Low adult literacy is linked to $215 billion in annual healthcare costs in the U.S.
Low literacy leads to increased:
Improving reading can aid adults in filling out essential forms, understanding healthcare advice, following doctors’ instructions, and reading medication bottles.
Learn more about adult literacy and skills on ProLiteracy’s Fact Sheet.
The Literacy Council has been awarded critical local government support for FY26. Grants from the County Executive’s Community Support Grant Program and the City of Annapolis will help make our free programs possible.
We are grateful for this funding, which is essential to our work and mission.
*65 local nonprofits will receive County Executive Community Support Grants.
The Literacy Council was among 65 organizations that will receive funds. $2 million will be distributed among grant recipients. For more information about this program, read the County’s press release.
*The City of Annapolis is backing our mission.
Annapolis also offers a Community Grant Program, and for the second time, the Literacy Council will be a beneficiary. Funds will support our programs for Annapolis residents.
Last year, we worked with 76 Annapolis students. Highlights include that five of them earned high school diplomas, four passed a section of the GED, one passed the ASVAB exam, seven got a better job or promotion, one passed the citizenship test, 23 improved their ability to communicate in English, and 12 improved an employability skill.
Our fifth-annual fundraiser BOOK FAIR will be on Saturday, September 27, at Annapolis Mall. The mall kindly donates its Community Room and Crate & Barrel Court space for this fantastic event.
If you’d like to help, please see these detailed opportunities and sign up.
We are no longer accepting books for this year’s book fair. Please check back in May, when book fair 2026 plans will be announced. Consider delivering books to Books for International Goodwill in Annapolis if you’d like to donate them now.
We’d love to have your help with this important fundraiser. We need volunteers on Thursday and Friday evening, Sept 25 and 26, and many on Saturday, the 27th. View opportunities and sign up online. Last year, more than 50 volunteers contributed their time to make the event a success. Friends and family are welcome to help!
We have lots of upcoming activities to share this month. Please check out our other recent posts!
Reminder: our fifth annual BOOK FAIR will happen at Annapolis Mall on Saturday, September 27. We’re collecting books now until 9/8 (deadline extended)! Please email AACLC.bookfair@gmail.com for drop-off locations. The book fair supports our free adult education programs.
Many thanks,
Jane
Educating adults helps sustain our local economy and communities. When we empower students to acquire skills and qualifications, they secure better jobs, earn higher wages, and enhance their lives. Learn more about adult literacy and skills on ProLiteracy’s Fact Sheet.
