Manatee Literacy Council

09/02/2026

Dolly Parton was a woman who never forgot that her own father couldn't read, and who turned that into a legacy of literacy. Her Imagination Library has delivered more than 332 million free books to children around the world. 📚💛

Here in Manatee County, we see every day what access to literacy can do for a person's future. If Dolly's story moves you, consider joining us, whether as a volunteer tutor or a donor; you can help a neighbor take that same first step toward independence through reading. I thought this post by Heather Cox Richardson did a great job showing the impact she has had in this world, so I took the liberty of sharing it.

"There is no limit to what you can do or how far you can go." — Dolly Parton.

Last night, at exactly 9:25—9 to 5—the top of the Empire State Building in New York City lit up pink.

09/02/2026

It's hard enough following a doctor's instructions. What if you ALSO did not have access to the language?

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/02/2026

Thanks to our friends, the Literacy Council of SarasotaCouncil of Sarasota, for sharing this great information!

BEHIND EVERY NUMBER IS A PERSON! So, imagine. Imagine being unable to confidently:

• Complete a job application
• Understand a prescription label
• Read a message from your child’s school
• Fill out a medical or insurance form
• Communicate well with your boss
• Prepare for a citizenship interview

For many adults learning English, these everyday responsibilities can become intimidating barriers.

Limited literacy is not limited intelligence. It is not a lack of ambition. Many adult learners are hardworking people who came here hoping to build safer, more secure lives for their families.

They want what generations of Americans have wanted: the opportunity to work, contribute and earn their piece of the American dream.

08/31/2026

There are a lot of misconceptions about adult education all the tim...

08/31/2026

Please join us in welcoming Sam Skogstad III to the Manatee Literacy Council Board of Directors! Sam brings a wealth of international experience, language expertise, and a passion for education to our organization. As a trilingual ESOL teacher with extensive cross-cultural experience, Sam will bring a valuable perspective to our mission of empowering Manatee County residents to achieve independence through literacy. We are thrilled to have him join our team!

manatee-literacy-council-welcomes-sam-skogstad-iii-to-board-of-directors

08/31/2026

We are thrilled to partner with our SALA friends - Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County, Literacy Council of Sarasota, and Project Light of Manatee County, Inc.

September marks the beginning of Literacy Month! Together, the Suncoast Adult Literacy Alliance celebrates the learners, volunteers, and educators transforming lives through literacy.

08/30/2026

📚 September is National Literacy Month! 📚

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in Manatee County reads, writes, or does basic math below a 3rd-grade level, and that number is climbing?

Literacy isn't just about reading a book. It's about landing a job, understanding a doctor's instructions, helping a child with homework, and building a more independent life.

This month, we're celebrating our incredible tutors, volunteers, and learners, and shining a light on the work still ahead. We're proud to partner with our friends at the Suncoast Adult Literacy Alliance (SALA) throughout September to expand access to literacy resources across our community. Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota CountyProject Light of Manatee County, Inc.Literacy Council of Sarasota

Want to be part of the story? Volunteer, donate, or just share this post to help spread the word. 💙

👉 Follow us all month for literacy facts, stories, and ways to get involved!

08/21/2026

What a blast watching our Board President, Marisol Garcia, throw the first pitch at the Bradenton Marauders at the last Hispanic Heritage game of the season! Thank you for the tickets and the smiles! (P.S. She's got a great arm!)

08/18/2026

With ProLiteracy – we just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers 🎉

We are so grateful for the work ProLiteracy does to support our organization and others throughout the U.S.!

08/17/2026

Shout-out to all of our nonprofit friends who do amazing work throughout our community!

🎉🎉🎉 Happy National Nonprofit Day! Today, we celebrate the people behind the purpose — and the incredible impact of our nonprofit partners. 💙

Across Manatee, our region, and around the world, nonprofits are where compassion becomes action. 💫 They educate and empower, feed and shelter, heal and inspire. They protect our environment 🌎, strengthen families 🌳, support our most vulnerable neighbors 💚, create opportunities, preserve culture 🎨 and make our communities stronger. 💪🏼

MCF is proud to partner with and champion the nonprofit organizations that are building a stronger Manatee. 🪴

Today, we celebrate the nonprofit sector — and the people who make the impact possible. Thank you for showing up, serving with purpose and making a difference. 💙✨