Boulder Public Library celebrates 25th anniversary of BoulderReads! program

Boulder Public Library will commemorate 25 years of the BoulderReads! literacy program on Friday, Oct. 14, with a community celebration, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Canyon Gallery at the Main Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. (north wing).

Twenty-five years ago, Boulder Public Library created a new program to help adults improve their reading and writing.  At that time, ABC and PBS were running a two-year campaign to raise awareness about how many adults in America were unable to read and write at the level needed to be fully functional as parents, employees and community members.

“One of the best benefits of that campaign was that adults who struggled with reading realized that they were not the only people with that difficulty,” said BoulderReads! Director Diana Sherry.  “Another benefit was that they learned that community programs existed or were being created to serve them.”

Libraries were one of the front runners in this effort, and BoulderReads! was one of those new programs.  Since 1986, BoulderReads! has grown to serve around 300 adults and children every year.  Its core services include free, one-on-one tutoring at four public libraries and the Boulder County Jail, GED classes and testing, a Reading Buddies program for children, and numerous support activities for these learners, as well as the general public.

This 25-year milestone will be celebrated by the BoulderReads! students, volunteers and funders, as well as other interested community members.  To attend, please RSVP to Laurie Watkins at 303-441-3151 or via email to: watkinsl@boulderlibrary.org.

 

–CITY–