Thank you to the Sponsors of the 2016 Ex Libris dinner in support of adult literacy

Over 110 guests gathered at the Village Club in Bloomfield Hills on October 13th to hear best-selling author Johnathan Rand discuss the link between his writing and adult literacy.  The Ex-Libris event, in its 27th year, is an annual dinner that supports the work of the Oakland Literacy Council.

Bestselling author Johnathan Rand shared how his books have inspired literacy efforts

Johnathan Rand, the bestselling author of dozens of suspense books for adults and children including the American Chillers series, shared a powerful and moving personal story of connecting with an adult learning to read through his books.

Attendees also heard from Ossie Tate, a student in the Oakland Literacy Council program who has made remarkable progress.  Tate talked about his reading problem as, “one of the most shameful things I have ever experienced was not be able to read.  The shame that I carried all of these years because I didn’t want anyone to know find out I couldn’t read.”

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The Oakland Literacy Council recently launched a Back to Basics fundraising campaign to increase the number of adult basic education students.  All donations made to this campaign will be doubled up to $25,000 by a match provided by the Board of Directors and other generous donors.

In Oakland County, over 100,000 people lack basic literacy skills and need the one-on-one tutoring help that the Oakland Literacy Council provides.  The Back to Basics initiative strives to increase the number of adults receiving basic education tutoring by 65%.  Donations will be used to serve more students like James.

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A professionally designed, interactive online training course is now being offered to new volunteers which reduces the amount of time needed to become a trained tutor for the Oakland Literacy Council.

The Oakland Literacy Council has now made it easier than ever to help adults improve their English skills.  The Council provides free one-on-one tutoring for adults seeking better job skills, a high school credential, citizenship, or to help their child become successful learners. The Council relies on trained volunteer tutors who meet with students for two hours each week in local libraries, coffee shops, and other public buildings throughout Oakland County.

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