Series: Literacy In Wisconsin

The term "literacy" covers more than just the basic ability to read and write. This concept has evolved to cover a broad continuum of skills people need in their lives. Many adults and children struggle with literacy in its various forms, as they navigate the increasingly complex worlds of health care, finance, and technology. Their needs are difficult to quantify, especially when it comes to adult literacy. But Wisconsinites can turn to many resources and organizations to empower themselves through enhanced literacy skills.
 
Audio: 
Renee had fallen on hard times when her longtime friend Rick stepped in to offer his support. Curiosity brought them into the Literacy Network in Madison.
Audio: 
Miss Elizabeth came to Milwaukee from Liberia in 2007. She knew no English. She'd never really even gone to school.
Audio: 
Bonnie began volunteering as a literacy tutor after seeing a notice in the newspaper. She was soon paired up with Ruth, who is working toward her GED.
Audio: 
Augie has been a welder for forty years. A problem at work exposed his reading disability and led him to seek help from a tutor.
Audio: 
Maria Huerta came to Milwaukee from Mexico with her husband. She knew no English but soon started classes at Journey House in Milwaukee.
A pair of proposed bills in the Wisconsin Legislature would change the funding formula for the state's public schools, allowing districts to use money that is currently allocated to libraries and move it to educational needs as they see fit.
Shared via
Wisconsin Life
Wisconsin has a rich history of bookmobiles serving communities, especially in rural places like Door County.
Audio: 
Shared via
WPR
People in Wisconsin are going to the library for different reasons, and libraries are serving them in different ways, thanks to the technological changes of the last two decades.
The lack of data in adult literacy
In many ways, campaigns to improve literacy are more sophisticated than ever. In many ways, campaigns to improve literacy are more sophisticated than ever.
Making financial decisions about health insurance can be difficult for people who are unable to understand what's included in their coverage plans.