Demopolis Public Library finding success with literacy program

In Alabama, 3.4 million or 15 percent of state residents are illiterate. Alabama’s Level 1 functionally illiterate rate is 25 percent. In other words, one out of four people function at the lowest literacy level in Alabama. Additionally, 43 percent of adults with low literacy skills live in poverty, 40 percent of children entering fourth grade are unable to read at grade level, 50 percent of welfare recipients do not have a high school diploma or GED, 70 percent of Alabama’s inmates are functionally illiterate and 75 percent of small business owners in Alabama report that many applicants for job openings do not have basic reading, writing and math skills.

The Demopolis Public Library hopes to improve literacy rates in our community by providing an adult literacy program. Project Read helps adults in West Alabama improve their lives and communities through literacy skills.

Literacy skills impact every aspect of adult life. Adults who are more literate are more likely to: Read to their children and discuss school topics; Be employed full time and receive a higher income; Use the Internet and email; Vote, volunteer, and access information about current local and national events. The goal of Project R.E.A.D.-Reaching Every Adult Directly is to help members of the community improve their lives by becoming functionally literate and improving their reading skills.

“A library patron, Kathryn Gardner, created the idea of a literacy program and thought the Demopolis Public Library would be the best place to serve the community,” says library director Morgan Allen. “Since starting the program in 2011, our we have had 18 volunteers help tutor nine individuals. Our volunteers see the need and importance of reducing illiteracy in our community. We are trying to empower as many people as possible through improved literacy skills.”

You can help us continue to make this project a success by becoming a volunteer tutor and teaching someone to read, offering your support by contributing financially, or referring an adult you know who needs help with reading and writing skills. For more information, please contact Morgan Allen at 334-289-1595 or morgan.grimes@demopolisal.gov.