Home > Events and Programs > Special Events >Detroit Reads Special Events Events and Programs Events Exhibits Children and Young Adults Downloads     Home > Events and Programs > Special Events >Detroit Reads Special Events About Detroit Reads Literacy Tools at the Detroit Public Library Detroit Literacy Council Knight Foundation Initiative Technology Literacy & Career Center @ the Detroit Public Library Detroit Reads Contacts ABOUT DETROIT READS: The Campaign to Erase Illiteracy in Detroit The Detroit Public Library (DPL) recognizes that the ability to read is fundamental to the quality of life in the City of Detroit. We see transformation in people’s lives as they learn to read, get their GEDs, get help finding jobs, and gradually improve their quality of life. It’s a testament that illiteracy can be erased from our city. The Detroit Public Library has provided educational support to Detroit residents for over 140 years. We stand ready as partners with our residents, students, parents, and our school systems in providing quality learning environments, learning resources, and tutoring to assist, challenge and motivate our young and old to read. In 2008, the governing body of the Detroit Public Library, the Detroit Library Commission, approved a five-year Strategic Plan, with a mandate to the library system to address Detroit’s literacy divide. We launched a “Detroit Reads” campaign, mobilizing partners and resources to address our literacy challenges: 47% of adults are functionally illiterate Less than 25% are high school graduates More than 50% of displaced workers are literacy challenged More than 26% live below poverty It is possible that with all hands on deck, we can collectively stem the tide of illiteracy in the City of Detroit. It is with only a laser focus on this issue that we can begin to see measurable and meaningful results within a defined period. ILLITERACY has become Detroit’s State of Emergency Today!!! Join the Campaign to Erase illiteracy in Detroit! LEARN TO READ TEACH SOMEONE TO READ SPONSOR A NEW READER Call 313-481-1362 Email – Read@detroitpubliclibrary.org           The Detroit Public Library. All rights reserved. 2006