From September 15–19, the nation will observe Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of literacy in helping individuals, families, and communities thrive. Across Maine, the week highlights urgent challenges and inspiring opportunities in addressing adult literacy, led by organizations including Literacy Volunteers Androscoggin, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, Literacy Volunteers of Franklin & Somerset Counties, Literacy Volunteers Kennebec, Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County, and Midcoast Literacy.

According to the Barbara Bush Foundation, more than 1 in 10 adults in Maine struggle with basic reading, writing, and math skills. These challenges ripple through families and communities, affecting employment opportunities, financial stability, access to healthcare, and children’s educational success. The ability to read confidently is not only a personal achievement—it is also a pathway to stronger communities, a more prepared workforce, and brighter futures for generations to come.

How to Help: Join Your Local Literacy Organization in Advancing Literacy

As a community-driven nonprofit, Literacy Volunteers improves lives by providing free, confidential tutoring to adults who want to strengthen their reading, writing, English language, or math skills. During Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, Literacy Volunteers encourages Mainers to take part in this vital cause through the following ways:

● Volunteer as a Tutor or Mentor: No teaching experience is required—just patience, commitment, and a passion for helping others. Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County (LVWC) provides training and ongoing support.

● Spread Awareness: Share LVWC’s work on social media, talk to employers, community groups, and schools about the importance of literacy education.

● Make a Donation: Financial contributions directly support one-on-one tutoring, learner materials, and outreach to adults who are waiting for help.

● Promote Family Literacy: Parents who read at home model literacy for their children. Encourage family reading nights and donate books to local libraries or literacy programs.

● Partner with Employers: Local businesses can support literacy by providing time for employees to attend tutoring sessions and by investing in workforce literacy efforts.

As we recognize Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2025, Mainers are reminded that the gift of literacy is life-changing. Investing in learners of all ages is a critical step in building stronger families, a more skilled workforce, and vibrant communities across Maine. For more information about ways to get involved in building literacy, you can contact any of the locally-supported literacy volunteer organizations across the state:

● Literacy Volunteers - Androscoggin | https://www.literacyvolunteersandro.org | 51 Westminster St., Lewiston Maine | 207-753-6658| Providing free, one-on-one tutoring and English conversation partners in Androscoggin County

● Literacy Volunteers of Bangor | LVBangor.org | 207-947-8451 | Serving the greater Bangor area.

● Literacy Volunteers of Franklin & Somerset Counties | westernmaineliteracy.org | 207- 500-3131 | Serving Franklin & Somerset Counties.

● Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County | waldoreads.org | 207-338-3197 | Serving Waldo County.

● Midcoast Literacy | midcoastliteracy.org | 207-443-6384 | Serving Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and northern Cumberland Counties.