“Read to your children. It doesn’t matter what they’re reading as long as they’re reading.” – Sarah McLellan
For this installment of Community Chats, we are joined by Sarah McLellan, executive director of the Lafayette County Literacy Council. She discusses the work she and others do for literacy in our community. From children’s book festivals to adult literacy courses, the Literacy Council is working tirelessly to ensure every person in our community is confident in their reading abilities so that they can succeed in every aspect of life. Tune in to learn more about the great work the Literacy Council is doing for people of all ages in our community.
Sarah McLellan, originally from Caruthersville, Missouri, moved to Oxford to attend the University of Mississippi. She grew up coming to Ole Miss football games and knew she wanted to be a part of the LOU community from an early age. Looking for ways to get involved in the community, Sarah knew her background in elementary education and marketing would be a great fit for the Literacy Council. She has been with the Literacy Council for five years now and has used her knowledge and skills to grow the organization’s reach and impact.
The Lafayette County Literacy Council is committed to improving the quality of life in Oxford and Lafayette County through literacy and reading. They do this through programs such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the ABLE program for adult learners. These programs foster a love of learning in children and families and help underprivileged adults gain confidence in their abilities and futures. In order to do this, the Literacy Council relies on their staff, committees, and volunteers who work constantly to improve the lives of the 20-25% of Lafayette County adults who struggle with illiteracy. Sarah discusses more in-depth these programs and the staff in the episode.
You can learn more about the Lafayette County Literacy Council by visiting their website at lafayetteliteracy.org. There you will find volunteer opportunities, contact information, and other ways to get involved.
