Kalamazoo Literacy Council

Tutor Training part 1
2025-05-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-10 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
This is the training that is required to become a certified reading tutor with the KLC. You will learn how to teach adults using the Laubach method and the Challenger reading series, plus effective strategies for tutoring and engaging native English speakers and English language learners. These sessions are hybrid, so you can choose to participate in person or online. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org. Thanks for supporting adult literacy!

Tutor Orientation
2025-05-01 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-06 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Welcome! This is the training that is required to become a certified reading tutor with the KLC. In this orientation, we will introduce you to our mission and why we believe “Everyone Needs To Read.” We will also share what you can expect during and after tutor training. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org.

Albert White Literacy Trail Earth Day Clean Up
2025-04-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Bryant St.
Help beautify a new learning and play space in the Edison neighborhood! The Albert White Literacy Trail is a 1/8 mile stretch along the Portage Creek between Alcott and Reed St. It is home to the Literacy Lane street mural and a Little Free Library and is the future home of a Story Walk and Reading Corner. All are invited join the Edison Resident Scholars & the Edison Neighborhood Association to help clean up the trail as we prepare for the exciting upgrades!
Please meet at the mural site at 12pm – dead end of Bryant St., off Portage St, between Alcott St. and Lane Blvd., behind the Marathon station.
RSVP to Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org. Hope to see you!

Tutor Training part 4
2025-03-20 18:00 - 19:30 | MI

Tutor Training part 3
2025-03-17 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training part 2
2025-03-13 18:00 - 19:30 | MI

Albert J. White Commemoration
2025-02-19 16:30 - 17:30 | Kzoo County Dept. of Health & Community Services, 311 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
The community is invited to join the Kalamazoo County Department of Health & Community Services (HCS), Kalamazoo Literacy Council, and Western Michigan University for a special program to commemorate the life and legacy of Albert J. White. White, an African-American mason born in the 1800’s, is responsible for some of the city’s iconic landmarks including East Campus’ Heritage Hall and the HCS building. The program includes an unveiling of a portrait by famed local artist James Palmore and remarks from White’s descendants. This event is free and open to the public.

Albert J. White Proclamation
2025-02-18 18:30 - 19:30 | 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
On Tuesday, February 18, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners will read a proclamation during its regular Board meeting honoring the life and work of Albert White. White served the Kalamazoo community for over five decades, from the 1870s until 1930, earning his journeyman status as a stone mason and bricklayer at the age of 23 after 6 years as an unpaid apprentice. At 25, he founded White’s Construction Company, assembling a diverse team of more than 50 Black, white, and immigrant workers and overseeing the construction of numerous buildings, many of which still stand today. Among his notable projects are the Illinois Envelope Company building, completed in 1905, which now serves as the home of Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services, and Western Michigan University’s Heritage Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

Tutor Training Parts Three & Four
2025-01-25 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-23 09:00 - 13:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training Parts One & Two
2025-01-18 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-16 09:00 - 13:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training Orientation
2025-01-09 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium
2024-12-13 08:00 - 15:30 | WMU-Fetzer Center, 2251 Business Ct., Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
Welcome to the 2024 Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium! The theme of this year’s event is “50 Years of Empowerment Through Literacy,” as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary of providing free basic literacy services to adults who struggle to read. At the symposium, attendees will enjoy engaging presentations and skills building workshops that offer helpful tools and insights for teaching adults. Topics include Digital Literacy, Multigenerational Learning strategies, and Goal Setting. Plus, we’ll share stories of empowered learner voices and a session featuring special guest panelists.
Join fellow education advocates, volunteers, and community members who are passionate about literacy for an exciting day of learning and sharing.

Tutor Training Orientation
2024-11-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-09-05 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
At new tutor orientation, you will learn about the KLC’s mission, vision, services, and programs. We will also outline what you can expect from the tutor training sessions. The KLC’s tutor orientation and training sessions are hybrid, so you may choose to participate in person or online. To sign up, please fill out the form here. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org. Thank you for your interest and support of adult literacy!

Literacy in Your Community
2024-10-30 16:00 - 17:30 | Kalamazoo Public Library Oshtemo Branch, 7265 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, United States
Everyone needs to read to excel at work, teach their kids, and keep their families healthy. The Kalamazoo Literacy Council offers free tutoring and classes to adults who struggle to read. Our programs are designed to strengthen reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills so adults are empowered to reach their goals.

On October 30, join Michael Evans, Executive Director of the KLC, to hear about the state of adult literacy in Kalamazoo and learn what actions you can take to make positive changes in our community. This event is free and open to the public, and no prior registration is necessary.

Portage Creek Community Clean Up
2024-10-24 12:00 - 15:00 | 1204 Bank St., Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Calling all volunteers! Join the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council and a team of community members on Sunday, September 22, from 12pm-3pm for a clean up of the Portage Creek. Volunteers may choose to get into the water or stay on land. There are four land areas that will be divided to split up the work. We will have some waders available for water activity and are encouraging anyone with a kayak to please bring it for hard-to-reach spots or to float heavy items. Trash bags, claw pickers, gloves, and wipes will be provided.
Please meet at the south corner of the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market on Bank St.
For questions and further details, please text Candace at (517) 896-5209.

Family Literacy Day - Fire Safety
2024-10-16 17:00 - 19:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
KDPS will be here to show families how to protect themselves in the event of a fire. Enjoy safety demos, giveaways, and fun literacy & gardening activities. Plus, we’ll be reading “Alphabet Rescue” for story time and everyone can take home free books from the KPL Mobile Library. Family Literacy Day is in the Read and Seed community garden behind the Goodwill bldg at 420 E. Alcott St. Contact Kamaria at (269) 382-0490 ext. 263 or knichols@kalamazooliteracy.org with questions. Hope to see you!

Special Voting Rights Presentation
2024-10-01 12:30 - 14:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Literacy is more than just reading and writing; it’s a vital tool for participation in our democracy. Understanding rights, ballots, and procedures can be overwhelming and intimidating. That’s why we’re partnering with the League of Women Voters to help. Join us for a special presentation on Tuesday, October 1, 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at 420 E. Alcott St. All are welcome! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4gEWDdh

Tutor Training Part Four
2024-09-19 18:00 - 19:30 | MI

Tutor Training Part Three
2024-09-16 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training Part Two
2024-09-12 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training Part One
2024-09-09 18:00 - 19:30 | MI

Literacy Lane Mural Project - Open Work Day
2024-09-06 15:00 - 21:00, 2024-09-05 15:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-04 15:30 - 21:00, 2024-09-03 14:00 - 21:00 | Bryant St.
Join artist Maya James, the Edison Resident Scholars, and a team of volunteers as we put the finishing touches on the Literacy Lane street mural! The mural contains 56 different elements that teach about vocabulary, physical activity, reading, community resources, and the environment. It’s a beautiful addition to the neighborhood that’s designed to foster a love of literacy and learning. Literacy Lane is located at the end of Bryant St., off Portage Rd. between Alcott St. and Lane Blvd. in Edison, behind the Family Health Center and Department of Health & Human Services. For more details, please click here.
