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.
Volunteer to Help Put On Our Book Fair
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!
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.
We Rocked the Dock with Annapolis Rotaract!
On June 5, AACLC volunteers, friends, and Board members enjoyed a celebratory evening hosted by the Annapolis Rotaract. The club chose the Literacy Council as the beneficiary of this year’s Rock the Dock fundraiser.
The event featured barbecue, an oyster bar, live music, raffles, a silent auction, and more. It was a festive and fun way to receive such generous community support. Rock the Dock raised $18,610 in support of our programs!
Thanks to the Rotaract team, AACLC supporters and donors, Rock the Dock guests, and all of the sponsors who made the event a success!
My name is Loamir Roberio. I’m 28 years old, from Brazil, and it’s been almost two years since I moved to the United States. When I first arrived, I was scared and felt very alone. I could speak a little English, but I was always afraid of making mistakes or not being understood.
During one of the free online classes at my community college, a teacher told me about a program called “I Can Read.” It offered free, one-on-one English tutoring for two hours each week. It was so good to be true and I was excited to finally have the chance to study with a particular tutor, but I was also nervous. I didn’t know who I would meet, or if I would feel comfortable being myself and having connection with someone from a different culture and language.
But I have to say: This program changed my life in more ways than I ever expected. Everything began to change when I started weekly meetings with JoAnne Dement, my tutor.
After 1 year and 8 months, I haven’t just improved my English, I’ve become a better person. Now, our meetings are one of the best parts of my week and she became one of my favorite people in the world. We talk about our lives, share our dreams, read at least two books in English each month, and have deep book club discussions I never imagined I’d be able to have. We also have presentations on different topics and learn from each other every time, always with respect and dedication.
“I Can Read” gave me more than just language, it gave me a voice. Every word I learn is power. And I’ve learned that it’s never too late to grow, especially when someone believes in you and encourages you along the way.
I’ll always be grateful for this program and everyone who makes it possible. It inspires me every day, and I hope I can support someone on their journey, just like JoAnne Dement helped me on mine.
