Special to the Times

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry has signed a proclamation declaring September as Literacy Month in Oklahoma. Henry wanted to tell Oklahoma and the rest of the nation that Oklahoma literacy programs are helping people every day. The Great Plains Literacy Council is proud of this recognition, and they have promoted literacy every month since 1985 when it was organized.

In Henry's proclamation, he cited that adequate literacy skills are vital to the economic development of this county and the quality of life for its citizens. His proclamation gave praise and recognition to the dedication of volunteer literacy tutors and the achievements of adult learners. The state Legislature has also been supportive of literacy and provided grant funding to Great Plains Literacy Council and the Southern Prairie Library System for educational programs in literacy.

The United Nations has also made a public proclamation. They declared Thursday, Sept. 8, as International Literacy Day. The Great Plains Literacy Council Board of Directors set up display booths at Hastings Book Store, Bunker Hill United Supermarket, Broadway United Supermarket and McDonald's during part of the International Literacy Day.

The purpose of the display booths is to show ways individuals, businesses and organizations can be involved as tutors, learners and sponsors in literacy. Fliers about the programs will be distributed along with candy favors stating "Literacy is a lifesaver!" to the public. Bunker Hill United Supermarket gave the Great Plains Literacy Council fliers to shoppers in their grocery bags. The Great Plains Literacy Council Board of Directors who worked the public awareness booths were Jeanette Glasgow, Ramona Jeffries, Karan Garrett, Mel Raider and Lucie Williams.

This display was one way of providing information to the customers about the many ways the public can help. Some of these ways included:

*Recruit and refer students or learners to the programs

*Provide space in a business or church building for a tutoring program

*Become a tutor in the program

*Educate others about the problem

*Advocate for and be supportive of adult new readers

*Financially support the existing literacy organizations

These are only a few important ways literacy needs you. Feel welcome to call the Great Plains Literacy Council at 477-2890 or stop by the Altus Public Library (421 N. Hudson) or the Hollis Public Library (W. Broadway and 2nd) for a visit.