the computer, you can copy what you already wrote.
If it is hard to use a mouse, try this website, which helps you practice using a mouse. Click on Mousercise to go to the mouse practice website.
If you are writing an email or a document in Microsoft Word, save it every few minutes. It is really frustrating to work on something for a long time and then lose it.
Open a free email account and then send your tutor an email one or two times a week. It is a great way to practice writing, editing, and using a computer. It will get easier the more times you do it.

Partners in Reading Materials

Look for PAR reading materials at these 4 branches:

You can find interesting books that will help you practice reading. There are books on history, science, cars, health, and many other topics. You can search for them on the library catalog with the number 428.62 and then check them out with your library card. You have to go to one of the branches above to check out the books. Here are some examples of books you can check out of the PAR book collection.

Family Learning Centers

If you are interested in learning for the whole family, the Family Learning Centers have free programs for individuals and families. You can take a computer class, prepare for citizenship, attend bilingual story times, and take parenting workshops. For more information, please visit the Family Learning Centers.

Stay Connected

Follow Partners in Reading on Facebook to see what PAR learners and tutors are doing.

Learn More, Try These Web Sites

Here are some great learning websites. Click on the link and see what you find. You will find many new ways to learn new things about computers and much more.

Mousercise – This website will help you learn how to use a mouse.

Health Information

Nourish – Watch videos about food and how to make healthful choices.
Do you worry about going to a doctor? Ask Me 3 will give you 3 questions to ask when you see your doctor.
Here is more information about health and seeing a doctor from the Florida Literacy Coalition.

Reading Practice

Project Read San Francisco – Click on the yellow buttons, and this page will take you to many places.
These stories from Marshall Adult Education help you read and read stories again. You can also hear the stories.
Read and listen to news stories on many subjects at Voice of America. This website will even read the story very slowly.
Are you studying to become a citizen? This website from the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will help you learn and practice information so that you can feel prepared going into your citizenship interview. There is also a way to practice for the English part of the test.
If you are interested in grammar and are interested in English as a Second Language or ESL, try Dave's ESL Cafe:
If you have kids, visit the San Jose Public Library’s children’s page. You will find great information for your children and you.

Everyday Reading and Writing

Practice using an ATM, reading a food label, or looking at tax information with the Everyday Life Project.
TV 411 will help you practice reading, writing, and math in many areas. Just click on each slide to move forward in the lesson.
Play games and do these activities with ProLiteracy to build many reading and writing skills.

Related Pages

Meet PAR Tutors and Learners

Click here for 2011 highlights.

Kathleen and Santa D. work together each week on reading and writing skills. Read about how this partnership makes a difference (PDF).

Read how Joan is inspired by the adult she tutors.

Read about Mike and the two adults that he met with.

J. P. says that, "Tutoring is fun. My learner is improving, and we are friends."

Read tutor Rebecca's opinion about volunteering.

Read why Dave likes tutoring too.

N. says, "PAR is available for everybody. It's convenient."

New tutor Vicki describes what it's like to be a new tutor working with a fantastic learner.

Rosemary agrees that tutoring makes a great partnership.

If you want to be a partner in reading, please call our office at (408) 808-2361.

How to Become a PAR Learner

To be in the Partners in Reading program, you must:

Be 18 years of age or older and not be in high school
Speak English well
Read and/or write below the 9th grade level
Live or work in San José
Be able to make and keep appointments without the help of someone else
Maintain appropriate behavior with your tutor and staff
Be able to meet with your tutor at least 3 hours a week for at least 6 months
Call the Partners in Reading office at (408) 808-2361 or come to the office during office hours to join

The next learner orientation will be on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.