Save the Date: 2026 Book Fair

May 27, 2026

AACLC Book Fair

Save the Date & the Books

Our sixth-annual fundraiser BOOK FAIR will be on Saturday, September 26, at Annapolis Mall. The mall kindly donates space for this fantastic event.

If you’d like to join our book fair team — we need even more volunteers as the event grows and grows — please be on the lookout for detailed sign-up opportunities via email this summer. We are also seeking sponsors. Email Jane for more information.

Donate Books this Summer!

We begin accepting gently used books at convenient locations around the county on June 15. No textbooks, reference books, or magazines, please.

Email AACLC.bookfair@gmail.com to arrange for book drop-off.

Celebrating Our Good Work

May 25, 2026

Guests at the AACLC Appreciation Dinner

A Table (& a Book) for Everyone: Celebrating Our Good Work

Thanks to all who attended our annual Appreciation Dinner on April 23! 💙💛

We shared a wonderful evening of community gratitude and celebration. County Executive Steuart Pittman gave the keynote address and joined other local government representatives, community partners, and supporters in applauding volunteers’ and students’ dedication and achievements.

Thanks to all who donated desserts and time to make the event a success. Severna Park Middle School National Junior Honor Society students and other local youth volunteered their time throughout the afternoon and evening, from setup to the buffet, and until every dish and table were cleaned up.

Huge thanks to Woods Church for the generous donation of space and staff time to host the dinner.

Several AACLC students movingly shared about their experience with tutoring.

AACLC High School Diploma Graduate Jessica W. talks about her education journey at the Appreciation Dinner.

AACLC High School Diploma Graduate Jessica W. talks about her education journey at the Appreciation Dinner.

ESL student and entrepreneur Miguel P. was pleased to meet County Executive Steuart Pittman.

ESL student and entrepreneur Miguel P. was pleased to meet County Executive Steuart Pittman.

Stacks of good reads made up our table centerpieces. Guests were invited to take a book home.

Stacks of good reads made up our table centerpieces. Guests were invited to take a book home.

Adult Literacy Resources May 2026

May 22, 2026

Post image for Adult Literacy Resources May 2026

Libraries are closed for Sunday service from May 24 through September 6

Community Resources at icanread.org

The Community Resources page on our website at icanread.org features an organized list of government and community resources available to residents of Anne Arundel County. It includes websites and phone numbers for government departments and services, library resources, education, employment, immigration, and food assistance.

The Community Resources page is available in Spanish.

En Español: Recursos comunitarios.

Anne Arundel County Food Pantry & Resources

This resources page, published by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and updated regularly, provides information on where to find free food and basic necessities throughout the county. Pantry locations, contact numbers, and hours are included. Visit the resources page to download a pantry map that lists food, baby, and senior pantries all over Anne Arundel County.

OIC of Anne Arundel County ESL Classes

Free virtual ESL classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Call OIC’s partner, the Center of Help (Centro de Ayuda), at 410-295-3434 to enroll.

Language Exchange at Busch Annapolis Library

Saturday, May 23, 3 – 4:30 pm, in the library cafe

https://www.aacpl.net/event/copy-intercambio-de-idiomaslanguage-exchange-219733

Language Exchange at Linthicum Library

Monday, June 15, 6 – 7 pm

https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-230284

also scheduled for Monday, August 10, 6 – 7 pm

https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-230288

Language Exchange at Brooklyn Park Library

Wednesday, June 17, 6 – 7:30 pm

https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-230176

also scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 6 – 7:30 pm

https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-230177

and Wednesday, August 19, 6 – 7:30 pm

https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-230178

Language Exchange at Riviera Beach Library

Tuesday, July 28, 6 – 7 pm

https://www.aacpl.net/event/intercambio-de-idiomaslanguage-exchange-228510

also scheduled for Tuesday, August 18

https://www.aacpl.net/event/intercambio-de-idiomaslanguage-exchange-228511

AACLC’s English Conversation Group in Eastport

Monday, June 29, 5 – 7 pm

Seeds 4 Success office

The group is most suited to Spanish speakers, and space is limited to 15 people. The evening features a welcoming atmosphere, enjoyable conversation, games, and light refreshments. Literacy Council tutors or students should email Wendy if they plan to attend.

AACLC’s Crofton English Conversation Group

Thursday, June 25, 5 – 7 pm

Crofton Library

The group is open to all English language learners. The evening features a welcoming atmosphere, enjoyable conversation, games, and light refreshments. Literacy Council tutors or students should email Matthew if they plan to attend.

Director’s Message May 2026

May 22, 2026

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AACLC May Graphic

In May, we review the Literacy Council’s accomplishments over the previous 12 months. Our fiscal year runs from June 1 through May 31.

Students have achieved many goals this year. These include earning a high school diploma, getting a job or promotion, improving English language skills, reading a book to a child, becoming a U.S. citizen, and much more. Read more here.

AACLC volunteers have donated their time, talents, and care in working with our determined students. Check out this post for more information.

You will also want to know more about the Literacy Council’s recently developed strategic plan launched earlier this year. We’re also announcing some exciting staff changes – Program Director and Literacy & ESL Student Coordinator.

On June 13, we’ll host a new tutor training session. Refer a friend to volunteer with us — only a few spots remain.

Reminder: We’re accepting new students!

Please mark your calendar. Our book fair will return to Annapolis Mall on September 26. We will begin collecting books on June 15.

Many thanks,

Jane

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2026 Students

May 22, 2026

Student Data

2026 Students: Who & how are we helping?

As of April 30, AACLC tutors have worked with more than 177 students so far this fiscal year, which ends on May 31. We assessed 60+ new or returning students throughout the year.

In a few weeks, when we add up all the Literacy Council volunteer hours donated in 2025/26, we’ll likely surpass 18,000. Translated to a simple monetary value, these hours contributed more than $600,000 to Anne Arundel County communities where assistance is needed most.

Student Achievements Through April

Seven AACLC students earned high school diplomas this fiscal year!

Eleven students got a job or promotion, nine entered other educational or training programs, 16 improved an employability skill, nine increased their involvement in a child’s education, one obtained citizenship, two got a driver’s license, and 33 improved their ability to communicate in English!

In addition, many students made educational gains, such as completing a book in the curriculum or improving their scores on standardized tests like the GED.

The impact of our work extends beyond our students to their children, families, workplaces, and communities.

Tutors, assessors, and volunteers — thank you for all you do to help improve lives in Anne Arundel County!

Check out the snapshot of our student demographics for FY26.

Philana Murphy Joins Our Staff

May 22, 2026

Philana Murphy

It is a pleasure to introduce Philana Murphy, AACLC’s new Literacy & ESL Student Coordinator. In April, Philana joined our staff as the Literacy & ESL Student Coordinator. She first became acquainted with the Literacy Council’s work as a grant liaison in 2013 and has been a long-time admirer of the organization ever since.

Philana has volunteered and consulted with organizations ranging from nonprofits and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies across multiple sectors. A Maryland native, she enjoys outdoor activities such as running and gardening, as well as spending time with loved ones. Philana is thrilled to be part of the Literacy Council, sharing the common thread of connection and community.

New Program Director

May 22, 2026

Matthew Gallagher

Matthew Gallagher Assumes New Program Director Role at AACLC

We are delighted that AACLC tutor and former ESL Student Coordinator Matthew Gallagher has taken on the role of Program Director, effective May 1. He will oversee our adult education and tutor training programs.

Matt grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, where he lives today. He graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York.

Matt taught in schools in New York and Washington, DC, before starting work with the American Red Cross, during which he worked at the national, regional, and local offices. He also did earthquake relief in the former Soviet Republic of Armenia for five months. While at the Red Cross, Matt served as an instructor for various health and disaster-preparation courses.

In 2001, Matt returned to Maryland. He earned his Master’s Certificate in Government Contracting from George Washington University and has worked as a contracting officer for various government departments, including the Library of Congress.

Matt has been an ESL instructor at St. Mary’s Church in Annapolis since 2018. He started with the AACLC in 2024 as an ESL tutor and has since contributed far beyond the scope of a tutor.

With Matthew on board as Program Director, the Literacy Council is poised to expand our reach, grow partnerships, and serve more adult learners in 2026 and beyond.

Congratulations and thank you, Matthew!

AACLC Strategic Plan 2030

May 22, 2026

Turning the Page: Strategic Plan 2030

For nearly 50 years, the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council has supported adult learners in building the skills they need to navigate daily life and pursue new opportunities.

What began as a small literacy initiative has grown into a robust, community-driven organization, with more than 200 volunteers providing free, personalized, one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing, English, math, and high school diploma preparation to over 200 adults across the county each year.

After several months of research, planning, and development, the Literacy Council’s Board of Directors formally adopted a strategic plan. It includes key recommendations and an implementation framework to guide the organization’s work through 2030.

The AACLC remains committed to helping adults who strive to improve their skills. The 2030 Strategic Plan will guide the organization in reaching and best serving Anne Arundel County residents.

Learn more about the plan.

We’re Accepting New Students

April 28, 2026

We're accepting new students! Refer a local adult to our FREE literacy, ESL, math, or diploma programs. Call 410-269-4419 or email director@aaclc.org.

ProLiteracy Training for Tutors

April 27, 2026

Access Teacher Training Plus on ProLiteracy’s Website

Continue your tutor training by participating in free webinars for trained tutors. This ProLiteracy resource provides best-practice instructional strategies. Four training areas are offered: Adult Foundational Education (for native English speakers), English Language Learning, High School Equivalency Instruction, and Workplace & Digital Literacy.

Webinars are about an hour long. They are listed by date, and past webinars are also available for viewing.

The next round of Teacher Training Plus classes includes:

May 6: Adult Foundational Education — Yes, Early Level Learners Can Think Critically!

May 20: Workplace and Digital Literacy — The Power of “Yet”: Cultivating Growth Mindset

Check Out ProLiteracy’s YouTube Channel

For easy access to ProLiteracy training and instructional webinars, visit ProLiteracy’s YouTube Channel, where you can watch at your convenience. The YouTube Channel is searchable and offers videos on all subject areas…

  • Using phonics to improve reading and engagement regardless of student reading level.
  • Developing vocabulary: effective strategies for adult English learners.
  • How to write a great GED extended response.
  • Landing the job: preparing learners for applying and interviewing.
  • And much more!

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