“There are many little ways to enlarge your world. Love of books is the best of all.”
– Jacqueline Kennedy

November is a month in which we celebrate thankfulness for many things. Let this month also be a month in which we are thankful for literacy and its importance in our lives. Established in 1994 by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), they worked with Congress to designate November 1st as National Family Literacy Day®. Since then, schools, educational centers, libraries, and families have joined together to celebrate reading the entire month. The fundamental skills needed for a person to thrive in society start early in development. Parents reading with their children has proven to enhance learning, create memories, strengthen bonding, and set them on a sturdy path for lifelong learning.

If you are not one who particularly enjoys diving into a good book, consider this. Many years ago, I had a conversation with my mother-in-law. She lived with my family during a time when our children were very small. She always had a book by her side and spent much time taking the kids to the library and reading with them. I admittedly was not so much a lover of books. She said to me that any reading (great or small) is reading! You just have to find what you like to read, and when you do, you will find that you want to read more. Whether it is short articles in a magazine, comics, the newspaper, cookbooks, or books “for kids” that adults may think to be “too young” for their liking, I encourage you to just dive in! So as the seasons change and the weather changes, grab a book and get cozy with your loved ones. Read together quietly in the same room or find something to read out loud together. Take the time to read a 5-minute book with the littles at bedtime or even in the morning. Read about history, fairy tales, new hobbies and adventures, and find the thing that sparks curiosity and enthusiasm to keep learning all year round!

Did you know that Pekin has its very own Adult Literacy Center? Established in 1984, it had its humble beginnings as an English Language program for a small group of Vietnamese immigrants. Through its many leaders, it has grown to include Adult Basic Education, IL High School Diploma (GED) preparation, and Digital Skills. Through grants from the Illinois Secretary of State/Illinois State Library, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, AARP/Senior Planet, and through private donors, our program has been able to thrive. We recruit volunteer tutors to work with other adults in our community to gain footing in literacy by working with them one-on-one in the following: improve basic skills in reading, writing, and math, learn the English language, and prepare them for the GED to earn an Illinois High School Diploma. We are always in need of volunteer tutors and no experience is necessary! Those interested in free services or becoming a volunteer can reach our office at 309-347-2104 extension 4040, [email protected], or by visiting www.ywcapekin.org.

YWCA Adult Literacy is a proud member of the newly formed Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success (PALS). They were recently awarded participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library where parents can sign their children up to receive a free book each month as early as birth! PALS is working to help families find the resources they need to enhance childhood literacy in our community. For more information and to sign up for the Imagination Library please visit www.pekinliteracy.org.

Join us at the YWCA of Pekin for our Family Reading Night Event, Thursday, from 4–6pm. Enjoy family reading time and activities. Nov 21, 2024 This is a free event. Please call 309-347-2104 ext 4040 to register. Please leave a message with your name, phone number, and number attending if we are unable to answer your call.

Sources: www.nationaltoday.org, www.familieslearning.org