Published: October 03, 2008 09:54 am      

Grant supports McAlester literacy council

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries announced that a grant was awarded to the McAlester Regional Literacy Council to support local adult literacy efforts.

The check was presented to the program volunteers by state Rep. Brian Renegar, D-Arpelar and state Rep. Terry Harrison, D-McAlester, who commended the literacy program for its efforts in providing basic literacy instruction to local citizens.

According to the 2003 Oklahoma State Assessment of Adult Literacy, 12 percent of Oklahomans over the age of 16 read at below basic level, with another 31 percent of adults having only the most basic reading skills.

Individuals at these levels often face significant obstacles when trying to succeed in the workplace, community, and everyday life.

The MRLC is a volunteer based program that provides free literacy instruction to adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills.

Learners work one-to-one with a trained tutor using a variety of teaching methods and materials.

Funds will be used to support adult literacy in Pittsburg and the surrounding counties.

According to MRLC President, Karen Larison, “Even though this is a volunteer program, these funds are vital to our ability to offer quality literacy services to this community.”

Grant funds were awarded by the Literacy Resource Office, a division of the Office of Library Development. State funding appropriated by the Oklahoma Legislature, not only provides literacy grants to programs throughout the state, but provides ongoing technical assistance, training, and resources to support local adult literacy efforts.

For more information about this local literacy program, or to find out how to volunteer, contact the MRLC office located on the mezzanine level of the McAlester Public Library at 421-4931 or by e-mail at mcalesterlit@yahoo.com. For information on statewide literacy efforts visit odl.state.ok.us/literacy.