Stories can and do change the world. At Oakland Literacy Council, we are witnessing the ever-changing narrative our adult students and volunteer tutors navigate. Each story is different, but all have the same ending – the desire to read, write and comprehend, fill out a job application, better provide for their family, or read to a child.

We are pleased to invite you to become a sponsor for Ex Libris 2020 on November 19, 2020. Unlike our last 35 years of joining in person, this year we offer a virtual event, keeping us all safe while enjoying an evening of stories, laughter, and the knowledge that you are making a significant difference in our community.

Ex Libris 2020 promises to be an entertaining and meaningful evening. The event will proudly feature New York playwright and Michigan native Kenneth Jones. Alabama Story, Kenneth’s play about books, race, censorship, and the American character, was a 2016 nominee for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award. Kenneth’s work as a journalist includes 15 years as a leading writer and editor of Playbill and ten years as the theater reporter and critic for The Detroit News.

As a special addition to this year’s festivities, sponsors will be invited to a unique outdoor and socially-distanced staged reading of Alabama Story performed by the Birmingham Groves Performing Arts Company and Barebones Theatre Productions in the gardens of Kirk of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills on the afternoon of October 3rd (rain date October 4th).

Join Current Sponsors

Mark Twain

Judy Lindstrom

Rita Ann Lindstrom

Emily Dickinson

Craig and Julie Hoensheid

Bernard and Eleanor Robertson

James Baldwin

George and Ann Manning

Toni Morrison

Joan and Bill Allesee Camille Breen William and Sarah Birkhill

Keith and Janet Collin Robert Gaylor and Greg Barnas

Karen Hagenlocker Jason Hamana Carol and Jay Herbst

Ellen and Marc Lipton Lisa and Dan Machesky

Russell Moore Khalfani and Alicia Stephens Cathy and Joel Topf

Sponsorship Opportunities

Mark Twain – $5,000

Includes additional sponsorship benefits for Alabama Story Preview Event with reply by 9/18/2020
Eight Ex Libris Benefactor tickets with Afterglow and special gift
Reserve seating at the Alabama Story Preview Event
Recognition in the Ex Libris printed invitation, social media, e-promotions to 2500+ subscribers, Council newsletter, and website
1-minute video ad promoted on social media and shown during the event
Full page ad in print programs for Alabama Story Preview Event and Ex Libris online program

Emily Dickinson – $3,000

Includes additional sponsorship benefits for Alabama Story Preview Event with reply by 9/18/2020
Six Ex Libris Benefactor tickets with Afterglow and special gift
Reserve seating at the Alabama Story Preview Event
Recognition in the Ex Libris printed invitation, social media, e-promotions to 2500+ subscribers, Council newsletter, and website
30-second video ad promoted on social media and shown during the event
Half page ad in print programs for both Alabama Story and Ex Libris online programs

James Baldwin – $1,500

Four Ex Libris Benefactor tickets with Afterglow and special gift
Two tickets to Alabama Story Preview Event (reply by 9/18/2020)
Recognition in the Ex Libris printed invitation, social media, e-promotions to 2500+ subscribers, Council newsletter, and website
Quarter page ad in the Ex Libris printed and online programs

Toni Morrison – $500

Two Ex Libris Benefactor tickets with Afterglow and special gift
Two tickets to Alabama Story Preview Event (reply by 9/18/2020)
Recognition in the Ex Libris invitation, Council newsletter, and website
Recognition in the Ex Libris printed and online programs