ANDERSON, Ind. —
Some people have managed to maneuver within society without being able to read by using alternate methods of deciphering text.
As time passes, it is becoming almost impossible to navigate daily life without this foundational skill.
To combat adult illiteracy in the area, the Madison County Literacy Coalition was formed in 1985 to focus on teaching adults to read.
“Our primary focus is to match volunteer adult tutors with adults who need help reading,” said Ginger Mills, executive director of the Literacy Center. “It’s mind boggling to think that in a society where education is valued, one in five adults doesn’t read well enough to be considered functionally literate.”
Twenty percent sounds like a large number — and it’s a constant one. According to Mills, the literacy rate has been fairly stagnant for quite a while. In an effort to make even more progress within the community, the organization has been recently reaching out to children’s programs as well.
“In the last few years we have found so many needs for children, but it is too much for us to handle,” she continued. “So we are building partnerships with other groups to help support them as they focus on this issue.”
The recent Scholastic Book Fair that the Madison County Literacy Coalition hosted in the Mounds Mall was an example of that support. In an effort to supply books to the Shadeland Project after-school program, the coalition sold books to the public and received their percentage of money in books to be donated to the program.
“(The best part of being involved) is inspiring little kids to read,” said Deana Pagnotti, community liaison. “I love doing children’s literacy activities and helping at the different after-school programs. We are building great relationships and partnerships within the community.”
Originally the coalition was an intangible entity and concentrated on supporting the adult literacy coordinator at the Anderson Public Library. Once that position was eliminated, the coalition drummed up community support and opened the Literacy Center seven years ago.
“It was too important to let it go,” said Mills.
For the last five years, Mounds Mall has donated space to the coalition to operate the Book Nook, which acts as a fundraiser to keep the programs running. Originally stocked by a donation of 14,000 books from a used book store that went out of business, the shop continues to function through books donated by individuals.
“At a time when it is getting harder and harder to get money, nonprofits have the obligation to be self-sustaining,” added Mills.
Getting Together features clubs, organizations and social groups from the area each Monday in The Herald Bulletin.
- The Literacy Center, 200 E. 11th St., Anderson, 641-0117
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment
- Volunteer Services Needed: Adult tutors, workers at the Book Nook, Reading Buddies for children
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Donations needed: Books and funds
