Home > Events and Programs > Special Events > International Literacy Day Special Events DETROIT READS! Erasing Illiteracy, One Word at a Time The Detroit Public Library Detroit Literacy Coalition Pro-Literacy Detroit Wayne State University Arise Detroit! Communities in Schools Invites you to join the world community in celebrating; September 8th was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific, Cultural Organization), November 17, 1965. The day was first celebrated in 1966. The aim of International Literacy Day is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. The Detroit Public Library and its partners invite you to join the world community in celebrating literacy awareness,September 7-13, 2008. The work of improving our literacy rate is critical to improving our lives. Everyone can help. There are many opportunities for you to get involved and volunteer today. For more information, call 313 833-4042. Literacy Awareness Sunday Sunday, September 7 - City-Wide International Literacy Day Program Monday, September 8, 5:00 p.m. Reception; 6:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Dick Gregory Main Library Elmwood Park Read-Aloud for Detroit Reads! Listen to "Nightjohn" by Gary Paulsen. Refreshments will be provided. Monday, September 8, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Elmwood Park Branch Literacy Week Celebration - Preschool Kindergarten Story Time Tuesday, September 9, 10:30 a.m. - Noon Redford Branch Words & Music Performance Tuesday, September 9, Noon Skillman Branch Storytime/Reading Marathon @ Children's Library Tuesday, September 9 - Noon - 8 p.m. Volunteer to Read at 313 833-1490! Main Library* African American Book Club Tuesday, September 9, 6:00 p.m. Sherwood Forest Branch Read-to-Me Book Club Wednesday, September 10, 10:15 a.m. Chase Branch Literacy Awareness Humanities Lecture with Dr. Daphne Ntiri Wednesday, September 10, 12:30 p.m. Room 2339 Faculty Administration Building (FAB) Wayne State University Evening Back-To-School Family Story Hour Wednesday, September 10, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Littlle ones, bring your favorite stuffed toy to snuggle with @ the library. Hubbard Branch Reading Marathon & Film Screening Thursday, September 11 - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Community Readers & Films with literacy focus. Main Library* - Popular Library and Friends Auditorium Kids Scrabble Club Thursday, September 11, 6:00 p.m. Chase Branch Preschool Story Time @ Children's Library Friday, September 12 - 10:15 a.m. Main Library* – Old Browsing Teens Hyped for Literacy Friday, September 12 - 6:00 p.m. System-wide Read: "Nightjohn" by Gary Paulsen Book Discussion & Film Screening Main Library* - H.Y.P.E. Center Family Story Time Saturday, September 13 - 2:00 p.m. Main Library* – Children's Library Don't Lose the Reading Bug! Saturday, September 13 - 3:00 p.m. Back-to-School Celebration with games & prizes. Chase Branch 3K - WALK FOR LITERACY Saturday, September 13 - 7:30 a.m.** Detroit International RiverWalk, Rivard Street @ the river. Register Today! 313 833-4042 **Walk begins @ 9 a.m. Registration: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Walk Day September 13th Detroit International RiverWalk