The Detroit Public Library is kicking off an aggressive literacy campaign, beginning on International Literacy Day, September 8, 2008. This citywide literacy campaign titled “Detroit Reads: Erasing Illiteracy, One Word at a Time,” is in collaboration with a new Detroit Literacy Partnership, comprising of the Detroit Public Library, Detroit Literacy Coalition, Pro Literacy Detroit, Wayne State University, Arise Detroit! and Communities in Schools.

The week of September 7 – 13 has been designated as Literacy Week in the City of Detroit. Nearly half of adult Detroiters are classified as functionally illiterate. We invite the community at large to join our efforts to bring solutions to this major issue that impacts our community’s quality of life.

Highlights of Literacy Week celebrations include a keynote program at the Detroit Public Library on September 8th, featuring Dick Gregory, as well as a “Walk for Literacy,” on September 13th at the Detroit Riverfront.

The work of erasing illiteracy in Detroit is critical to improving the quality of lives in our communities and everyone can help. The International Literacy Week will showcase many opportunities for people to get involved. Details on programs and activities for the International Literacy Week are listed below. Please visit www.detroitpubliclibrary.org for additional information or call 313 833-4042.

September 8th was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific, Cultural Organization) on 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.

Sunday, September 7:
Literacy Awareness Sunday, in churches across Detroit. A City-Wide effort by the faith-based community to improve lives by increasing literacy, and the opportunities it brings. Call your local church for information and local literacy programs.

Monday, September 8:
International Literacy Day. Keynote Program featuring Dick Gregory at 6 p.m. Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue @ Warren in Midtown Detroit. To RSVP call 313-833-8042.

10:30 a.m. – Noon
Literacy Week Celebration - Preschool Kindergarten Story Time, , Redford Branch Library, 21200 Grand River at West McNichols, call 313-578-8000 for information.

Noon
Words & Music Performance, Skillman Branch Library, 121 Gratiot in Downtown Detroit, call 313-628-2729 for information.

Noon – 8 p.m.
Story time/Reading Marathon @ Children's Library, Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward north of Warren in Midtown Detroit. Volunteer to Read at 313 833-1490!

6 p.m.
African American Book Club, Sherwood Forest Branch Library, 7117 West Seven Mile near Livernois, call 313-578-7587 for details.

10:15 a.m.
Read-to-Me Book Club, Chase Branch Library, 17731 West Seven Mile Rd. near Southfield, call 313-578-8002 fro more information.

12:30 p.m.
Literacy Awareness Humanities Lecture with Dr. Daphne Ntiri, Room 2339 Faculty Administration Building (FAB) of Wayne State University. Call 313-833-4042 for details. Open to the public.

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Evening Back-To-School Family Story Hour, Parents bring your little ones, bring your favorite stuffed toy to snuggle with @ the library. Hubbard Branch, 12929 West McNichols at James Couzens, call 313-578-7585 to RSVP.

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Reading Marathon & Film Screening, At the Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward, north of Warren in Midtown Detroit. Hear Community Readers in the Popular Library & view Films with literacy focus in the Friends Auditorium. Call 313-833-4042 for details or to participate as a reader.

6:00 p.m.
Kids Scrabble Club, at Chase Branch Library, 17731 West Seven Mile Rd. near Southfield, call 313-578-8002 for more information.

10:15 a.m.
Preschool Story Time @ Children's Library, Friday, September 12 - 10:15 a.m. Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward north of Warren in Midtown Detroit. For information call 313 833-1490.

6:00 p.m.
Teens Hyped for Literacy. All Teens are reading Gary Paulsen’s book, “Nightjohn.” Book discussion at the Main Library’s HYPE Center, 5201 Woodward Avenue @ Warren in Midtown Detroit. An event for teens. Call 313-833-4791 for details.

9 a.m. 
3K - WALK FOR LITERACY. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Detroit International RiverWalk, Rivard Street @ the river. Call 313-833-4042 to register in advance. Sponsored by the Detroit Literacy Partnership.

2:00 p.m.
Family Story Time, Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward north of Warren in Midtown Detroit. For information call 313 833-1490.

3:00 p.m.
Don't Lose the Reading Bug! Back-to-School Celebration with games & prizes at Chase Branch Library, 17731 West Seven Mile Rd. near Southfield. Call 313-578-8002 for more information.