Before the new school year starts, join local nonprofit Read To Succeed, Olive Branch Church, Linebaugh Library and United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties to celebrate literacy.

On Aug. 4, Rutherford County will celebrate its first Literacy Day, aimed at raising awareness of this important issue that effects the community on several levels.

At 9 o’clock in the morning Aug. 4, everyone is invited to join in a march beginning at Central Magnet School and ending at the Civic Plaza.

There, community resources for improving literacy will be on hand to discuss available services, and guest speakers will address the many ways in which literacy intertwines with the overall strength of our community.

In Rutherford County, 44 percent of adults read at or below the average third grade level. Ten percent read at or below the first grade level, 13 percent don’t have a high school diploma and more than 12 percent live below the poverty level.

Literacy is vitally important to our community; it directly affects our economy, our community’s educational attainment, and the health of our society. Literacy day, Read To Succeed Executive Director Lisa Mitchell said, is an opportunity to raise awareness that improving literacy improves all aspects of our lives and makes us a stronger community.

Olive Branch Church Pastor Vincent Windrow said improving literacy rates is a community effort.

“Achieving higher rates of literacy is everyone’s responsibility,” Windrow says. “This year’s Literacy Day is an introduction to how each of us can become more involved in the promotion of literacy. A more literate community is a more attractive community to potential employers, a safer community for its residents, and a more enlightened place to call home.”

If you want to join the march for Literacy Day Aug. 4, meet at Central Magnet School by 8:50 a.m. Community members can also join Literacy Day at the Civic Plaza until noon to hear guest speakers and to learn more about local literacy services and resources and how you can volunteer and help raise awareness and improve literacy.

For more information, call 615-738-READ or email gmcknight@obmbc.org.