Mary Austin Retires from our Board

June 28, 2026

Mary Austin

Mary has served many years on our board, and she is also a tutor. A valued member of the Success Through Education Program at Ordnance Road Correctional Center in Glen Burnie, Mary has tutored at the facility for close to 23 years. She is a strong supporter of our book fair, and Mary has also volunteered at Sunrise Senior Living and Langton Green. She is a supportive neighbor to the residents of her community, frequently lending a helping hand. All of us thank Mary for her long-term Literacy Council board service and continuing volunteerism.

Jewelene Carter Joins Our Board

June 27, 2026

Jewelene Carter

On May 20, AACLC volunteer Jewelene Carter was elected to our Board of Directors. Jewelene teaches English Language Learners and African American Literature in the Continuing Education program at Anne Arundel Community College. She researches, writes, and presents to preserve cultural memory while examining intergenerational trauma tied to displacement, migration, and (forced) relocation in order to create healing connection and encourage activism in our community. She enjoys serving as a volunteer with the AACLC, Scouting America as a Scout Leader in Severna Park Troop 993, and as an Activity Day Leader for English and Spanish speaking girls ages 8-12. Jewelene is married to Jarad Carter, and they have three wonderful boys. They have resided in Maryland for almost two years and enjoy being members of this great community.

Student Achieves her Ambitious Goals

June 26, 2026

Bella and her tutor, Janice, at the library.

Driven & Accomplished: AACLC’s Bella G. Achieves her Ambitious Goals

Literacy Council student, Bella Gomez, moved to the United States to be with her family in 2023. Originally from Honduras, she came to Maryland for opportunities. While working in downtown Annapolis over the winter months, Bella decided to do something with her spare time. She contacted the Army Recruiting Station in Annapolis and was soon referred to the AACLC for help earning a high school diploma.

Last spring, with tutoring help from Literacy Council volunteer Janice Jobson, Bella earned a GED. Since then, Bella has knocked off many additional goals, and she isn’t slowing down. She studied and qualified to become a Notary Public, has taken courses at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) in project management and Maryland real estate licensing, and recently completed level II interpreter training at the college for healthcare, education, and social services.

Janice has worked with Bella throughout her pursuit of these goals. “I commend Bella’s attitude for everything she takes on. She’s very positive and is an intuitively skilled learner who also puts the time in,” Janice says of Bella. “She is very disciplined, motivated, and goal oriented.”

Bella has appreciated her tutoring experience. “I think the programs are so helpful. It is a very great opportunity to have a tutor. I feel lucky about it,” she says.

Bella hopes to volunteer in our public schools as an interpreter next academic year. She also aims to enroll in college courses at AACC. Her advice for other Literacy Council learners includes making lists and staying focused on your goals. Do the things you need to do to make progress. Bella also recommends using AI as an aide for creating practice tests, conducting research, or seeking simplified versions of complex instructions.

Adult Literacy Resources June 2026

June 25, 2026

Post image for Adult Literacy Resources June 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 Linthicum Library

Monday, August 10, 6 – 7 pm

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

Language Exchange at Brooklyn Park Library

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 Mary Ellen if they plan to attend.

AACLC’s Crofton English Conversation Group

Thursday, June 25, 5 – 7 pm

Wednesday, July 29, 5 – 7 pm

Wednesday, August 12, 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 June 2026

June 25, 2026

Post image for Director’s Message June 2026

AACLC May Graphic

We have much to share as June comes to a close. Check out the latest posts for all the latest Literacy Council news.

Our book fair returns to Annapolis Mall on September 26. Donate books all summer, or get involved as a book fair volunteer — details here.

Many thanks,

Jane

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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 coming via email this summer.

Donate Books Now!

We are accepting gently used books at convenient locations around the county. No textbooks, reference books, or magazines, please.

We’re seeking event sponsors and in-kind raffle basket items. Please contact Jane to donate or refer a business.

Email AACLC.bookfair@gmail.com with your town/city to arrange for book drop-off.

Donate books this summer

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

Post image for Director’s Message May 2026

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.

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