You can “Love Your Library” by supporting literacy with a heart this February. Post a paper heart at your DeKalb County Public Library branch or online by donating $1 to the DeKalb Library Foundation. Your donation will go to support library literacy programs for both children and adults who need help with learning to read or learning English.

Literacy statistics show one fifth of adults in DeKalb County[1] have difficulty with the English language and lack basic literacy skills. DeKalb County Public Library works in partnership with community agencies to improve reading and English skills through four programs, funded by the DeKalb Library Foundation:

• PROJECT HORIZON helps children whose families are homeless or in transitional housing improve early literacy skills and keep up with homework.

• PROJECT REAP (Reading Empowers All People) helps immigrant and refugee children improve their spoken English and enhance their literacy skills and teaches parents how to be a partner in their children’s education.
• SCOTTDALE - TOBIE GRANT HOMEWORK CENTER hosts reading and homework assistance for children and teens, reinforcing school lessons.      
• HEALTH LITERACY is a program that distributes books and library information weekly at four DeKalb County Board of Health clinics and provides staff to read to young children.

[1] 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy