They didn’t move far – just from once side of the downtown main library branch in Roanoke to the other side – but Blue Ridge Literacy celebrated their new space with a ribbon cutting on November 18. The non-profit, which tutors people – mainly recent immigrants – in English reading and writing skills – employs an army of volunteers to help assimilate their clients through better language skills.
The new space, accessed now from an entrance on what was once Bullitt Avenue, has doubled the previous space – over 2000 square feet now said executive director Russ Merritt, with additional classrooms and offices. Open for several months already, Roanoke Mayor David Bowers and City Manager Chris Morrill helped cut the ribbon.
“Over the past few years the need in the community has become greater and there are a lot more folks coming to us for literacy services. Our numbers have just about doubled over the past few years,” said Merritt. The new space allows for group classes and one-on-one sessions “far beyond anything we had before,” he noted. Merritt also noted the “wonderful” partnership BRL has with the library under the auspices of Roanoke City.
“It serves this community tremendously. There are a lot of people in this region that struggle with English … some are American-born. The library is … very interested in a literate community.” The new office is “welcoming to all of our learners,” said Merritt. “Whether they are foreign born immigrants … or folks born here in America. It’s … warm, it’s bright, it’s a great place to learn. That’s everything we were looking for.” Merritt said Blue Ridge Literacy had served clients from 44 different countries over the past year. “That’s 44 different languages. ”
Bowers said he was “delighted to have Blue Ridge Literacy here in our library,” funded in part, the Mayor said, by City Council. Bowers noted other efforts in the city to develop better English skills, like Pre-K and early grade reading programs. “We also have to help our immigrant community [with those skills],” said Bowers.
Merritt and Bowers actually attended high school in Roanoke together, something Merritt joked about at the ribbon cutting ceremony, which was also attended by BRL board members. Clients for the non-profit often come by word of mouth; Merritt noted that the children of recent immigrants now in local schools are often more proficient in their new language (English) than are the parents. That’s where BRL – there is no charge to those seeking services – comes in. There is some funding provided but they also raise money from the private sector every year.
City Manager Chris Morrill noted that libraries have become community centers in many circumstances – not just places to pick up a book. Having an organization that helps with literacy in the same building as a public library makes perfect sense to him: “It really brings that all together. It’s all about celebrating our nationalities and being a welcoming community. The synergy is just perfect between Blue Ridge Literacy and our library programs.” And once clients become more proficient in English they can go upstairs “and check out a book,” quipped Morrill.
– Gene Marrano
