Gaston Literacy Council, Inc.

10/08/2026

Today, thanks to United Way of Gaston County annual Day of Caring, we were the recipient of 57 very special books to share with our Reading Soul Mates students. The beautiful handwritten notes of encouragement and support were icing on the cake!

Thank you so much, United Way of Gaston County, for your continued caring, sharing and support of the Reading Soul Mates program! We can't wait to pay it forward to our reading buddies.

10/08/2026

Final hours. Sales close tomorrow at noon. One evening, two extraordinary writers, and a room full of people who believe every neighbor deserves to read.

An evening for literacy at Gaston Country Club. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and an onstage conversation with two-time National Magazine Award winner Tom Junod,…

10/07/2026

Neighbors helping neighbors! That's the United Way of Gaston County and it's our way, too! Loved helping out at Grier Middle School today!

Today is Day of Caring! 💙

Across Gaston County, volunteers are rolling up their sleeves and giving back through projects that will make a lasting impact in our community. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, community partners, and volunteer teams for making this day possible.

Thank you for choosing to serve alongside us today!

10/07/2026

Last Call! Friday is the last day to get your tickets! Don't miss Tom Junod and Scott Fowler!

An evening for literacy at Gaston Country Club. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and an onstage conversation with two-time National Magazine Award winner Tom Junod,…

10/01/2026

Our Fall Newsletter is here! See what we've been up to!

10/01/2026

A small detail we're proud of. Our signature cocktail on October 14 is called The 143. Fred Rogers kept his weight at exactly 143 pounds for years - and he loved that the number spelled out "I love you." One letter. Four letters. Three letters. Come try one for yourself!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-beautiful-evening-in-the-neighborhood-tom-junod-interviewed-by-scott-fowler

09/30/2026

🌻 Come meet our scarecrows! 🌻

Gaston Literacy Council has a scarecrow display in Scarecrow Hollow at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy, and we're calling it "Hope & Joy."

Stop by the Lost Hollow Children's Garden to see our scarecrow readers: a grown-up and a young reader sharing books among stacks labeled Confidence, Opportunity, and Bright Future. Hope and joy represent the doors literacy can open, from a child's first confident words to an adult's next opportunity.

📚 Scarecrow Hollow is on display now and included with garden admission or membership.
🗳️ Voting for your favorite scarecrow runs through November 1, and we'd love your vote!

Tag a friend to go with you, and share a photo of Hope & Joy when you visit!

09/29/2026

Happy National Good Neighbor Day! 🧡

This message from the Fred Rogers Institute could double as a mission statement for everything we do at the Gaston Literacy Council. Being a good neighbor isn't just about who lives next door - it's about showing up for the people around us with kindness and care, which is exactly what our teachers and volunteers do every single week.

It's also the spirit behind October 14. Journalist Tom Junod wrote the Esquire profile of Fred Rogers that reminded America to look for the helpers — and he'll join us this fall for An Evening with Tom Junod, in conversation with Scott Fowler.

Can you say... hero? We think Gaston County is full of them.

🎟️ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-beautiful-evening-in-the-neighborhood-tom-junod-interviewed-by-scott-fowler

Happy National Good Neighbor Day!

Being a good neighbor is about so much more than those who live next door. It’s about meeting the people around us with the same kindness, empathy, and care we hope to receive ourselves.

When we extend that care beyond our immediate circles, we create stronger, more connected communities. That same belief is at the heart of Educators’ Neighborhood, where educators come together to learn from one another and strengthen the communities they serve.

Learn more about Educators’ Neighborhood here:
https://www.fredrogersinstitute.org/educators-neighborhood

A photo from the Lynn Johnson Collection, Ohio University Libraries.

09/21/2026

You've read his column for over 30 years. You might not know the rest of the story.

Scott Fowler has been the Charlotte Observer's sports voice since 1994, but he's also the author of nine books, including a young adult novel, and the host of "Carruth," a podcast Sports Illustrated named its Best Podcast of the Year.

On October 14, Scott steps into a different role. Instead of writing the story, he'll be leading one, interviewing acclaimed journalist Tom Junod, live, right here in Gastonia.

If you've trusted Scott's byline for years, here's your chance to see him in person, asking the questions for once.

📅 October 14 | Gaston Country Club
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-beautiful-evening-in-the-neighborhood-tom-junod-interviewed-by-scott-fowler

09/20/2026

Happy Birthday to our board member, Nate Bragg. Thank you for all you do for our community. We appreciate you.