Dudley Literacy Center Interview with JoAnn Butler

By Bryce Kieren Healy & Chris Glass

Literacy Defined
Literacy has effects beyond improving individual lives; it

leads to the creation of better communities, better neighbors, better taxpayers, better voters, better families, & better understanding between people & between cultures. From the perspective of the individual, the import of literacy skills in encouraging greater knowledge, self-esteem, & change in actions is crucial.

Background
JoAnn Butler - began working the the DLC in 2000. Previous professional experience includes working as a

childrens librarian in Brookline for 25 years, & working as a youth services librarian in Mattapan. Modeled current program development after the Brooklyn Public Library. Views public libraries & literacy programs as natural fit.

Administrative / Budgetary Information

The program employs three full-time staff members who are

salaried through the BPL. Collection development funding supplied by the Globe Fund. Budget is not broken down categorically or by percentage allocation.

Professional Partnerships
www.sabes.org www.bostonadultliteracy.org English for New Bostonians English Works (Mass Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy

Coalition) Adult Literacy Coalition WAITT House Roxbury Adult Literacy Coalition

Program Information
ESL Conversation Groups ESL classes Adult Basic Education, Reading, & Writing classes Small Group ESL/Literacy Tutoring Computer Literacy/Email Workshops Family Literacy classes Spanish language classes GED preparation classes

Program Information (cont.)

Programs are taught by both DLC staff & by volunteer

staff. Programs are held at multiple BPL branches. There is no formal evaluation protocol to gauge program success or failure, nor is one required by the BPL. (This was contrasted to the Department of Educations evaluation requirements for literacy programs.) Volunteers are encouraged to conduct program classes in their own particular style.

Collection Literacy and Adult Ed.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) materials GED preparation materials Adult Diploma (Massachusetts grade 10 level) preparation

materials Graphic novels Fiction and literature for low-literacy adult readers

Collection ESOL
Instructional materials Bilingual dictionaries and picture dictionaries in multiple

languages Instructional sets integrating print, audio, and video Multilingual magazine collection

Collection - Citizenship
Basic American history and

government Citizenship test preparation Flashcards

Collection Instruction and Family Literacy

Adult Learner Information

Began maintaining statistics on the number of learners 3

years ago, but methodology is rather loose. Estimates that 325 learners/month are served including classes, circulation, in-center material use, etc. Adult learners are gained through walk-ins, referrals, word of mouth, & by individuals bringing in friends & acquaintances. While some programs require registration/application, others do not.

Staff Information

For small-group tutoring & conversation classes, there is

a formal application process directed through the BPL which includes a years commitment, a CORI check, & an interview. Demand tends to outstrip the supply of volunteers, although retention rate is generally good, due to an increase in the amount of learners over time (there are currently 5500 adult/ESL learners on a waiting list in the city of Boston.) Currently are searching for a family literacy volunteer instructor

Current Difficulties / Desired Changes

Funding tied to the Globe Fund, which is affected by the

ups & downs of the Stock Exchange. Decreased funding via grant sources, trust funds, federal funding, & changing focus of groups which formally funded the DLC. BPL has not made literacy instruction or adult education a priority. Ms. Butler states that the center needs at least one more full-time staff member to better serve the community.

Desired Changes (cont.)

Location - the DLC is sandwiched in the back of the DPL

between a courthouse & a police station; the location is perceived as unwelcoming & threatening to many, & lacks public exposure. Increased technology to better provide for instruction to learners with varying learning types. More outreach & exposure to the community. More services to young/single parents.

Pros & Cons

The center has a very good collection for its size. Many necessary programs are conducted through the

DLC. The staff is enthusiastic & committed. Lack of formal evaluation methods make it difficult to know how successful their programs are. Lack of concrete statistics make it hard to identify trends in programs. The BPL appears less than supportive to the DLCs mission.