We are a public nonprofit 501 (3c) located in the rural mountains of western Maine.
Since 1978, we strategically address the ultimate goal of ending generational low literacy in rural western Maine (approximately 15 people per square mile and 12.6% poverty rate), where poverty, health, transportation, and digital access are barriers to education.
Our Mission: To empower adults through learner based tutoring in reading, writing, math and technology and to promote literacy in our communities.
We are a community of adult learners.
The Covid-19 pandemic and other crises impacting Americans accelerates the urgent need for development of both cognitive skills to make sense of information, and digital literacy skills to access services in a digital era. Equally important for stronger communities: networks of positive connection that build foundations.
“Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. When individuals build foundational literacy skills on a continuum of learning, develop their knowledge and potential, and achieve progress on self selected goals, they forge independence, improve health and stability for themselves and their families, and participate in communities to make communities stronger and safer.” UNESCO |
We are book lovers.
"Book Central"-144 High St., Farmington
We are life long learners with free, weekly classes offered.
We are trained volunteer tutors who meet with learning partners every week.
Like, Brianna Rush, tutoring since 2014.
We are volunteers, giving time and skills. Like, Elizabeth Cooke, since 2019.
We are collaborators to promote literacy.
We network with over 61 organizations in the community.
We are readers.
We are writers.
We are a Part Time Staff; Sara Beech and Barb Averill
Sara Beech , Tutoring Program Director and Administrative Assistant, ( since 11/1/2016)
Sara has a Masters degree, 2023, in Community Education. Sara is a trained Maine Humanities Council Facilitator, a transformative language artist, and a board member of the Wilton Free Public Library. Sara has always pursued alternative education pathways.
Barbara Averill, Executive Director (since 7/1/2015):
Barb has a masters degree, 2009, in special education. Barb was a public and charter school educator for 8 years. For 10 years Barb was as a small restaurant/bakery owner. Barb loves to be outdoors and will find time to read and write.
Co-Chair
Co-Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Member at Large
Member at Large
Member at Large
Maggie Davis, Vienna
Mathilda Holt, Farmington
Currently Vacant
Currently vacant
Judy Pottle, Livermore Falls
Alana Knapp, Farmington
Pepper Ouellette, Strong