Literacy Center of West Michigan

Literacy Center of West Michigan Bringing about a just and vibrant West Michigan through the power of literacy.

We’re so excited to share this news!The Literacy Center of West Michigan has been awarded the 2026 Kislak Family Foundat...
09/09/2026

We’re so excited to share this news!

The Literacy Center of West Michigan has been awarded the 2026 Kislak Family Foundation Prize, one of four top international prizes presented through the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program!

This $100,000 award recognizes organizations making an outsized impact on literacy, and we are incredibly honored to receive this recognition.

For 40 years, the Literacy Center has been meeting adults where they are and building literacy into the places and opportunities where it can make the greatest difference. This award celebrates the impact of our learners, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters, as well as the role the Literacy Center has played in advancing adult literacy here in West Michigan and beyond.

We are incredibly proud and grateful to celebrate this recognition with our community!

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ada16a06058c46098b81422a407fae2e

Not often discussed in the conversation on early literacy development is the essential need to equally focus on adult/pa...
09/08/2026

Not often discussed in the conversation on early literacy development is the essential need to equally focus on adult/parent literacy. Supporting parents’ literacy is a major factor in advancing early school success as research shows that a mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors such as neighborhood and family income.

Family literacy and other multigenerational learning strategies have proven successful in engaging parents as both caregivers and learners, honoring their multiple identities and goals for themselves and their families. Multigenerational learning strategies also help to increase trust and collaboration with their children’s schools and advance economic mobility through supporting the upskilling of parents.

Please join the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading for a discussion highlighting data that demonstrates results and replicable examples of family learning strategies that accelerate multigenerational literacy development. Attendees will hear from national and community leaders, including the Literacy Center's Executive Director Wendy Falb, and researchers about the power and impact of multigenerational learning and why now is a critical time to focus on improving children’s and adults’ outcomes together.

Boosting Parent Literacy: An Imperative for Early School Success

📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET/12:00-1:30 p.m. PT

Register now! ➡ leo.gradelevelreading.net/register

Mesa Public Schools I Penn State I LA County Library I Colorado Department of Early Childhood I National Center for Families Learning | Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.We hope you have a safe and cool holiday, ...
09/06/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.

We hope you have a safe and cool holiday, and we will see you on Tuesday!

09/04/2026

You don't have to be a teacher to be a Literacy Coach! We provide the training, materials, and learning plan you need to work with your learner.

Your job isn't to have all the answers. It's meeting with your learner, practicing together, nurturing their potential, and helping them work toward their goals.

No teaching experience? No problem.

Learn more and apply: literacycenterwm.org/volunteer

We’re proud to be a Ready by Five partner! Thanks to Kent County voters and the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage, k...
09/02/2026

We’re proud to be a Ready by Five partner! Thanks to Kent County voters and the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage, kids and families across our community have the resources they need to thrive.

We know that literacy impacts the whole family. When parents and caregivers strengthen their own reading, writing, and communication skills, they can feel more confident supporting their young children’s learning and literacy at home. That’s the power of investing in adult literacy.

Check out the press release here: https://www.firststepskent.org/articles/ready-by-five-funding-expands-opportunities-for-children-and-families-across-the-community

Wine & Words is NEXT WEEK! Join us next Thursday, September 10, at Lion Rock Manor for an evening of wine, word games, a...
08/31/2026

Wine & Words is NEXT WEEK!

Join us next Thursday, September 10, at Lion Rock Manor for an evening of wine, word games, and good company, all in support of adult literacy in our community.

Tickets are still available, and we’d love to see you there.

Get your tickets today: https://literacycenterwm.org/events/wine-words-2026-25910

“Watching somebody grow is one of the most rewarding things.”Learning a new language takes time. Progress doesn't always...
08/31/2026

“Watching somebody grow is one of the most rewarding things.”

Learning a new language takes time. Progress doesn't always happen overnight.
But showing up, practicing, and having someone there to encourage you can make all the difference.

Our Literacy Coaches get to witness that growth firsthand, and celebrate every milestone along the way.

Right now, learners are waiting for a coach. Will you be the one who shows up? Sign up at www.literacycenterwm.org/volunteer

Make a Difference This Fall, Get Started Today!Become a Volunteer Literacy Coach and help an adult learner build the rea...
08/29/2026

Make a Difference This Fall, Get Started Today!

Become a Volunteer Literacy Coach and help an adult learner build the reading, writing, or English skills they need to reach their goals.

No teaching experience needed. If you can read and write in English, we provide all the training and support you’ll need.

Join one of our upcoming volunteer information sessions:

Wednesday, September 9, 6 PM (Online)
Wednesday, September 23, 4 PM (In-Person)
Tuesday, October 6, 6 PM (Online)
Wednesday, October 21, 4 PM (In-Person)

Sign up today at www.literacycenterwm.org/volunteer

Change a life through literacy, one word at a time.

08/28/2026

Where you meet with your learner is flexible! Sessions should take place in a free, public space that works for both of you.

You can meet at the Literacy Center, a local library, a public park, or another community space. Other locations, such as a bookstore, may also work with permission. Many of our coach and learner pairs meet online!

The important thing is finding a safe, comfortable place where you can meet regularly and practice together.

Learn more about becoming a Literacy Coach:
literacycenterwm.org/volunteer

A big thank-you to the businesses and community partners who have already sponsored Wine & Words 2026! Your support help...
08/25/2026

A big thank-you to the businesses and community partners who have already sponsored Wine & Words 2026! Your support helps the Literacy Center provide adults in our community with the literacy and language skills they need to reach their goals.

We’re excited to celebrate with you on September 10 at Lion Rock Manor for an evening of wine, word games, and good company hosted by Mark Peters. And there’s still time to join us!

Come enjoy the evening, bring some friends, and support adult literacy in our community.

Get your ticket or sponsor today: https://literacycenterwm.org/events/wine-words-2026-25910

Address

207 Fulton Street E, Suite 4000
Grand Rapids, MI
49503

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16164595151

Website

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