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Headquartered in the Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre in the heart of Sarnia’s downtown district, Literacy Lambton’s mission is to create and deliver exceptional literacy learning opportunities for the residents of Lambton County.

Literacy and numeracy skills matter more than words can say. That is why in 1989, a group of concerned citizens took it upon themselves to form the Organization for Literacy in Lambton (R#135262012 RR0001). In 2021, they rebranded with a new business name - Literacy Lambton - and a new logo that incorporated computer/ digital skills as well as reading, writing, and math. Literacy Lambton offers free help for adults 19 to improve their reading, writing, math, basic computer, and digital skills. Adult literacy and essential skill services are part of the Employment Ontario network and are a program funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

“We support adult learners towards their specific goals,” explains Tracy Pound, Literacy Lambton’s Executive Director. Goals might be completing high school credits, improving math or reading skills for entrance into a college or skilled trades program, gaining confidence using computer programs like Word or Excel, or skill-specific training to be marketable for new employment. “You call us and we arrange an initial meet and greet assessment. Free help is offered privately, occasionally in small workshop settings. We are now fully mobilized to work with learners online. No childcare? No transportation? No problem!”

In addition to adult-centric programs, Literacy Lambton serves Sarnia and Lambton County with free outreach programs. A popular program is Train Your Brain. This play-based, evening program helps students in grades three and four to improve math and reading foundations and gain greater confidence as a learner. Subject to funding, this program is offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring eight-week terms at multiple sites around the county.

Each year family literacy is promoted and celebrated through the annual Give-a-Book campaign. “We ask the community to donate new kids’ books (newborn to age 18) through our campaign partners. Just before the holidays, frontline agencies match a new book to a child in need. Give-a-Book 2021 resulted in 3,104 new books circulated through 26 groups around Lambton County,” says Tracy. Books can be dropped off at The Book Keeper, Coles in Lambton Mall, or Literacy Lambton’s office. Cash donations can be made online to support this program.

Working with numerous service clubs, municipal and county partners, and private homeowners, Literacy Lambton has recently built and stewarded Little Free Library book exchanges in neighbourhoods, parks, and communities around the county. “The libraries run under the principle of ‘take a book, leave a book’, and encourage community members to connect around the love of reading,” Tracy shares.

All of these programs are made possible through the support of generous donors, funders, community partners, and Literacy Lambton’s fundraising efforts. Interested in supporting Literacy Lambton with passion and skills? Consider an opportunity to make a life-changing impact as a Literacy Lambton volunteer. Apply online: www.literacylambton.org under the ‘Volunteer’ tab.

You can be a champion for literacy by engaging with Literacy Lambton on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @literacylambton.