Syracuse educator at forefront of national charge: 'Libraries change lives'

Syracuse educator at forefront of national charge: 'Libraries change lives'

Syracuse.com: 3.30.2014 by Sean Kirst

The conversation happened only because of a mutual friend, a guy from North Carolina, who told Kim Scott: "I know someone you should really meet." Scott is managing partner of Literacy Powerline in Syracuse, and her friend told her about this woman with an absolute passion for libraries whose interests pointed to the same larger goals.

He provided Scott with an email address. She was startled when it ended with "@syr.edu."

Barbara Stripling, Scott realized, was already here.

That is really how a nationwide initiative on libraries got its birth in Central New York. The email address led Scott to Stripling, former director of library services for the New York City public schools. This was in 2012, after Stripling accepted a position as an assistant professor in Syracuse University's School of Information Studies.

She had won election as incoming president for the American Library Association and its 57,000 members. Stripling and Scott got together for coffee at the Starbucks on Marshall Street. As their friend predicted, they immediately realized their missions overlapped. Stripling was especially intrigued by a "Right to Literacy" campaign that Scott helped develop a few years ago.

It gave Stripling an idea. Even before she took over as ALA president, she assembled a committee and crafted a plan that laid out some fundamental guarantees:

The Declaration for the Right to Libraries.  READ MORE !

Literacy - Spanning the U.S: Stanislaus Co CA, Joplin MO,, Atlus OK

Literacy:  Spanning the U.S.

Monday Q&A: Karen Williams, Stanislaus Literacy Center executive director

Modesto Bee: 3.16.2014 by Deke Farrow

“I like to read – it’s my favorite thing to do.

”That was the thought that led Karen Williams to apply for a job posting she saw: executive director of the Stanislaus Literacy Center.

Never mind that she had “no concept” of what working for the literacy center would entail. She had a degree in communications/journalism, decided to give it a shot and got the job.

Williams became the first executive director of the center, which had been created just the year before. “Fortunately for me, the agency was very small – only two part-time staff members, and a small budget. It was a great place to learn to be an administrator.”

That was 1996. Williams, her husband, Dave, and their three children, who ranged in age from 8 to 13, had just moved from Illinois to Turlock. “This was my first job here,” Williams said last week. “I’d been home raising kids. But now all were in school and it was time to work again. … I was raised in this job – as it (the literacy center) grew, I grew.”

Since 1996, the program has grown from a $68,000 budget and two part-time employees to more than $850,000 and 15 full-time and 40 part-time employees. It also has hundreds of volunteer tutors, without whom the center could not fulfill its mission: to teach adults and their families basic education skills. READ MORE !

Neighborhood Adult Literacy Action Book Collection

Four StatesHomepage: 3.19.2014 by Brad Douglas

JOPLIN, MO.--- An area Boy Scout is collecting books for a good cause. Zach Sayler is working on an Eagle project by hosting a book drive for the Neighborhood AdultLiteracy Action, or NALA. Many of the adults that are learning to read want to read to their kids at night, however the center doesn't have enough books.

"This is the opportunity to learn our language and be a citizen of the United States, be equal as everyone else. Learn that basic skill everyone needs," said Zach Salyer, Collecting Books.

To donate, you can drop off your books until March 31st at NALA, located at 2nd and Main in Joplin. They also have a box set up inside the Carthage Wal-Mart.  VIDEO

The Journey to Succeed

Altus Times: 3.15.2014

“In the late 1980s, I finally admitted that I needed help to improve my reading and writing, so I contacted the Great Plains Literacy Council for that help,” said Alice Swakhamer when she addressed the GPLC Board of Directors and staff recently. “Even to this day, I am very appreciative to this organization for its value to me with my career and personal journey, but also for its value to other adults in Jackson County and Harmon County.”

The GPLC Board of Directors, staff, and volunteer tutors have worked together since 1985 to help adult learners, age 18 and older, reach their goals through literacy by offering one-to-one sessions or with small group classes on a weekly basis at no charge. For example, students might want to read a newspaper, read a repair manual, write a letter, read food or medicine labels, pass the driver license exam, read to their children, learn computer skills, take the citizenship test, or enroll in a GED program. Learners in adult literacy programs can be served in many ways. Mrs. Swakhamer’s testimony reinforced the necessity and importance of adult literacy education. READ MORE !

California librarians irked by governor’s appointment

California librarians irked by governor’s appointment 
Cal Coast News: 3.26.2014

California Governor Jerry Brown appointed a politically connected journalist to the position of state librarian, frustrating librarians across California. [LA Times]

“A former reporter? What the hell? said Librarians’ Guild President Roy B. Stone. “I’m tired of political appointments everywhere you go for everything.”

California Education Code states that the state librarian should be a technically trained librarian.

Brown’s appointment, Greg Lucas, formerly reported on politics for the San Francisco Chronicle. Since 2011, he has served as the senior editor for Sacramento website Capitol Weekly. He also writes and edits for California’s Capitol, a website he created.

Lucas, 55, is the son of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Malcolm Lucas and the husband of Donna Lucas, a political strategist and former top aide for governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Deukmejian.

The state librarian receives $142,968 annually. Job duties include overseeing the State Library, collecting and preserving historical items and providing technical and financial assistance to local libraries.

Lucas must receive senate confirmation to secure the position.

Literacy - Spanning the U.S: Forsyth GA, Ionia MI, Washtenaw MI

Literacy:  Spanning the U.S.

Vietnam vets learn about literacy efforts

Forsyth County News: 3.15.2014 by Marty Farrell

CUMMING —The executive director of a Forsyth County organization dedicated to reducing illiteracy and the economic and social toll it can take recently spoke to a gathering of the Cumming chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Annaliza Thomas with Literacy Forsyth said the local community is reflective of the problem nationwide, where an estimated 32 million Americans are functionally illiterate. That means they can’t read or write well enough to succeed in the complex modern society.

According to Thomas, there are about 13,000 people in Forsyth who don’t have a high school diploma. That’s why the organization joins with schools to help identify and assist sixth-12th graders who are at risk of dropping out.  READ MORE !

'Howard's Dream' comes to life; author at Ionia Expo Saturday

Sentinel Standard: 3.14.2014

Ionia's newest author is Howard Tompkins. Tompkins and his new children's book, "Howard's Dream" were introduced at the Ionia Rotary meeting held at Olivera's Restaurant Feb. 26.

"Howard's Dream" is the true story of a local boy's struggles with reading. It is a touching story of perseverance and not giving up hope.

Tompkins, an Ionia County resident, wrote "Howard's Dream" to tell others about his lifelong difficulty with dyslexia and his inability to read, and to encourage others like himself to seek help to improve their reading skills.

At age 55, Tompkins is learning to read with the help of volunteers at the Ionia County Literacy Council. Tompkins hopes his book will encourage others who want help with their reading skills to contact the Literacy Council. He also hopes this book will encourage children to read and not make fun of other kids who learn differently.

"Howard's Dream" was two years in the making, with the Rotary Club of Ionia, Rotary District 6360 and Cargill Kitchen Solutions picking up the costs of printing and publishing.  READ MORE !

Washtenaw Literacy Publication Relates Literacy to Achievement and Community Health

WN.com: 3.13.2014

PRNewswire/ -- A new publication from Washtenaw Literacy explores the impact of illiteracy on lifestyle and overall community health in one of Michigan's most highly educated counties. The Impact of Adult Illiteracy in Washtenaw County was inspired by the recent worldwide assessment of adult literacy by the Programmefor the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), which confirms that low literacy is getting worse in the United States, just as investments in adult education have hit a ten-year low.

Author Amy Goodman, Executive Director of Washtenaw Literacy, relates this sobering data to the illiteracy challenges faced within Washtenaw County, highlighting the importance of accelerating efforts to improve literacy levels. Non-profit Washtenaw Literacy is Michigan's oldest and most productive literacy agency, having served more than 20,000 adults with tutoring for basic reading and writing skills.

"As a root cause of poverty, low literacy skills contribute to homelessness, food insecurity, unemployment, poor health outcomes, poor civic involvement, and weak parenting skills," said Goodman. "Illiteracy is a hidden cost of living we all bear."  READ MORE !

"Libraries are Beautiful - Inside and Out" National Library Week Photo Contest

"Libraries are Beautiful - Inside and Out"
National Library Week Photo Contest

Gale Celebrates Upcoming National Library Week with "Libraries are Beautiful!" Photo Contest
PR Newswire: 3.19.2014

In celebration of National Library Week April 13-19, Gale, part of Cengage Learning and a leading publisher of research and education resources for libraries, schools and businesses, is calling all library lovers to show how their library makes their community a more beautiful place—physically or metaphorically.

1: Submit a high resolution digital photo and 250 word write-up at Cengage

2: All U.S. libraries can be nominated to win.
Nominations can be submitted by library staff, friends and users.

3: Submissions will be accepted March 19 – 28.
Winners will be announced during National Library Week in April.

To enter, library staff, students or patrons need only to submit a picture of the nominated library along with a short write-up for any of the 5 award categories. One "Best of Category" winner will be selected per category and will receive $500. One grand prize winner will be awarded "Best in Show" and take home $2,500. Categories include:

• Most Unique Structure/Art Installation: Is there a particular piece of art or sculpture that's always a topic of conversation at your library? Then please, show and tell. 
• Greatest Historical Treasure: Whether it's your building itself or something within your collections, share its story and historical significance. 
• Most Modern Architecture: There is nothing wrong with tradition but show off your twenty-first century look. 
• Coolest Internal Space: From a whimsical children's space to a hip teen area, tech hub or academic retreat, show why students and patrons are flocking to enter and reluctant to leave. 
• Best Curb Appeal: Show us what your library looks like from the road and why it's making people stop in their tracks.

Cengage Learning is a leading educational content, software and services company, empowering educators and driving learner engagement through personalized services and course-driven digital solutions that bridge from the library to the classroom. Gale, part of Cengage Learning, serves the world's information and education needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet.

Support Library Funding: Contact your US Senators & Reps Today

Support Library Funding

Contact your U.S. Senators and Reps Today

District Dispatch: 3.19.2014 by Jeffrey Kratz

Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives by going to the Legislative Action Center and urge them to support funding in FY 2015 for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL).

There are currently two letters circulating in the House of Representatives and the Senate.  One letter (a letter in the House and a in the Senate) is asking for support of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in the FY 2015 Appropriations bill.  The other letter (a letter in the House and a in the Senate) is asking for support for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program also in the FY 2015 Appropriations bill.  To find out if your legislators have signed one of the letters this year, view this chart (pdf).  If not please contact him/her and encourage them to do so.  If your Senator or Representative has signed one of these letters, please thank him/her for their support of libraries.

Read below for some background information on LSTA and IAL.

LSTA

Is the primary source of annual funding for libraries in the federal budget.  The bulk of this program is a population-based grant funded to each state through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  Each state determines how they will allocate their LSTA funds, often relying upon this money to provide job searching databases, resume workshops, summer reading projects, and so much more.  In addition, LSTA also supports:

•Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services to support improved access to library services for Native Americans, Alaska Native Villages, and Native Hawaiians;

•National Leadership Grants to support activities of national significance that enhances the quality of library services nationwide and provide coordination between libraries and museums; and,

•Laura Bush 21st Century Librarians which is used to help develop and promote the next generation of librarians.

IAL

From 2002 to 2010, the Improving Literacy through School Libraries program had been the primary source of federal funding for school libraries.  However, in recent years the President and U.S. Congress have consolidated or zero-funded this program.  ALA gives a special thanks to Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) who recognized that school libraries need a direct funding source in the federal budget. In FY 2012, through report language in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, the two redirected money to the U.S. Department of Education to create the IAL program.

With Improving Literacy through School Libraries being defunded, IAL has taken over as the primary source of federal funding for school libraries.  Focusing on low income schools, these funds help many schools bring their school libraries up to standards.  This money is not enough to help every school library, but it does help some with updating materials and equipment, allowing children from disadvantaged areas to have opportunities to become college and career ready.

World Storytelling Day: March 20

World Storytelling Day: March 20

World Storytelling Day is a global celebration of the art of oral storytelling. It is celebrated every year on the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, the first day of autumn equinox in the southern. On World Storytelling Day, as many people as possible tell and listen to stories in as many languages and at as many places as possible, during the same day and night. Participants tell each other about their events in order to share stories and inspiration, to learn from each other and create international contacts.

If you are on Twitter, tweet about 2014 events with the #WSD14 hashtag!

Each year, many of the individual storytelling events that take place around the globe are linked by a common theme. Each year, the theme is identified by and agreed upon by storytellers from around the world on the worldstorytellingday listserv.

•2014 - Monsters and Dragons

•2015 - Wishes

St Patrick's Day

St Patrick’s Day

Turn the Internet “Green”

Share A Favorite or Interesting Book Featuring ‘ Green ‘ in the Title.

Blog, Tweet, post on Facebook . . .

Green Stamps to Hot Pants: growing up in the 50s and 60s

Genny Zak Kieley

Nodin Press: 2009

The Green Fairy Book

Andrew Lang; H J Ford

Dover Publications: 1965

Little Green Men, meowing nuns, and head-hunting panics: a study of mass psychogenic illness and social delusion

Robert E Bartholomew

McFarland: ©2001

Greenes Carde of Fancie: Wherein the folly of those carpet knights is deciphered, which guiding their course by the compass of Cupid, either dash their ship against most dangerous rocks, or else attaine the haven with pain and perill. Wherein also is described in the person of Gwydonius a cruell combate between nature and necessitie.

Robert Greene; Louise Labé

Printed by H[umphrey] L[ownes] for Mathewe Lownes, and are to be solde at his shop in Paules-churchyard, 1608

.   .  . via National Gallery of Art’s Tweet

Literacy - Spanning the U.S: Tucson AZ, Milford CT, Elgin, IL, Cleveland OH

Literacy:  Spanning the U.S.

Libraries' English classes pay off for both students, tutors

Arizona Daily Star: 3.03.2014 by Gabriela Diaz

Enriqueta Gonzalez has a new air of confidence.

Six months ago, she started taking free English classes offered at the Woods Memorial Branch Library. Gonzalez can now understand and speak better English, which has allowed her to engage with more people with confidence and security and consider finding a better job.

The English classes have continued to see an increase in demand and positive response from the community.

Last year, classes offered at the 10 library branches served 1,140 students from more than 45 countries, said Jennifer Stanowski, program director for Literacy Connects. About 70 percent of those students come from Spanish-speaking countries.

The classes are a partnership between Pima County Public Library and Literacy Volunteers of Tucson, one of five programs of Literacy Connects. The literacy group, which operates the English Language Acquisition for Adults, is a non-profit organization that recruits and trains English-language tutors.

“The library is very appreciative of this partnership,” said Ingrid Trebisky, assistant manager at the Woods Memorial Library. “These classes have been great for the library as well as the community.  READ MORE !

Literacy Center marks anniversary with new programs

CT Bulletin: 3.12.2014 – Submitted Article

The Literacy Center of Milford has good cause to celebrate. This year, the community-minded Center marks its 20-year anniversary of enriching the lives of thousands of Milford-area residents from other countries who have passed through its welcoming doors in quest of basic literacy skills since its founding in 1994.

Adding to the celebratory spirit of this anniversary year, the Center also adopts a new logo designed to reflect the organization’s evolution and growth. It also plans a yearlong rollout of dynamic new educational programs and activities (which started in December), as well as a full-scale marketing effort to reflect its new direction.

“We have a legacy to be proud of and countless accomplishments to celebrate,” said center President Martin O’Neill, who was installed in January and who has served on the non-profit organization’s Board of Directors for five years. “Our anniversary year is an excellent time to reflect, and to thank everyone — the organization’s hard-working staff, board of directors, and volunteer tutors; corporations and local businesses, agencies and foundations, and individual contributors — for helping us grow into the organization that we are today.”  READ MORE !

Elgin not-for-profit teaches local adults the ABCs of success

Courier News: 3.07.2014 by Melanie Kalmar

Simple tasks, like filling out a job application, helping their children with homework, or deciphering food labels, are difficult for adults who cannot read.

Studies by ProLiteracy, a global not-for-profit organization that teaches adults basic reading and writing skills, reveal that 30 million American grownups cannot read above a fifth grade level. Only a mere 3 million of those people will receive the help they need to master this fundamental skill.

For adults with low literacy who live in the northwest suburbs, help is nearby.

Located at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Ave., The Literacy Connection, a local affiliate of ProLiteracy, recruits volunteers to teach basic literacy skills to adults who are native English speakers, as well as those who speak English as a second language.

Last year, The Literacy Connection’s 150 tutors served 284 learners, free of charge.  READ MORE !

Adult illiteracy is a scourge that Northeast Ohio must banish: editorial

Cleveland.com: 3.06.2014 by Editorial Board

Surprisingly few people raised any alarms when an international test of adult literacy, math and problem-solving skills showed the United States near the back of the pack.

At least that's how Robert Paponetti, executive director of The Literacy Cooperative, a nonprofit  in Cleveland, sees it.

So the adult literacy conference  the literacy cooperative sponsored last week at Third Federal Bank was a clanging cymbal banishing the silence surrounding adult illiteracy in the United States and Northeast Ohio.

The Programmes for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIACC)  test measures literacy and other basic skills of 16- to 65-year-olds in 24 developed nations. The latest PIAAC, released in October, found that many adults in the United States lack strong basic skills, unlike their counterparts in Japan and Finland, which scored at the top. For instance, the United States ranked 21st in math and 16th in literacy, according to the PIAAC. READ MORE !

Pew Internet: Advocacy Tools for Librarians

What Do Americans Say about Public Libraries?

Cecil County Public Library

Pew Internet: Advocacy Tools for Librarians

From Distant Admirers to Library Lovers (March 2014)

How Americans Value Public Libraries in their Communities (December 2013)

Parents, Children, Libraries, and Reading (May 2013)

Library Services in the Digital Age (January 2013)

Libraries, patrons, and e-books (June 2012) and The rise of e-reading (April 2013)

The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project has produced a series of reports presenting new research on library services, trends in reading habits and patron needs in the digital age. This three-year research program is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and informed by an advisory group, focus groups and surveys of library users, non-users, and librarians.

Public Library Engagement in America - Pew Research

From Distant Admirers to Library Lovers–and beyond
A typology of public library engagement in America
Pew Research Internet Project: 3.13.2014 by Kathryn Zickuhr, Kristen Purcell and Lee Rainie

Among the broad themes and major findings in this report:

~ Public library users and proponents are not a niche group: 30% of Americans ages 16 and older are highly engaged with public libraries, and an additional 39% fall into medium engagement categories.

~ Americans’ library habits do not exist in a vacuum: Americans’ connection—or lack of connection—with public libraries is part of their broader information and social landscape. As a rule, people who have extensive economic, social, technological, and cultural resources are also more likely to use and value libraries as part of those networks. Many of those who are less engaged with public libraries tend to have lower levels of technology use, fewer ties to their neighbors, lower feelings of personal efficacy, and less engagement with other cultural activities.

~ Life stage and special circumstances are linked to increased library use and higher engagement with information: Deeper connections with public libraries are often associated with key life moments such as having a child, seeking a job, being a student, and going through a situation in which research and data can help inform a decision. Similarly, quieter times of life, such as retirement, or less momentous periods, such as when people’s jobs are stable, might prompt less frequent information searches and library visits.  READ MORE !

The Library & Librarians @ SXSW 2014

The Library & Librarians @ SXSW 2014

Library Machines: A Lo-Fi Design Conversation

Presenter: Jeff Goldenson works at the intersection of libraries, technology and fun. He is the designer in the Harvard Library Innovation Lab where he imagines and builds new library projects.

Description: The future of libraries is here for the making. Library Machines is the time and space to get folks together to imagine, design and market new Library Machines. What’s a Library Machine

The New Startup Garage for Innovation? Libraries!
Presenter: Janie Hermann, in her role as Public Programming Librarian at the Princeton Public Library at the library not only meet but exceed the expectations of the Princeton Community.
Presenter company: Princeton Public Library
Description: Libraries as the epicenter of innovation, technology and economic recovery? You bet your assets; angel investors, today’s libraries are able to inspire real life action that jumps off the page.

We Will Not Be Shushed: Guerrilla Library Advocacy
Presenter bio: Christian Zabriskie has done just about every job you can do in a public library. He is the founder and Executive Director of Urban Librarians Unite, a not for profit dedicated to promoting libraries
Description: they work to bring libraries out into the community and make the direct impact that the library makes.

The World's Strongest Librarian: Blog to Book

Presenter: Josh Hanagarne

Presenter company: Salt Lake City Public Library
Description: It's incredibly surreal, particularly since I still work at the library in Salt Lake City.

Don't Be Ned Stark: Change Your Institution & Live
Presenter bio: Since 2012, Brian Bannon has served as the Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library (CPL … ). As the chief executive officer of the 80 libraries that serve the 2.6 million residents of Chicago
Presenter company: Chicago Public Library

Reducing Isolation in LGBT Communities
Presenter: John Chrastka is Executive Director of EveryLibrary, the first national PAC for libraries. A long-time library trustee, supporter, and advocate, Mr. Chrastka is a former partner in AssociaDirect.
Presenter company: Every Library
Description: Reducing Social Isolation of LGBT Seniors and Youth Through Technology, Centers and Libraries From technology, centers and libraries may serve as the best partners to reduce isolation and homelessness.

Innovating Policy for the Internet of Things
Presenter: Larra Clark is the director of the Program on Networks and Program on America’s Libraries for the 21st Century in the American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP).
Presenter company: American Library Association - Office for Information Technology Policy.
Description: This panel will explore the cutting edge policy debates that will undoubtedly impact the new technologies ahead.

Librarian Meet Up
Presenter: Rebecca Stavick is a Cofounder of Open Nebraska, and a Staff Development Specialist at Omaha Public Library
Description: Let's deconstruct & design actionable ideas about why Libraries, Archives, and Museums within hours of SXSW bandcamp. Members of the library community at large are encouraged to attend.

Literacy - Spanning the U.S: Roseville CA, Twiggs Co GA, Nashville TN

Literacy:  Spanning the U.S.

Roseville’s adult literacy program helps 84-year-old learn to read

Press Tribune: 2.13.2014 by Sena Christian

After a lifetime of having the messages in birthday cards read to him, Roseville resident John Var veered from the norm on his 84th birthday last August when he told his granddaughter he no longer needed her assistance.

“I fired her,” Var said, of granddaughter Kimberly Monnot.

But that was fine with Monnot, as it indicated her grandfather was finally able to read most of the messages on his own. Only a couple years before, Var decided he wanted to give reading a shot and he signed up for the Roseville public libraries’adult literacy program.

The free program is open to Roseville residents at least 16 years old and not enrolled in high school, who seek the services in English (participants must also do the intake interview in English). The program started in 2009 thanks to a bequest by long-time Roseville resident Virgil Harrington and is funded by the California Library Literacy Services.

Throughout California, about 10,000 trained volunteers provide tutoring to more than 22,000 adults in some 900 libraries, according to Acting State Librarian Gerald Maginnity. The majority of these aspiring readers are between the ages of 20 and 49.  READ MORE !

. . . also an NBC News Video

Central Georgians battle illiteracy

13WMAZ: 2.27.2014 by Kristen D Swilley  [ Video ]

"I just don't believe in the word 'can't' because that's one word I ain't never seen in the Bible, 'can't,'" Estella Sams says.

The entrepreneur doesn't let much stop her, but for almost 60 of her 75 years, there's one thing that's slowed the Jeffersonville native down.

She left school in 1956, even though her mother told her not to.

"She tried to get me to go on to school, but no, I wanted to get married, so I stopped, " Sams said.

Like Sams, more than one out of every four Twiggs County residents struggles with literacy.

She runs her own catering business with help from her family, but says it kept her out of a traditional job.

"When you can't read and write, the boss man might tell you to go get a glass of bleach and I go get a glass of water. Because both of them look the same, but it's not the same. Because I can't read, so if I can read, I can see the difference in it," she said.

According to the U.S. Department of Education's National Assessment of Adult Literacy, Twiggs County has one of the worst adult illiteracy rates in the state at 27.7 percent.

That's the number of adults who read at a sixth-grade level or lower.  READ MORE !

Reading tutor benefits from lessons, too

Young lawyer volunteers for literary agency

Tennessean: 2.28.2014 by Jessica Bliss

Inspiration to do good can be found in unexpected places.

Kristen Bailey saw a small flier hanging near the ladies room at The Frothy Monkey. On it was a call for volunteers to tutor at the Nashville Adult Literacy Council.

A young lawyer with a history of community service, Bailey, 33, decided to pursue the opportunity.

For the past year, she has been helping an older gentleman, Morris Mays, learn to read.

“There’s just a lot more adults who have reading difficulties than I ever even thought,” Bailey said. “They are working and contributing to society, but I think of the struggle it must be. You have to hide it, you have to fake your way through different things, and it seems like a hard way to live.

“I have seen so much progress in my learner, so it’s gratifying to me to know we did it together.”  READ MORE !