Kalamazoo Literacy Council

10/13/2026

We enjoyed reading "Soil: The story of a Black mother's garden" this Summer, and join Kalamazoo in welcoming author Camille Dungy to our community for a meet & greet on Thursday, October 15. Free for all!

Welcome to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Discover life’s wonder through the stories and experiences that bring us together.

10/12/2026

Thanks to all who attended the Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium last Friday at WMU! We also extend a very special thanks to the presenters and panelists for sharing their knowledge and experiences. Everyone enjoyed hearing about insights that drive the work of adult education and first hand stories from volunteers.

10/07/2026

This National Book Month, we're celebrating Mara Smedes and her commitment to literacy. She was surprised to learn the eye-opening statistics and data surrounding adult literacy needs in our region, but has been equally impressed by how effectively the KLC responds. From a defining 9th-grade moment to her work on the KLC Board and with her own kids, Mara is empowering adult learners and families to experience the joy and power of reading together. Thanks for all you do, Mara!

10/06/2026

Last chance to register for the Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium, a one-day conference offering strategies and best practices for empowering adult learners. We have lots of exciting content planned, with field experts delivering engaging presentations & workshops. Friday, October 9, 8:00-3:30 p.m. Credit hours available, Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4yqwXJF

09/30/2026

Last week we had a very special guest return to the Little Scholars Child Development Center at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan. Conrad Kaufman, the artist behind the mural, visited to check out his artwork and share some of the creative inspiration. We got to see original sketches and ideas, and learn about the 300 or so murals Conrad has painted all over Kalamazoo. We are very fortunate to be among that group - he is truly a local legend!

09/28/2026

Join the KLC & Western Michigan University on Friday, October 9, 2026 for the Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium! This one-day conference features insights & innovations for teaching adults. Attendees will gain practical tips and knowledge to engage and empower learners. Content includes a session on Dyslexia & the Science of Reading, inspiring confidence in adult readers, and using storytelling as a powerful literacy tool. You'll leave inspired and motivated. This is a free, hybrid event and credit hours are available. Refreshments are provided. Check out the full agenda and register by October 2 at kalamazooliteracy.org/2026-symposium

09/28/2026

Welcome Pau, Steven, Crystal, & Colin! They are among the newest tutors to join our volunteer faculty. They bring some awesome skills and we're thrilled that they are eager to begin working one on one or in a small group setting. Thanks to all of you for supporting the KLC and the learners we serve. If you or someone you know wants to help a struggling adult reader, join us for the next training session. Sign up at kalamazooliteracy.org/volunteer/tutor.

09/24/2026

Essie is someone who has a voracious appetite for learning and eagerly accepts opportunities to support fellow learners or the KLC in any capacity. She's been a consistent, positive presence in Health Literacy classes and in the Parent Literacy Together program. Essie will jump at the chance to boast about her family or share her story, like she did as a featured panelist at last year's Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium.

She embodies a lifelong learner, someone who understands that education happens in classrooms but also in every experience, every conversation, and every challenge overcome. Whether she's helping a new learner, volunteering at Scrabble Fest, or advocating for resources that benefit the entire community, Essie serves the KLC mission to build a more literate Kalamazoo. She's achieved over 100 hours of study & service hours!

Her story is one of resilience and growth, and she's never hesitant to use her own journey as a symbol of hope for others walking similar paths. Thanks for all you do, Essie. Keep learning!

09/18/2026

We had a fantastic Family Literacy Day, which was filled with fun activities and learning about insects, plants, and seeds. These mutigenerational learning events are designed for deep engagement and skills-building, enhanced in a lush outdoor setting. Families enjoy a variety of activity stations, free books, and a lively StoryWalk through the garden. Thanks again to our partners and friends for another great event!

09/18/2026