Community Library
We have a Community Library in Nesbitt Hall thanks to a partnership with the Cecil County Public Library, the Town of Port Deposit and community donations. Children, Young Adult and Adult fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, and Video games are available. We also have computer access and free internet. No library card is needed, no due dates and no late fees. Hours vary or can be made by appointment.
Check out our calendar for monthly youth STEAM programming presented by CCPL and book clubs with Bodhi Counseling and community volunteers.
Betty J. Burkhouse Program for Literacy
Betty Burkhouse, “GG” as she was known by her great-grandchildren, knew that one in four children grow up not knowing how to read and that 43% of adults with low literacy skills live in poverty. This was not acceptable to her and she generously dedicated her time to making a difference in the lives of individuals. Betty understood that this investment was important, not just for the person she was helping, but that her time and their success would impact the community as well.
Betty made genuine connections with each person she tutored, counting them as friends. At Community Connecting Us we are inspired by her devotion to helping others better themselves, her selfless giving of her time, and loving big. We are using the generous gifts of those who share her passion for literacy as well as her family and friends, to continue her work in communities by making the fundamental skill of reading available to young and old alike through our Community Cupboard, located in the parking lot between the Paw Paw Museum and the historic Tome Church, that houses books, non-perishables and cold-weather items.
Join Betty’S Legacy
If you would like to partner with Betty’s legacy please join us and support the Betty J. Burkhouse Program for Literacy by giving online.
Contact us today for more details, to become a valued contributor to our mission.
Literacy Statistics
The crisis of illiteracy and low literacy affects all of us around the globe. It is important that we understand the issues and recognize their reach. Then we can stand united to bring forth change.
- Family Literacy: 72% of children raised by parents with low literacy skills are at risk of being at the lowest reading levels.
- Poverty: 43% of adults with low literacy skills live in poverty.
- Healthcare: The inability to navigate the healthcare system by adults with low literacy skills directly attributes to the over $232 billion in healthcare costs.
- Unemployment: Individuals with low literacy skills are more likely to remain unemployed creating a $225 billion deficit.
- Education: One in six youths drop out of high school each year.
- English as a Second Language: Approximately 50% of the more than two million annual US immigrants lack sufficient literacy skills to be successful.
- Correctional Facilities: 75% of prison inmates failed to complete high school or are classified as low literate.
Basic Computer Skills
Reading
