May 6, 2005

Community Literacy Program Focuses on Newspapers

Photo by Sherry Farmer

Urbana Celebrates Reading! is a new monthly literacy program that began April 18, 2005 at the Champaign County Library.

The second monthly program of Urbana Celebrates Reading will focus on the important roles that newspapers and reading play in our daily lives. The program will be held Monday, May 23, 5:30- 7 p.m. at the Champaign County Library, 1060 Scioto St., Urbana.

The Urbana Daily Citizen will offer guests a look at what goes into creating an edition of the newspaper and will provide copies of an edition for use in the evening’s activities. The free community literacy program is offered for adults and children, and guests are encouraged to invite non-readers to attend with them. Information will be provided about the Champaign County Literacy Council’s tutoring program for adults.

“Newspapers are a key to helping citizens become better informed and more active members of their communities,” explained Gary Schenkel, Coordinator of the Champaign County Literacy Council. “Through Urbana Celebrates Reading we want to highlight the many benefits of reading and to provide opportunities for more local residents to become readers and life-long learners.”

Urbana Celebrates Reading is funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant awarded to Urbana City Schools and is provided through a partnership of the schools, the Champaign County Literacy Council, Champaign County Library and Urbana University.

Those planning to attend the May 23 program are encouraged to call the Champaign County Library, 653-3811, to help in making arrangements for food and books. For more information about the Champaign County Literacy Council’s tutoring program for adult learners, call 484-1523.