AURORA—The Diocese of Rockford’s Dominican Literacy Center (DLC), run by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, has won a $5,000 award from the Library of Congress. The grant was among 2023 Library of Congress literacy awards announced Sept. 8, International Literacy Day.

 

Carla Hayden, librarian, Library of Congress, said in a letter,  “It is my pleasure to inform you that Dominican Literacy Center, Aurora, has been selected as a 2023 Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program Successful Practices Honoree. 

 

"This $5,000 award recognizes your organization’s achievement in the promotion of literacy and in the development of innovative methods and effective practices in the field. 

 

"In particular, this award recognizes Dominican Literacy Center’s successful practice of building one-on-one relationships and grassroots organizing that keeps humanity at the heart of literacy experiences,” Hayden said.

 

Sister Kathleen Ryan, OP, center founder and director, said, "All of us are so honored to receive this award.  We know that it reflects the diligence and determination on the part of our students, and the passion and generosity of our volunteer tutors, board members, donors and supporters. 

 

“Literacy instruction works best when it is embedded within a loving, caring community,” she said.

 

Sister Kathleen, Sister Jane Ann Beckman, OP, and Alison Brzezinski, center staffers, will receive the award at a successful practices conference at Washington, D.C. Oct. 17-19.

 

The DLC was among 15 organizations honored around the world. Honorees ranged from the U.S. to Vietnam, England, Pakistan, Indonesia and New Zealand.

 

At the state level, the DLC recently received an adult volunteer literacy grant of $50,000; it was one of more than 140 Illinois recipients of state-awarded grants for library services and local literacy programs. 

 

Grants were awarded to projects that support educational mentoring programs that engage students in active learning; train volunteers who tutor older teens and adults; enhance family literacy and more. 

 

—Provided by Al Benson.