Join us because literacy is a right!

I love books, bookstores and libraries. My first "real" job after college was teaching high school history in St. Louis, which was an eye opening experience because many of my 9th and 10th graders read at a 4th grade level. While I was teaching I started a reading club and I thought being a librarian would be a very rewarding job. So when I had the opportunity last year to dip my toe in the water and work as an interim librarian in Ann Arbor, splitting time between two elementary schools, I jumped at it.

For the most part I loved it. But one day I was checking out books for one of my kindergarten classes and a girl brought up a book that was too advanced for her. We talked about it, and I suggested some others, but she really wanted that particular book. As luck would have it, it was parent involvement day and her mom was there. She said to me, "I'll ask my mom to read it to me" and ran. I could hear them talking and when she asked her mom if she could read the book to her at home, her mom's response was "I don't have time for that." It was not said in a mean way, and I thought I heard a bit of sadness in her voice.

I don't know the mom or the family so I can't say for sure why she responded this way. It could be that mom works multiple jobs and her priority is getting food on the table and a place to live. It could be that there are other kids in the house that take up her time. Maybe she was not confident in her reading abilities.

But whatever the reason, reading to her child was not a top priority. My student and I were both crushed. She's now in 1st grade, and I wonder how her reading is coming along.

If we want our community to thrive, reading must be a top priority. Adults need to be confident in their ability to read to their children and believe that literacy is important. At Washtenaw Literacy, we have almost 2,000 adults each year who come to us because they want to improve their skills, read to their children or grandchildren, get a job or be able to read a ballot. They've made a huge step in asking for help. But we need your support to help them reach their goals. That's why I'm asking you to join me in supporting Washtenaw Literacy. You can donate or become a tutor. We are always looking for individuals who are passionate about literacy. Learn more about tutoring here.

If you choose to donate, please share your favorite book as a child, or your current favorite book.