1 in 8 adults in Kalamazoo County struggle to read.

These adults struggle to read to their children, fill out a job application or understand medical information. But you can make a difference in their lives and your community.

REaders are leaders book challenge!

We are thrilled to be a partner in the Oliver James Reading Challenge! From now until April 18, you can join in on a community-wide initiative to spread the joy of reading. Simply stop by the KLC, Kalamazoo Public Library, or a partner site and choose from one of five beloved titles. Then, challenge someone you know to pick a story and keep the fun going! 

Visit:

Choose your book:  

Take action: 

  • After reading, return the book to the library or partner agency, place it in a Little Free Library, or keep it!
  • Nominate a new challenger for each completed title.

Tag us and Oliver James on social media!

#ReadingRoleModel
#KalamazooLiteracy
#LiteracyAndCommunity
#Oliverspeaks1
#KalamazooPublicLibrary
#EveryoneNeedsToRead 

weather policy

In the case of inclement weather, the KLC will follow the procedures of Kalamazoo Public Schools and Portage Public Schools. If KPS and PPS are closed, we will not hold in-person classes. Virtual classes will still happen as scheduled. If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate Navigator below: 

Lupita Flores, ESL Adult Learning Services 
Kamaria Snell, Parent & Health Literacy
Tameca Black, Adult Basic Education
Roeshell Ollie, Neighborhood Network Center Coordinator, Interfaith Homes

Adult learner success story

become a tutor

We’d like to invite you to join online tutor training with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council! In this training, you will learn effective strategies and techniques for teaching adults with low literacy, whether they’re native English speakers or English language learners. Our services help strengthen reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills so adult learners can reach their full potential as parents, employees, and community members. We have immediate availability for classroom assistants and basic literacy one-on-one tutors. Volunteer hours are flexible and we supply free books, materials, and ongoing support.

With just a few hours a week, you can help change someone’s life. To sign up for in person or online tutor training, call Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or email [email protected].  

KLC in the media

March 13, 2024
TikTok star coming to Kalamazoo to help in the fight against adult illiteracy
The KLC is partnering with Kalamazoo Public Library to welcome adult learner and motivational speaker Oliver James to our city for a very special event called “Literacy and Community” on April 18, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. 

March 13, 2024
Turning litter into literacy: Trail upgrades underway in Kalamazoo’s Edison Neighborhood 
KLC Executive Director Michael Evans and Dr. Karika Parker talk with Fox 17 about plans for the Albert White Literacy Trail and Literacy Lane. 

February 8, 2024
Black mason broke barriers, laid first building blocks for learning at Western
An article showcasing the outstanding efforts of Dr. Karika Parker and the Edison Resident Scholars to bring recognition to Albert White, builder of the iconic Heritage Hall and other Kalamazoo area landmarks. 

January 8, 2024
KLC partners with Wax Wings Brewing Co. for a FUNdraiser during Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week
Wax Wings will donate $1 from each purchase of their delicious Kalamazoo Skyline IPA to the KLC from January 12-21. Then on Sunday, January 21, we will have a family friendly event to kick off our 50th anniversary celebration. 3:00-5:00 p.m. at 3480 Gull Rd. in Kalamazoo. Join us! 

December 14, 2023
From litter to literacy: Trail and playstreet coming to Edison celebrate nature and reading
Second Wave Media’s Mark Wedel profiles the new Literacy Lane and the incredible work of the Edison Resident Scholars. 

August 17, 2023
Public Media Network’s Neighborhood Voices segment features Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest!

August 5, 2023

Kalamazoo Literacy Council hosts “Scrabble Fest” to raise funds and awareness for adult literacy.
Nearly 100 players gathered to celebrate literacy and play in the city’s only Scrabble tournament fundraiser. Thanks to all of our sponsors and attendees for a wonderful event! 

July 6, 2023 
Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest supports literacy
Executive Director Michael Evans and Kito Jumanne-Marshall promote the 12th annual Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest. 

 

May 19, 2023
Family Literacy Days start today in Kalamazoo 
The KLC’s Kamaria Nichols and Kito Jumanne-Marshall join WOOD TV’s EightWest morning crew.

 

June 30, 2022
Adult Literacy Can Impact Employment Opportunites
“Empowered learners make better employees and build the best businesses,” Rose Fetzer, Adult Learning Services Navigator at KLC. “When we say, ‘Everyone needs to read to excel at work,’ we mean that employees are empowered when they have the literacy skills to navigate through their careers,” Fetzer said.

June 29, 2022
Nothing happens by itself
KVCC’s ValleyHUB is the champion of Southwest Michigan’s local food system. This blog post features KLC Executive Director Michael Evans and Kym Hollars, Adult Education and Training Manager at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, and profiles Family Literacy Days in the Read and Seed community garden and outdoor classroom. The article also highlights the many ways KLC and KVCC work together, from planting, to internships, to developing career pathways.  

February 10, 2022
Language barrier key to welcoming refugees
English skills make accessing services and work opportunities easier – and widens the circle of support for processing trauma. 

 

 

November 18, 2021
WMU formalizes partnership with Kalamazoo Literacy Council
Dr. Edward Montgomery will formally announce the partnership during his welcome address at the 2021 Adult Literacy Research and Training Symposium from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, at the Fetzer Center and online. This free, annual symposium, “Fostering Leadership and Equity Through Adult Literacy,” facilitates cooperation between the academic research of best practices in adult literacy and community-based application of this knowledge.

Keep in touch

Sign up to our mailing list for occasional news & announcements.

Kalamazoo Literacy Council is a member organization of ProLiteracy. 

Follow us on social media!