Join Napa County Main Library To Celebrate International Literacy Day

Press release from the Napa County Government:

August 31, 2023

NAPA COUNTY, CA — The Napa County Main Library is celebrating International Literacy Day on Friday, September 8. Established in 1966 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Literacy Day aims to make the public aware of literacy as a human right and a matter of dignity.

Literacy challenges persist, with 771 million young people and adults worldwide lacking basic literacy skills. The recent wave of school closures and disruptions caused by the pandemic have recently contributed to learning loss and an increase in drop-out rates.

In California, the concern is mirrored with an estimated 28 percent of the population functioning at or below level 1 literacy, with as many as 69 percent of fourth graders struggling with reading proficiency, and 71 percent of eighth graders facing challenges in math proficiency.

California Library Literacy Services have made positive impacts over four decades in combating adult and family illiteracy. Through participation in adult literacy education programs, participants in literacy programs experience gains in employment; and increases in earning potential, with improved reading, writing, and numeracy skills.

Join Napa County Library’s Literacy Center on Friday, Sept. 8, at the Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St. in Napa, to celebrate International Literacy Day with the following activities:

10 a.m.-1 p.m., Open House: Discover the wide range of services offered while enjoying light refreshments.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Drop-in Crafts: Create a mini book and play literacy bingo and more.

3:30 p.m. -3:45 p.m., Pass the Book: Experience the joy of communal reading by reading a chapter or two and passing the book on to your neighbor.

4 p.m.-5:20 p.m., Screening “The Right to Read” Documentary: Produced by Levar Burton, this recent documentary shares stories of a courageous activist, teacher and two families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indication of lifelong success: the ability to read.

Families are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

This press release was produced by the Napa County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.