SLD Read

10/09/2026

Thank you, Charitable Union, for opening your doors yesterday. The open house was a wonderful walk through nearly 140 years of serving Battle Creek, and I left having learned so much.

What stands out most is the care you give each person who walks through your doors, and the way you partner with organizations across the community and broader Calhoun County to meet people where they are. You are truly for the people.

SLD Read is grateful for our partnership, and we look forward to continuing to grow together for the benefit of the families we both serve.

Send a message to learn more

10/09/2026

SLD Read is heading to the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek!

Join us on Wednesday, October 14 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Asian Buffet Hibachi Grill, where Kristen Potts, CEO of SLD Read, and Community Educator Charmica Knight will share an overview of SLD Read and how we support literacy in the community.

First-time guests eat free, so bring a friend and join us for lunch!

Asian Buffet Hibachi Grill
5700 Beckley Road, Ste C2
Battle Creek, MI 49015

No sign-up needed! Tap "Interested" on the event to let us know you're coming: https://www.facebook.com/events/1108949731583415/

Want to get involved?

Donate: https://www.sldread.org/donate/
Become a tutor: https://www.sldread.org/become-a-tutor/
Sponsor us (businesses): https://www.sldread.org/sponsor-us/

10/07/2026

SLD Read is heading to the Children's Health and Wellness Fair!

Join us on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blast Recreation Center, 35 Hamblin Ave W, Battle Creek. Stop by our table for hands-on literacy fun:

Dig for Letters: dig up a letter and say its sound
Shake Your Syllables: shake out the syllables in your name
Every child who plays takes home a free book, plus a bookmark or prize of their choice

Grown-ups, come say hi and learn how SLD Read helps kids become confident readers, through tutoring at partner schools and through services families can arrange directly with us.

Thank you to of Battle Creek, MI Government and Blast for bringing families together. We can't wait to see you there!

10/05/2026

Only 5 days left until Literacy A-Listers!

Join us Saturday, October 10 from 6-8 PM at the Kentwood Library as we celebrate the Dynamic Duos of SLD Read, the tutors and students who make literacy success possible every day.

The evening includes dinner, dessert, crafts, and a silent auction full of local treasures, including handcrafted ceramic pottery, a book lover's gift basket, a Detroit Lions gift set, a three month Cooper's Hawk W**e Club membership, and a handmade quilt paired with a storybook basket. More items will be available to bid on the night of the event.

Register now at www.sldread.org

Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton SE, Kentwood, MI 49508

We would love to see you there!

10/05/2026

Today, on World Teachers' Day, we applaud the patience, passion, and tireless hard work educators pour into shaping future generations every single day.

To every teacher shaping minds, building confidence, and planting seeds for a brighter tomorrow: Thank you for everything you do. 🌟🍎

10/03/2026

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! 💙

Did you know that dyslexia affects an estimated 1 in 5 people? Dyslexia is a neurological learning difference that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It has nothing to do with intelligence or a lack of effort, it simply means the brain processes written and spoken language differently.

Want to learn more? Stay tuned! Every Saturday this month, we’ll be sharing a new post with facts, resources, and ways to build awareness and support.

Let's spread understanding and dismantle the stigma together! 💙

10/02/2026

Literacy took center stage last weekend at SLD Read's first annual Back to School Barbecue!

On a warm and sunny afternoon, we gathered with friends old and new. Some were just learning about SLD Read, and others have a long history with us. One of the highlights was hearing from a former student and her mother, who shared the impact SLD Read has had on their lives. Thank you both for your courage and your story.

A special thank you to board member Pete Eldridge and his wife, Michelle, for hosting us and making the afternoon so welcoming.

Want to be part of the work? We are always open to:

Book donations
Monetary contributions: https://www.sldread.org/donate/
New tutors: https://www.sldread.org/become-a-tutor/

Business owners, you can also support our mission through sponsorship: https://www.sldread.org/sponsor-us/

Book donations can be dropped off or mailed to:
SLD Read
5250 Lovers Ln
Portage, MI 49002

Questions? Call us at (269) 345-2661.

09/30/2026

SLD Read invites you to our annual Literacy A-Listers celebration! Dinner, Dessert, Silent Auction, and Crafts, all in one night.

This year's theme is Dynamic Duos, celebrating the teamwork of students and tutors. Dynamic duos fill the pages of our favorite stories, from Holmes and Watson to Pizza and Taco. Their teamwork mirrors the dedication and resolve of our tutors and students to advance literacy. Please help us celebrate their hard work with a night of fun!

The silent auction includes framed nature photography, literacy themed tote bags, a curated gift basket, a day of boating and dining on Lake Michigan, Detroit Lions themed baskets, a handmade quilt and original painted artwork, Muskegon Luge passes, a 3-month Cooper's Hawk w**e club certificate, kid themed items, and more.

Join us October 10, 2026 from 6 to 8 PM at Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton SE, Kentwood, MI 49508.

Register today at www.sldread.org. We hope to see you there!

09/30/2026

🚨🚨Last chance to RVSP for our Literacy-A-Listers event! 🚨🚨

When: October 10th 2026 from 6 - 8pm
Where: Kentwood District Library
What: An evening celebrating our tutors and students. Expect dinner, desserts, crafts, and our silent auction!

Visit our website or scan the QR code to register!

09/28/2026

We had a great first In-Service in Kalamazoo on September 18th! It was great to see and welcome back our amazing tutors! 📚