Redlands Adult Literacy Program releases new volume of “Our Stories, A Collection of Writings” – Redlands Daily Facts

By Diane Shimota | Contributing Columnist

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is preparing to publish the seventh volume of Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, comprised of work by adult learners and tutors participating in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. This year’s collection features the voices of over 40 writers, including young voices from the Family Literacy Program.

As lecturer Claudia Guillaume wrote in the anthology’s introduction, “Welcome to Our Stories,” each story “adds a unique perspective… illustrating the courage to face challenges and overcome learning and language barriers while navigating everyday life with ingenuity, determination, and grace. This anthology is a reflection of the heart, soul, and imagination.”

Our Stories, a Collection of Writings, Volume 7, will soon be available for borrowing from the AK Smiley Library. In the meantime, we would like to share some messages from the authors with you.

Author and learner Pedro Cruz wrote “The Freedom to Read,” a story that illustrates in many ways how important the adult literacy program is to him.

“When I started the program, I was hesitant to read a book. Now I’m looking forward to my next book,” he wrote. Cruz shared that his self-esteem and confidence have increased from reading a variety of books. He wants to read about history, different cultures and experiences, and different types and styles of photography. “I want people… to be more active in supporting your local libraries and your literacy program. I suggest that you help people understand how important the freedom to read is and how valuable the literacy program is to us and our community.”

Several stories in this anthology include descriptions of how the authors’ lives changed as they overcame the challenges they faced because of their literacy skills.

One author wrote that his reading skills have improved greatly in the year and a half he has been in the literacy program. “I have read about 20 books… I like reading biographies, true stories, which motivate me to work harder.” Now when he goes out to eat, he can read the menu. He reads books to his young granddaughters and can pay attention to little things like paying his own bills. The literacy program has given him confidence and he has expressed his gratitude for the help.

The stories in this collection reflect the range of writing levels of the adults in the program. Each author worked carefully on the writing process with the support of a volunteer tutor. By working with their tutors, learners develop important literacy skills that help them overcome obstacles in their lives.

On September 17, the Redlands City Council will consider approving a proclamation declaring Sunday, September 29, as Adult Literacy Day in Redlands. In past years, the City Council has proclaimed Adult Literacy Day in Redlands to highlight the importance of literacy in employment, family education and civic engagement.

To celebrate the life-changing power of literacy, members of the Redlands community are invited to attend the Adult Literacy Program’s “Celebration of Authors” on September 29 at 2 p.m. at the Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands. Adult learners will read from their works published in the anthology. Light refreshments will be served.