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page 26 LITERACY REPORT Five months have passed since the Adult Literacy Program began in Leeds county. In that time I have travelled from one end of the county to the other. I have talked to United Church Women, Lions and various county school committees. I have also casually discussed the program on many occasions with many interested people. According to the study from which this literacy program grew, there are approximately 3,500 functionally illiterate adults in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. This means that these people cannot easily read a newspaper, fill out a job application, do personal banking, correspond by letter with friends and relatives and so on. The walls this would build, the misunderstandings which could arise and the anxiety and frustration which result are a daily reality for a lot of people in this county. Many of us know people â€"- neighbours, friends or relatives â€"- who have reading and writing problems. Over the years, it is clear how much suffering is caused by these difficulties. Because of this, many concerned people have come out to tutor training sessions and are now volunteering two to three hours of their time and energy weekly to help non-reading adults. However, not every nonâ€"reading adults who could benefit from this free program is aware of it. Someone who knows and cares may read an NORTHLEEDSLMTERI is very painful for an adult to admit his or her problems with reading and writing. There is also a tremendous feeling of relief at sharing that fact in a ' confidential situation where help is available. The person who has the courage to seek that help deserves praise and support. At this time, over a dozen people have taken that first step and are doing very well in their tutoring sessions. In their weekly meeting they are learning to: write their names, read newspapers and magazines, write letters, practice for written drivers' examination, and so on. They are gaining confidence and looking at new possibilities in their lives -- possibilities only available to people who can read and write. Though I will continue my wanderings throughout the county in promotion of the literacy program I would appreciate your help as well. If you know of someone who could benefit, someone who has likely already confided their disability to you, please let them know of this free, confidential program. Although not all trained. tutors have been matched with students yet, this will come. For people interested in becoming volunteer tutors, I will be conducting further training sessions in September and later in the fall as well. For additional information LIBRARY NEWS LARGE PRINT COLLECTIONS One of the fastest growing areas of service in the Union Library System is that of Large Print books. In several branches, collections of over 100 titles are changed every three weeks to keep up with the demand. This service is offered through a "central pool" of titles loaned from the Ontario Library Serviceâ€"Rideau, Ottawa. Member libraries raise funds through matching grants from Wintario and allocate the total funds to the Library Service office for central purchasing and distribution of the books. This method permits small libraries, like the Union, have a larger selection than they could possibly afford to purchase individually. The Large Print titles are primarily for those who are experiencing declining sight abilities and, while on occasion, regular borrowers may borrow these titles, they should remember that these are specialized collections aimed at a specific group of patrons who cannot use the regular print collections. The books are more expensive than regular print volumes and with the limited number available, we would ask that the more fortunate patrons, who can select from the larger regular print collection, remember that the titles they take from the Large Print collection greatly reduces the selection to those with sight handicaps. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP CONTRIBUTE TO THE LARGE PRINT COLLECTION PLEASE DROP YOUR DONATION INTO ANY OF THE UNION BRANCHES IF WE CAN RAISE $500.00 WE CAN APPLY IT TO A MATCHING GRANT AND ADD ANOTHER $1,000.00 WORTH OF TITLES TO THE COLLECTION! The "Magnifier Sheets“ available through any branch of the Union library have proved a great success, with numerous patrons purchasing them for a variety of uses; from reading the miniscule print in the telephone directory to reading the daily paper. They are very helpful when poring over maps and, many of our sight impaired patrons have used them to help read regular print books. They are a little awkward to hold for any length of time, and it is hoped that some "handyâ€"person" will develop a light weight frame that may alleviate the problem. The sheets are inexpensive and are supplied at cost at all branches to regular patrons. South Crosby residents, with sight problems are provided with them freeâ€"of-charge courtesy of the Elgin & District Lions Club. Each library also has a sheet which may be borrowed for short periods of time. Some 40 sheets have been distributed throughout the area. For more information, please drop in at your branch of the Union Library. I article. such as this one please contact me, Dawne f0 him. or her- The Smith, at 1â€"800-267-0831, Informatlon and the at the Leeds-Grenville opportunity may reach Board of Education. a prospective student at a service club meeting or through community service advertising on radio or television â€" CKWS, for example. 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