August 27, 2008
By Sarah Young
Reading is a big part of my life. More than just hobby, it’s a lifelong passion that began when I was just a child and has continued well into adulthood. First, it was the magical world of The Berenstein Bears then The Babysitters Club, and now the sky’s the limit.
Literacy is one of the most important tools we can arm our children with. Not only does it set them up to be successful academically, it introduces them to new worlds and amazing new friends.
But imagine not growing with this basic foundation. Many people think illiteracy is just kids stuff, but for some adults, it’s a real issue. But, it doesn’t have to be. The Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition, a collaboration of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and the Mayor’s Office, has been making literacy a priority for our community since 2005 and now they’re making it easy for everyone to get involved and work to end illiteracy in the Greater Baton Rouge area.
In honor of Literacy Week the Coalition is partnering with Barnes & Noble Booksellers. From Aug. 30 to Sept. 7 both Baton Rouge locations (2590 CitiPlace Court and 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd.) will donate a percentage of their sales to the Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition. All you need to do is download this voucher and present it to a sales associate as you check out.
Shop the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the CitiPlace location and pick up a copy of the coalition’s anthology of work by its adult students. Plus, meet the students, hear them read their poetry and learn why adult literacy services are so critical. Shop the evening of Thursday, Sept. 4 at the CitiPlace location and watch a simulation mirroring the challenges of living with dyslexia at 7 p.m.
You can also dine out to end illiteracy. On Tuesday, Sept. 2 grab a bite with family or friends at Louie's Café, Casa Maria Restaurant on Bluebonnet, Fish City Grill, Fresh Salads & Wraps on United Plaza Blvd. or Counter Culture and on Wednesday, Sept. 3 grab a steak at The Steakhouse at Hollywood Casino. The restaurants will each donate 15% of the day's sales to the coalition. For more information click here.
Take advantage of these two fun opportunities to become an advocate to end illiteracy. E-mail a photo of your group dining out or buying books to debbie@brac.org. Hope to see you all out and about in the coming week.
Comments
Posted by pmccarron on September 8 at 2:35 p.m.
Well so much for dining out on September 2nd and 3rd to end illiteracy - Hurrican Gustav ate me for lunch instead.
Post a comment
(225 magazine reserves the right to remove any comments from this site we deem offensive, malicious or otherwise inappropriate.)