Business Details
32 Years
experience
Enriching Lives Through Literacy
At Solano County Library Foundation, we have dedicated ourselves to advancing literacy and lifelong learning since December 1994. Our mission focuses on supporting Solano County Library programs that address literacy needs across all age groups, from early childhood to adulthood. Through strategic partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and educational institutions, we implement impactful initiatives like Reach Out and Read, Tutor.com, and Solano Reads. Our board of directors, composed of professionals with diverse expertise, guides our efforts to create inclusive learning spaces and distribute over $7 million in resources.We prioritize community collaboration, evidenced by our work with pediatric clinics to provide books during well-child visits and our annual Authors Luncheon that raises critical funds for literacy projects. Our administrative team operates from Fairfield, California, maintaining a strong connection to the county's rural character while addressing modern educational challenges.
Services
Reach Out and Read
Tutor.com
Adult and Family Literacy
Solano Reads
Summer Reading Challenge
Authors Luncheon
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have supported Solano County literacy programs since 1994
- Our partnerships with healthcare providers reach children from birth to five years old
- We offer 24/7 online tutoring through Tutor.com with qualified educators
- Our board includes professionals with education, business, and nonprofit expertise
- We distribute over $7 million in literacy resources countywide
Services
Reach Out and Read
This program integrates literacy promotion into pediatric care through book distribution during well-child visits. Healthcare providers give developmentally appropriate books and reading guidance to families with children birth to five years old. Research-based approach enhances language development through 1,000 hours of early literacy exposure.
Tutor.com
24/7 online tutoring service connects students with qualified educators in subjects like math, science, and English. One-on-one sessions use interactive tools to help elementary and middle school students with homework and test preparation. Accessible using Solano County Library cards.
Adult and Family Literacy
Supports initiatives that help adults improve reading skills and learn English as a second language. Programs include volunteer tutoring, book distribution, and family literacy activities that strengthen intergenerational learning connections in Solano County communities.
Solano Reads
Countywide reading program engages schools and libraries through author events and free book distribution. Encourages shared reading experiences between children and adults across Solano County's six cities and surrounding areas.
Authors Luncheon
Annual event featuring celebrated authors that raises funds for literacy programs. Includes speeches, book signings, and community recognition of literacy achievements. Proceeds support educational initiatives serving all age groups.
People
Ravi C. Shankar
President
Business leader with engineering and MBA degrees who values community gardens and cultural diversity. Guides foundation strategy while maintaining connections to local business networks in Vallejo and Banyan.
Patricia Kutza
Vice President
Author and business partner with a passion for libraries since childhood. Advocates for literacy as fundamental to personal development and community growth through her board leadership role.
Ramona Thomas
Secretary
Educator with master's degree in education who writes children's books. Combines academic expertise with practical literacy program experience to advance the foundation's educational mission.
Cheryl Stiles-Haskins
Treasurer
Retired executive educator who values Solano County's natural beauty and community connections. Manages financial resources while promoting the foundation's community engagement initiatives.
Colleen Porter
Administrative Director
Library professional overseeing daily operations who reads approximately two books weekly. Connects county residents with literacy resources while promoting Solano County's rural character and cultural events.
Questions
How does the foundation support early childhood literacy?
We partner with pediatric clinics to distribute books during checkups through the Reach Out and Read program, providing literacy guidance to families with young children.
What online educational resources are available?
Tutor.com offers 24/7 online tutoring with qualified educators in multiple subjects, accessible using your Solano County Library card.
What community areas do you serve?
We serve all Solano County cities including Fairfield, Suisun, Rio Vista, Dixon, Vacaville, and Vallejo through library partnerships and outreach programs.
How are funds raised for literacy programs?
We raise money through annual events like the Authors Luncheon, individual donations, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
