California Public Libraries…
Addressing English Language Literacy with
ELLI: The English Language & Literacy Intensive

New: Don't reinvent the wheel! See what we learned in our first year of ELLI
(Microsoft Word document)

New: Get a quick overview of each ELLI program
(Microsoft Word document)

NEW: ELLI VIDEO CONFERENCE!

Visit an ELLI Site!

  • Butte County Library
  • Escondido Public Library
  • Glendale Public Library
  • Huntington Beach Public Library
  • Lake County Library
  • County of Los Angeles Public Library
  • Los Angeles Public Library
  • (Monterey Park) Bruggemeyer Memorial Library
  • Napa City-County Public Library
  • National City Public Library
  • Oceanside Public Library
  • Plumas County Library
  • (Redlands) A.K. Smiley Public Library
  • Richmond Public Library
  • Sacramento Public Library
  • San Mateo County Library
  • Santa Ana Public Library
  • Santa Barbara Public Library
  • Solano County Library
  • Sonoma County Library
  • Sutter County Library
  • Woodland Public Library

California’s public libraries have been actively working to advance adult literacy since 1984 and family literacy since 1988. Now, to capitalize on the effectiveness of these existing literacy programs, the California State Library is offering $8 million in grants for public library outreach to school-age English language learners.

ELLI, the English Language & Literacy Intensive, was created in response to California Governor Gray Davis’ focus on education and his desire to improve the literacy skills and test scores of California’s schoolchildren. California State Library guidelines require that these programs involve the whole family in the learning process and that they encompass multiple goals and outcomes.

In 2000/2001, 22 libraries statewide received funding through ELLI and proceeded to tailor programs to their local needs. Click on one of the libraries listed to the right to experience an ELLI program first-hand and to get a sense of the creativity and innovation that has gone into the design of these programs.

If you’re interested in applying for funding through ELLI, you may wish to investigate the following:

For applications or more information contact:

Valerie Reinke, Library Programs Consultant
California State Library
(909) 786-0455
vreinke@library.ca.gov