HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-26; Library Board of Trustees; ; Writer to Writer Challenge Winner
April 26, 2023 ITEM 2 Page 1 of 2
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
District:
April 26, 2023
Library Board of Trustees
Carrie Scott, Community Outreach Supervisor
Carrie Scott, Community Outreach Supervisor
carrie.scott@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5515
Writer to Writer Challenge Winner
All
Recommended Action
Receive a report from staff on the Writer to Writer Challenge and Carlsbad City Library's adult
learner will read her winning letter.
Executive Summary/Discussion
The Writer to Writer Challenge is an annual writing competition for adult learners enrolled in
Southern California Library Literacy Services programs. Adult learners read or listen to a book
then write a letter to the author describing how the book impacted their life. Carlsbad City
Library Literacy Services' adult learner Nyla M. Henry won in the Intermediate Category of the
Challenge with her letter to the authors of The Personal Librarian.
Next Steps
None.
Fiscal Analysis
None.
Public Notification
Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was
available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1. Writer to Writer Challenge Winning Letter
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Staff Report
EXHIBIT 1
April 26, 2023 ITEM 2 Page 2 of 2
Level 3: Intermediate Writers
Winner: Nyla M. Henry
Carlsbad City Library Learning Center
Book: The Personal Librarian
Author: Maria Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
November 15, 2022
Dear Maria Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray,
Our book club has chosen your book, The Personal Librarian, as our current project. I connected with
Belle’s story in several ways. For example, Belle being a lady at all times and keeping her heritage a secret
in order to have the opportunities to survive in her time. My secret is that I could not read, write and the
shame.
Your story took me back to the beginning of my story where it seemed to me there were many similarities.
When I was young I always struggled in school with learning. I realized early on that I had to pretend that
I could read. I had to keep it a secret and I relied on my other talents.
As Belle was reflecting, I remembered where I came from, how far I have come, not to forget all that I
have accomplished. My dream has come true because of the Carlsbad Learning Center. They have given
me the opportunity to learn how to read and write.
I grew up in a home where my parents worked and did not focus on me or my sisters. Then they separated
and the situation got worse, until I was forced to move out at the age of sixteen.
My problem continued through high school when the teacher realized I had a problem. I was a senior and
put in a class with other students who also had problems. I struggled with reading words, letters, sounds
and speaking. It’s funny how certain things stand out and what people want to see instead of taking the
time to really see what is real! A kind teacher realized my difficulty and helped me to remember what I
needed to pass a test to graduate. I left school still unable to read and write.
Life was a constant struggle, trying to find jobs and then having to learn the job. It was a difficult task and
keeping my secret actually kept me focused on what I needed to do to survive, just as Belle needed to.
My tutor and I work together at the Learning Center with different tools focused on learning how to read
letters, cookbooks, signs and things to apply to everyday situations. I never gave up, but it was hard. I do
find myself sometimes reverting back to my old ways, because people do treat you differently when you
reveal your secret!
I can relate to Belle’s story, the negativity, compassion, sorrow, joy, regret and always yearning for more. I
would like to think we have moved on to better things, but I know that is a dream we need to work at. One
day, we can hope it will happen!
Thank you for sharing Belle’s story with me and others. It felt like a mirror of my story.
Sincerely,
Nyla M. Henry