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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