Bradenton, FL — 5/1/26

Expanding Opportunity Through Literacy: A National Book Fund Award

We are proud to share exciting news: the Manatee Literacy Council has been selected as a ProLiteracy National Book Fund award recipient!

For 30 years, ProLiteracy has supported literacy programs across the United States and Canada by providing high-quality print and digital instructional materials. This year, the Manatee Literacy Council was one of just 39 organizations selected to receive a portion of more than $72,000 in resources through this competitive process.

This award is more than a recognition; it’s an investment in the adults we serve every day here in Manatee County.

Why This Matters

In our community, thousands of adults struggle with reading, writing, and speaking English. At the Manatee Literacy Council, we provide free adult basic education and English language learning programs designed specifically for adults with the greatest need.

Access to the right materials can make all the difference.

With this grant, we will expand our instructional resources to better support learners at every level, from those just beginning their literacy journey to those building skills for employment, citizenship, and greater independence.

How This Grant Will Make an Impact

The materials provided through the National Book Fund will allow us to:

• Strengthen our in-person ESL and adult literacy classes with updated, engaging resources

• Support our volunteer tutors with high-quality instructional tools

• Enhance learning for more than 100 adult learners each quarter

• Improve outcomes as learners work toward goals like better jobs, helping their children succeed in school, and gaining confidence in everyday communication

These resources directly support our mission to empower Manatee County adults to independence through literacy.

Looking Ahead

Every adult deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. This grant helps us take another step toward that vision, expanding access, improving instruction, and deepening our impact across the community.

We are grateful to ProLiteracy for their continued commitment to adult learners and to organizations like ours working on the front lines of literacy.

You can read more about this year’s National Book Fund recipients here:
https://www.proliteracy.org/news/this-years-national-book-fund-recipients-announced/

About the Manatee Literacy Council

The Manatee Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Manatee County adults to independence through literacy. For more than 45 years, the organization has provided free Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs to adults who lack the reading, writing, and English language skills needed for work, family life, and full participation in the community. Through in-person classes, one-on-one tutoring, conversation groups, and digital learning tools, the Manatee Literacy Council serves hundreds of learners each year. Many participants are parents working to improve their employment opportunities and better support their children’s education. To learn more, volunteer, or support the mission, visit www.manatee-literacy.org.