Resources for Adult Literacy Programs in Rural Public Libraries

Dictionary Resource

Just what IS this Smart Car everyone keeps talking about? And why does your son keep going on and on about that game console thingy? And what about that jujitsu stuff your buddy continually tries to practice on you when you’re not looking? Maybe you should pick up the new Merriam-Webster’s Visual Dictionary and find out exact what all these new fangled things are. Merriam-Webster’s Visual Dictionary goes beyond merely identifying objects through pictures by being the only visual dictionary that provides definitions to accompany words and illustrations. The subjects included touch on all areas of daily life and the content reflected is current in the modern age allowing the dictionary subjects to be identified and understood by individuals across a wide variety of backgrounds, ages, and cultures. It can be used as a reference source by virtually anyone including students of all ages, library professionals, translators, teachers, and parents. The type face is large and easy to read. This dictionary offers a listing of 20,000 words and definitions with over 6,000 appropriate images pertaining to a collection of seventeen broad topics relevant to all ages and literacy levels.

Corbeil, J. & Archambault, A. (2006). Merriam-Webster’s visual dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.


Biographical Resource

Oral histories have been told throughout time. These are often translated into the printed word for future generations to enjoy, relate to, and contemplate, thereby allowing oral histories to become timeless. When I Travel, I Like to Fly, and the other three books contained in the series developed by the Oakland Readers Health Project present the timeless oral histories of adult new readers. These new readers discuss their lives, their struggles and obstacles, and how they have become better people by overcoming hardship and adversity. Creating oral histories of adult students and using adult students’ thoughts about reading and writing for publications are not new concepts. This text and the entire series, however, present a new teaching model by making the oral histories of adult students available in language and on a language level that students can read themselves, and that is accessible to other adult new readers. This series contains stories specifically geared toward adult new readers, as adults can identify with the struggles these individuals have endured and the obstacles they have overcome in their challenges to become literate. The stories in this text are presented at a basic reading level (Level 1). Once the reader is ready to advance, stories from the same writers appear in Twelfth Grade Common Sense, which is written at a more advanced reading level (Level 2), The South Was Pretty Cold (Level 3), and Deep Feeling Feedback (Level 4). These stories are compelling and interesting and completely pertinent to adult new readers. This book can be used by students reading on their own, aloud, and with the assistance of at tutor. When I Travel, I Like to Fly is perfect for all adults, not just adults engaged in a literacy program, as well as teachers and literacy educators.

Lamb, J. (1999). Oakland readers health project: a book of life stories. Oakland, CA: Oakland Public Library Second Start Adult Literacy Program.


Ready Reference Resource

Find the real story about the animal of myth and legend, the wolf. Wolves helps readers understand the behaviors and personalities of wolves through the usage of photographs and text. Partake in this delightful, full-color glossy book and then proceed though the rest of the 12-book series, The Untamed World. The format will appeal to a variety of readers. Readers will appreciate reading this book for pleasure through the careful text, vibrant illustrations, and attractive layout. This book and others in the series can be utilized by new readers and veterans alike. Scientific minds will appreciate the biological information provided while the more imaginative learners will appreciate the folklore and mythology sections. The full-color photographs and drawings enhance and clarify the information contained within the text and the accompanying glossary and suggested reading materials are very helpful for readers desiring to gain more in-depth information on wolves. The large text and oversized format makes Wolves accessible to new readers of any age, and the adult-centered conservation issues surrounding wolves makes this book particularly useful for new adult readers.

Dudley, K. (1997). Wolves. Calgary: Weigl Educational.


Geographic Resource

Deep in the heart of the rainforest, a memorable journey awaits: mangrove swamps, waterfalls, wild orchids, bananas, birds of paradise With vibrant color illustrations, photos, and maps capturing a lush landscape Atlas of the Rain Forests invites readers to submit to their exploratory imagination while the clear, concise language holds readers’ attention helping them view rain forests in a broader context. Stunning photographs and descriptive language allows readers to find themselves immersed in a new world as sidebars and close-up pictures and captions detail the abundant life contained within the rain forest. Explanations are to the point, making Atlas of the Rain Forests appropriate for new readers while being accessible and inviting to a vast age range of readers. The text is ideal for children, adults, adults engaged in a literacy program, ESL learners, teachers, and literacy educators. Atlas of the Rain Forests provides an educational expedition deep inside the least explored place on earth.

Lewington, A. (1997). Atlas of rain forests. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn.