West Palm Beach County Library AdultLiteracy Project was under threat of closure 20 years ago, one of several
programs being considered for elimination. The program started in 1985. This
week they are celebrating their survival and all of their acheivements this week.
According to their most recent
newsletter,
" It was twenty years ago, in
the Spring of 1993, that motivated a group of volunteer tutors to do whatever
they could to not let the program come to an end. This group of activists
incorporated themselves as The Friends of Literacy (later renamed Library Literacy
Friends, Inc.), and with great enthusiasm and purpose, put together an effort
that made it possible for all of us to be adult literacy tutors today. "
They are holding their 20th anniversary on April 20. Congratulate them today for surviving and learn from their experiences. Keep in your back pocket strategies for your own program. If the budget cutter comes knocking, get all of your players moving fast.
Adult literacy programs in libraries
as well as community based programs need to be vigilant and educate your
advocates to fight for your services. Make sure your tutors and students know on how
you (and the library) are funded. Say thank you all the time to the funders who support
you. Provide updates for everyone about your achievements. If you are in a library, continuously provide examples of how the literacy program helps the library's bottom line.
Over the years, other library programs have
been threatened. Some have shrunk and a few have even closed. What would you do
or what have you done when your program has been threatened? Share your
stories and suggestions in comments below....
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