Literacy Projects

Family Book Celebrations

The Family Book Celebrations project aims to build enthusiasm for reading and strengthen family support for reading. Literacy experiences for elementary students are provided through field trips in partnership with Canton City Schools and community resources. Participating students receive a book of their own which extends and relates to what they learned. Parents are also encouraged to share the event with their child.

College Now

Information currently unavailable - updates coming.

GED Assistance

The Mayor's Literacy Commission is passionate about helping adults who have not completed high school attain a GED (General Educational Development) certificate. Together we work with community groups: Canton City Schools Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) and the Stark County Community Action Agency to provide assistance.

• Identify GED candidates
• Provide funds for GED testing
• Provide funds for computer classes for GED candidates

Reach Out and Read

Reach Out and Read is a national program whose purpose is to convey the enjoyment and value reading to children and their parents. Volunteers from the Mayor's Literacy Commission read to children in the Pediatric Department at the North Canton Medical Foundation while they wait to see the doctor. The volunteers also talk to the parents about the importance of reading to their children at home.

Tips for Parents

A collaboration with Canton City Schools Television-Channel 11 and the Stark County District Library bringing programs to parents in the community. Programs help prepare their children for kindergarten and the primary grades.

Samaritan's Table

The Mayor's Literacy Commission collaborates with several partners including the Canton Mayor's Office, community service organizations, and St. John's Church to provide resource materials to the 400 to 600 people who come to the church each Thursday for a free meal. We provide reading materials, free "teach at home" books for adults, and fun books for children. Together with the Employment Source, we help to prepare job resumes, provide reading glasses, bus passes and many other helpful resources for the many residents of our community with unmet needs.

Participating community resources include:

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Stark Parks Exploration Gateway

Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center

National First Ladies' Library