by Holly Schaffer, Community Relations Manager
When I met them, Candace, a Literacy Connects volunteer, and Rod, a customer at Murphy-Wilmot Library, appeared to have known one another for many years. As I approached the table where books were spread out before them, I could hear them chatting comfortably, laughing, and sharing about their days. Only after sitting down did I find out that they had only met a year before, when Rod’s social worker introduced him to reading tutoring available through Literacy Connects. It was upon making that connection that Rod sought Candace’s help learning to read.
Upon meeting her, Rod said, “I felt a positive connection right away. I knew I had found help.”
Rod was born in Costa Rica and came to the U.S. when he was six years old. He managed to finish high school without learning to read. He said, “The education system failed me. I just got passed grade by grade without receiving any help. It just ingrained the guilt.”
It was difficult. Rod recalled, “I had a tutor at home. I was so embarrassed about friends knocking on the door. I didn’t want anyone to know.”
Despite being unable to read, Rod accomplished quite a bit, from working as a car salesperson and in construction.
As Candace explained it, “He’s been faking this so brilliantly for so long. All we’re doing is taking that brilliance and putting it toward reading.” Their time together is paying off. Rod said, “I’m reading street signs. I’m reading captions on the television. Reading makes me feel good.”
The Library’s Literacy Reads collection has played a large role in Rod’s journey. The books in this collection, curated by the Welcome to America team, are specifically designed for beginning English readers. They feature low page counts, short chapters, and simple vocabulary in compelling fiction and non-fiction books.
Rod said, “But they’re not books for kids. Reading stuff meant for kids makes me feel bad, feel embarrassed. The Literacy Reads books are simple and they don’t put you down.”
“I’ve not only found the right books, but the right person to guide me,” he said, smiling at Candace.
He also credits library staff for his growth “People at this library,” he said, “are fabulous. They gave me a list of all the Literacy Reads books and encouraged me to request the ones I’m interested in, if they weren’t on the shelf.” He updates them on his progress, and he can tell they’re happy for him.
Rod recently completed a book about Nelson Mandela. Shortly after, he was watching television and there was a movie on about him. “And I knew who he was,” Rod exclaimed.
Candace told me, “His confidence has really grown and he’s very enthusiastic. We started out meeting in one of the small meeting rooms where he was most comfortable.” Now, they’re out in the public area and he’s confident. The week before I met him, another regular customer overheard Rod reading, walked by, and said, “Nice reading, you’re doing great.”
Rod explained to me, “My brain is always wanting more. Bing! Bing! Bing! My brain is firing now.”
This super-powered reading duo can be found every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at Murphy-Wilmot Library. Ever enthusiastic, Rod generally arrives about ½ hour early to practice before their sessions.
“He also practices very hard at home,” Candace said. “He is willing to put time into it and it’s fulfilling for both of us. As he progresses, the world is opening up to him… doors and avenues he never knew existed.”
As for his future, Rod wants to work with young kids. He would like to volunteer at the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center. He said, “I want to show youth who are struggling that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It just takes time and willpower.”
There are two other big goals Rod plans to accomplish, including reading The Three Musketeers in its entirety. The other one? Rod said, “I want to walk into this library and pick out any book I want… and read it myself!”
When the time comes, Rod knows the library has plenty of copies of Dumas’ classic tale of the young adventurer D'Artagnan and, if he needs any help finding it, there are plenty of people ready to jump in.
