For residents in Clare County who struggle with reading skills, daily tasks can be challenging. Imagine struggling with a menu, being unable to read directions, or not understanding your prescription medicine instructions. The Clare and Gladwin County Literacy Council recognize these challenges and works to improve lives by empowering people to read.

One of their new initiatives is to host Family Reading Nights in uncommon places.  In conjunction with schools, libraries and local businesses, the Literacy Council will host a Family Reading Night where a reader will  deliver one chapter of a book out loud.  Then families that attend will receive a copy of the book to take home and continue reading.

"This program isn't about teaching people to read," said Carol Gage, Literacy Council Board member.  "This is about encouraging families to enjoy reading as a social and recreational activity.  Everyone is capable learning to read but if that's not fun or helpful, where is the incentive?"  By making reading something that can be shared with an audience in an unusual place, the Literacy Council hopes to change the way participants view reading. "It's not a chore," said Gage, "it's a skill that helps us grow as citizens and people."

The Clare County Foundation received the proposal for the funding in October and approved the request to assist with the program in November.  "it is really exciting to be able to fund such an innovative and creative project in our community" said Carol Santini, Chair of the Board of trustees.