THE MONROVIA PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION

The Monrovia Public Library Foundation (MPLF) hopes that all of Monrovia’s residents and those in our neighboring east San Gabriel Valley communities can enjoy equal access to some of the most critical elements that comprise a decent quality of life today. To that end, MPLF provides Literacy Program funding as well as Capital funding for the Monrovia Public Library.

Too many citizens cannot participate in the Internet age, because they lack computers. Too many cannot read at a most basic level: a recent study showed more than 50% of working-age Los Angeles County residents have trouble reading street signs and bus schedules. A 2010 National Institutes of Health study documented the tremendous social cost for these residents. It found that a mother’s reading skill represents the greatest determinant of a child’s future academic success. Even other factors such as family income and place of residence are not as significant. And, too many veterans return from the years of service only to struggle in the transition to civilian life.

The adult literacy services Monrovia Public Library Foundation funds change lives. 15,639 estimated, unduplicated patrons benefit from these programs. In addition, the Foundation supports a dedicated group of 38 tutors working with 53 learners. 27 participants reached their literacy goals and 11 are continuing their work. The program emphasizes building basic literacy skills such as proficiency in reading and writing English, computer skills, and health and financial literacy.

One of the most important features of the Library’s literacy program is how it attracts new participants. The very people who would benefit cannot read flyers or advertisements about the program. The Library works with civic partners, religious leaders, educators and others to refer friends and family members to the literacy program.

From a Capital funding standpoint, the Monrovia Public Library’s computers exist to give computer and Internet access to those residents who would not otherwise have it. Prior to 2014, all Monrovia Pubic Library’s computers had been out-of-date. In addition to having obsolete microprocessors, they were limited in memory and – most importantly – could not run software that patrons needed most. Veterans are among patrons who use and rely on the computers most. They research and apply for VA benefits and apply for jobs with the computers. Our librarians stand ready to assist them as much as possible. However, because the computers have been so outdated, librarians striving to help the vets could not do so. In a recent focus group discussing this problem, the depth of the frustrations was clear. Librarians deeply regretted they could not do their job and help these men and women who had given so much to our country. The veterans themselves were, of course, desperate for assistance they could not obtain. MPLF committed to replacing 1/3 of the Library’s computers each year.

MPLF also provided the laptops and tablets necessary to improve the Literacy Program for both Instructors and Students.