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Family fun literacy events to start Sept. 21

September 14, 2021

Adult Education and Family Literacy Week takes place Sept. 19-25 this year, as designated by the National Coalition for Literacy.

This week is meant to remind everyone that reading, writing and basic math skills remain an elusive target for 43 million adults nationwide, including Sussex County.

Literacy Delaware is part of a national network of organizations that work to change lives and communities through the power of adult literacy.

Literacy is the ability one has to speak, read, write, compute, and use technology to express and understand ideas and opinions, make decisions, and solve problems. More than 198,000 adults, slightly over 20 percent of Delawareans, have low literacy. The number of people in Delaware who read at or below third-grade level could fill up nine University of Delaware football stadiums. Sussex County has a disproportionate share of adult residents with low literacy skills.

Several free local events are scheduled in recognition of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.

Laurel Public Library will host a family activity called Making A Vocabulary Jar from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21. Light refreshments will be available. To reserve a spot, all 302-875-3184. The Laurel library is at 101 E. 4th St., Laurel.

Frankford Public Library will host a read-in from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22. Participants sign up in 30-minute slots to read aloud or silently. To make a reservation, call 302-732-9351. The Frankford library is at 8 Main St., Frankford.

Georgetown Public Library will host a family activity called What’s Your Story? from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23. This is designed to teach children about their family’s country of origin. Call 302-856-7958 to reserve a spot. The Georgetown library is at 123 W. Pine St., Georgetown.

Selbyville Public Library will conduct an open house and scavenger hunt from 12 to 3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24. Call 302-436-8195 to reserve a spot.

Literacy Delaware helps adults significantly improve their literacy skills to reach their goals of employment, parenting and civic engagement. Adults with improved literacy skills can make a profound impact financially, interpersonally and educationally on the entire family. To learn more or volunteer, go to literacydelaware.org.

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