PLACENTIA : Scaled-Back Library Program Planned

Placentia Library District officials said they are still planning an after-school homework assistance program aimed at Latino students even though funding from the county government is no longer available.

“We’ll fund the program out of the library budget, but obviously not at the same level,” said Elizabeth Minter, library district director.

The district’s board of directors will meet next week to consider a scaled-back version of the proposed program. Instead of operating four days a week, Minter said it may be offered only two days a week.

The district’s request for $41,000 in county funds was rejected. Officials said they were uncertain how much money would be available in library funds for the program, which is scheduled to begin when schools open in the fall.

Library officials have also not decided yet where the classes will be conducted.

The homework assistance program is designed to tutor both Latino children and their parents. In addition to helping students with their homework, parents can also study English or work with their child’s tutor to learn how to support their child in schoolwork.

Gwen Joseph, director of the library’s family literacy program, said the goal is to get parents more involved with their children’s education.

“If their children are being taught in a language that is unfamiliar to them, they are unable to help them with homework,” Joseph said. “They’re caring, loving parents who want a better life for their children and want to be involved with their education.”