The Backpage Podcast
"The Backpage" is a lively monthly podcast where Lloyd, Kent, and Haley dive into the events, stories, and conversations shaping Colusa County. With a mix of community updates, personal anecdotes, and a dash of opinion, it's your go-to for staying connected and entertained.
The Backpage Podcast
Improving Literacy in Colusa County - March 2025
Lloyd, Kent, and Hayley sit down with Pam DaGrossa, Literacy Services Coordinator for the Colusa County Free Library, to discuss the critical role of literacy programs in the community. They explore the library’s efforts to support both children and adults, addressing challenges in reading, writing, digital, and financial literacy.
Pam highlights key initiatives such as the Raising a Reader program, designed to develop early literacy skills for children aged 0 to 5, and one-on-one tutoring for adults seeking to improve their reading and writing abilities. She also discusses the library’s work in expanding digital literacy, including email training and online navigation skills.
The conversation touches on the broader literacy challenges in Colusa County, which ranks among the lowest in California. Factors such as poverty, parental education levels, and a high immigrant population contribute to low literacy rates. Pam shares how the library is working to address these issues, including efforts to provide literacy workshops for inmates at the Colusa County Jail and build a more robust book collection within the facility.
Listeners will also learn how they can support literacy efforts by becoming volunteer tutors. Pam outlines the application process, training, and the impact volunteers can have in helping adult learners improve their English skills.
In addition to literacy programs, the episode covers a range of other library services, from Sensory Saturday and story time for children to access to digital resources, audiobooks, and the Sacramento library system’s vast collection. Pam also explains how the ZIP program allows patrons to request books not available locally.
The episode wraps up with updates on upcoming community events in Colusa County, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed CD Simple Park, a free car show and pancake breakfast, the Colusa County Arts Council’s art walk event, and volunteer opportunities for the Colusa Music Series summer season.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on the importance of literacy and how the Colusa County Free Library is making a difference in the community.
