OUR LIBRARY PARTNERS FAMILY
Since inception, Literacy Solutions NY (LSNY) has partnered with libraries in Westchester and Rockland in many ways to provide enriched services to area residents.
The Mount Vernon Public Library hosted the very first library-based affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of America in 1972. (Literacy Solutions NY was formerly known as Literacy Volunteers of Westchester and Rockland).
Westchester County
Yonkers Public Library: Since 2006, the Yonkers Riverfront Library has provided administrative offices, classroom and tutoring space, as well as on-going support for LSNY staff and thousands of adult learners. The library leaders who planned the renovation of the old Otis Elevator Building, which has become home to the Yonkers Riverfront Library and the Yonkers Board of Education, included dedicated space for LSNY in their original blueprints.
LSNY programs offered at the Yonkers Riverfront Library include case management, one-to-one tutoring, ESOL classes, and information & referral for immigration assistance.
Northern Westchester: LSNY, after a lengthy absence, is re-introducing itself to communities in Northern Westchester. Our new Northern Westchester Tutor Coordinator has rekindled relationships with the libraries in Mount Kisco, Ossining, and Peekskill. These libraries are hosting classes and tutoring sessions being led by new teaching staff and newly trained volunteer tutors.
Rockland County
Finkelstein Memorial Library: Our partnership with FML extends in many directions. Their financial support helps offset some of the costs of providing ESOL and citizenship classes and tutoring; assisting library patrons with the process of applying for U.S. citizenship; and case management and social service referrals to those in need.
FML staff are integral to the success of our program. We are grateful for their support and continued collaboration with LSNY management and staff. FML Director Laura Wolven, the library Board, and staff are a valued part of the LSNY program family.
FML was home to a unique LSNY ESOL program designed to assist women whose literacy level in their native language, as well as English, was severely limited by lack of education in their home county. The women’s’ culture required that they be in a “female only” learning environment. FML graciously provided a dedicated space for this unique class, and LSNY provided culturally sensitive educational materials and a teacher committed to helping the students achieve their goal of English literacy. The majority of students developed varying levels of literacy, and several have become American citizens. A comparable class, limited to male participants and taught by a male teacher, was also provided in space donated by Finkelstein Memorial Library, and achieved an equally high level of success.
FML was certainly an integral partner in the success of this exceptional group of students, as well as a partner in all services provided by LSNY.
Since the 70’s, the New City Library has been home to Literacy Solutions’ Rockland tutoring program, and has hosted specialized training sessions for LSNY staff. The library’s space and support for our programs continues, even as we eagerly await getting back into the building after the library’s extensive renovation. Our thanks to library director Maryanne Gallagher for her support.
Meanwhile, our Tutor Program Manager’s activities have been hosted by the Nanuet Library.
Haverstraw King’s Daughters Library in Garnerville has hosted LSNY “Citizenship Preparation” classes, Haverstraw Literacy Zone “Job Fair”, LSNY staff development trainings, and continually hosts tutor/student literacy services.
The Pearl River Library is currently hosting classes and has previously hosted “Legal Consultation” events for individuals seeking assistance with various immigration issues.
The Nyack and Suffern Libraries have hosted LSNY citizenship drives and “Legal Consultation” days. Both libraries also serves as host sites for tutor/student literacy services.
All libraries participate with LSNY as student tutor host sites, participate in student and tutor outreach and recruitment, and share LSNY class and program information with patrons and visitors, as well as on library websites.
