[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9348]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING ROCKWALL COUNTY LIBRARY'S READING FOR ADULTS PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2004

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize the Rockwall 
County Library's Reading for Adults program.
  Three years ago, the library began a literacy program to help 
community adults develop essential skills through reading. The Reading 
for Adults program is affiliated with the ``Dallas Reads'' initiative 
and ``Literacy Pro,'' a worldwide venture. What started with two 
students and five tutors has grown into a program that instructs 158 
students and relies on the services of 75 volunteer tutors. Classes, 
which are held at the Rockwall County Library and in nearby Royse City, 
range from one-on-one instruction to small classes of 15-20 students.
  The Reading for Adults program has already been a big success. 
Students have earned their GED and some have completed citizenship 
requirements. Students also report that they are able to function more 
effectively from day to day. For example, after working with tutors, 
parents can more clearly express their concerns to teachers and 
doctors. The program offers us a wonderful example of how innovative, 
caring, and committed people can help positively shape communities 
throughout America.
  The Reading for Adults initiative relies on the generosity of the 
entire community. The Friends of the Library donate their time and 
money. The library also organizes an annual Rock and Read event to 
raise money to buy books and materials. Recently, IBM awarded the 
library four computers with sound recognition software to help students 
learn to speak and read. Without these valuable resources, programs 
like Reading for Adults simply wouldn't exist.
  On behalf of the students, tutors, organizers, and community of 
Rockwall, I want to take this opportunity in the House of 
Representatives to salute the Reading for Adults program.

                          ____________________