Federal grant funds of over $85,000 to go towards furthering adult English language skills and to help students pass the citizenship and naturalization exit exam.

On September 5, 2013 Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library’s LAMP Literacy

Program received notification from the U.S. Department of Education WIA II (Workforce Investment Act) of an increase in funding from $47,518 to $85,279 for the new 2013-14 fiscal year.

The increase in the award amount was due to the dramatic academic gains and points made by the ESL and citizenship students in the LAMP Literacy Program. Funding for the current year was calculated based on payment points gained during the 2011-12 fiscal year.

Recognized as one of the most successful adult education programs within a library setting, LAMP continues to remain active in the Monterey Park community and beyond with a vast amount of students and volunteers that come to serve and learn. With 13 ESL volunteer instructors working Sundays through Thursdays, the commitment to the ESL and citizenship program is an enormous support to our immigrant second language learners.

In 2012-13, the LAMP Literacy Program had 124 volunteers who contributed 4,542 hours. There were1, 416 students who received over 34,570 hours of instruction and gained English basic skills, reading support and became new citizens.

“Congratulations to the LAMP Staff for all their support and guidance to this dynamic team of volunteers and students,” said City Librarian Norma Arvizu.

In September of 2008, the literacy program was only receiving a minimal annual grant amount of $7,500. Since then, LAMP has rapidly increased in the number of ESL classes and adult students thus yielding the academic gains that have contributed to yearly grant funding increases. These academic gains made by students could not have been possible without the cadre of volunteer instructors and tutors who were trained by the literacy administrator and supported by the LAMP staff. These dedicated volunteers have committed extensive hours and personal time to teach ESL classes and citizenship preparation courses to support patrons and students in our community and surrounding cities.

The Bruggemeyer Library is Monterey Park’s public library located at 318 S. Ramona Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754. For more information about library programs or services please visit the city website at www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us or call 626-307-1333.