On Sunday, September 22, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington awarded 826 National the 2013 Library of Congress American Literacy Award, a new program originated and sponsored by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein. We are very excited to be honored on a national level, and we are so thankful to everyone in the 826 community who makes our work possible. Each year our national chapters collectively reach more than 31,000 students annually through one-on-one writing and tutoring programs sustained by network of nearly 5,000 volunteers. At 826 Valencia, our programs reach over 6,000 students annually, and our work is supported by 1,500 volunteers.
Gerald Richards, CEO of 826 National, received the award at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. “We are honored to receive this award, and be recognized for our work alongside Reach Out and Read and PlanetRead–India. Creative and expository writing skills are essential for students to be able to express themselves as well as advance in school and in the workforce, and we are grateful for the Library and David Rubenstein’s support of our mission to inspire students to succeed.”
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards were first announced in January 2013 as a program to help support organizations working to alleviate the problems of illiteracy and aliteracy (a lack of interest in reading) both in the United States and worldwide. The awards seek to reward those organizations that have been doing exemplary, innovative and easily replicable work over a sustained period of time and to encourage new groups, organizations and individuals to become involved. If you are a member of the press who would like more information about 826 Valencia, contact Communications Manager Miranda Tsang. If you are inspired to volunteer or donate to 826 Valencia, get involved today.
