New Learning Center for Calhoun County

By Phyllis Cauley

The Calhoun County Public Library would like to announce the opening of its Family Learning Center. The Center was completed in December 1999, and offers many services to the citizens of Calhoun County. There is a new computer lab which has ten computers for adult learners and general public use. Dr. Elga White, VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) worker, facilitates basic computer and Internet classes in the Center. The Center is on-line with Okaloosa-Walton Community College’s Cyberspace literacy project. Students are able to access the Tutorsystem Basic Skills Program to help improve grades and complete their GED.

This center will also serve as an important resource for the Panhandle Area Literacy Services Network (PALS-NET), consisting of 12 county members in Northwest Florida. This project provides two community outreach service employees at the center to assist adult learners with basic skills and achieving their educational goals.

PALS-NET is funded through Florida A&M University with a grant from the Florida Department of Education. The Calhoun County School System provides a certified teacher to tutor students working toward a GED. Student referrals are obtained from the Workforce Development Board’s One Stop Center and Chipola Junior College.

TABE testing is provided upon request for learners needing this service. Lavaine Tillman Williams is the Coordinator for the Family Learning Center. The two community outreach specialists from PALS-NET, four VISTA’s, plus volunteers, who tutor learners one on one, assist her.

The center is also used in many other ways. It has been designated a voting precinct. Community organizations can schedule meetings, such as retired teachers, advisory boards, family resource meetings, etc.

The Calhoun County Public Library staff is very proud of our Family Learning Center for what it means to the residents of our county. The center is open to the public. For more information call Lavaine Tiliman Williams at (850) 674-8773 ext. 2.