Literacy Day open house highlights Literary Network's efforts

Attendees arrive at Literacy Network's open house on Sept. 8 (Mengyuan Zhang/Madison Commons

Literacy Network, a non-profit group dedicated to improving literacy in Dane County, hosted an open house for International Literacy Day on Sept. 8. 

Though attendance was low, Literacy Network staff, learners, volunteers and other community members were welcomed to the carnival-themed event to celebrate this year’s work with games and international snacks.

Last year, the organization provided free literacy education to more than 1000 people – referred to as learners – through language classes, one-on-one tutoring and custom programs.

Current literacy rates are hard to find, but in 2009 about 10 percent of Wisconsin adults over the age of 25 had not completed high school or equivalent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2012 Statistical Abstract.

The National Assessment of Adult Literacy estimated 5 percent of Dane County’s population over the age of 16 lacked “basic prose literacy skills” in 2003. In 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau also reported about 8 percent of Wisconsin’s population speaks something other than English as the primary language at home.

By teaching communication skills, Literacy Network aims to help learners improve their lives and become more involved in their community.

“Volunteer tutors are doing an amazing job of helping people to advance their lives and careers,” said Executive Director Jeff Burkhart.

With the dedication of hundreds of tutors, the organization is able to operate at a low cost. Training, workshops and information about other resources are provided to volunteers.

According to Burkhart, they are doing things nobody else is doing in the community by connecting with hospitals, libraries, schools and many other organizations. Literacy Network has been cooperating with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health to implement a health literacy program since 2011. It received a UW-Madison Community Partnership award in June.

This fall semester, Literacy Network will continue its traditional ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, while also offering two new classes: Advanced English and English for Families. All services are provided free of charge.

For more information on the Literacy Network or how to become a learner or volunteer, visit its website.