Welcome Efforts to Combat Adult Illiteracy in South Carolina

Nonprofit Turning Pages Looks to partner with Lexington County Libraries

A Columbia, South Carolina-based nonprofit solely committed to teaching adult literacy, Turning Pages, has its sights set on expanding its vital mission. The organization is looking to form a strategic partnership with the Lexington County Library system. By doing so, Turning Pages aims to reserve spaces within libraries without the need for a library card, further establishing their reach to help adults learn to read.

This hopeful partnership comes after Turning Pages, first established in 1968, recently re-centered its mission back to its original mandate—addressing adult literacy issues in Lexington and Richland counties. In January, Lisa Cole was appointed the organization’s executive director. She had previously been pivotal in steady-steering the nonprofit through the trying times of COVID-19 and had functioned as an interim leader since August 2022.

Strengthening Adult Literacy: An Essential Mission

Kelly Poole, director of the Lexington County Public Library System, disclosed to us that the library system itself is dedicated to promoting and providing lifelong learning resources. She noted that “almost 25% of adults in South Carolina have challenges reading, particularly around understanding financial, legal, and medical information.” In many cases, Library staff serve as navigators and interpreters for those grappling with comprehending information.

Poole voiced considerable excitement at the prospect of renewing a partnership with Turning Pages as she believes that everyone should possess the basic ability to read and understand matters of relevance to them.

Revitalizing the Focus on Literacy After Pandemics Setbacks

According to Executive Director Lisa Cole, Turning Pages experienced “deep trauma” when the pandemic hit. This severe blow almost led to the closure of the nonprofit. After the testing times of the pandemic, the organization’s board deemed a strategic plan essential for Turning Pages’ revitalization.

Cole also mentioned the drastic shifts in the organization compared to its pre-COVID era. The nonprofit has had to refine and redirect its services. She revealed that during the years around 2010, they offered a comprehensive range of literary services such as ESL programs, digital literacy, GED and math tutoring, computer classes, and more. However, due to financial constraints after the pandemic, these additional services had to be cut.

Despite the setbacks, the organization’s focus has been further streamlined to tackling adult illiteracy. With a budget of $32,000 for 2024, their hopes to enhance literacy remains strong, primarily fueled by grants, corporate bodies, and individual donations, as they receive no government funding.

Turning Pages: Overcoming Challenges while Fulfilling Needs

While funding continues to be the major challenge, Cole shared that returning to the organization’s roots has also vastly improved marketing strategies. She pointed out that less is more when effectively conveying what Turning Pages does. This assertion ties in with the organization’s secondary challenge—spreading awareness about their mission.

Kara Cieri, board chair for Turning Pages, also highlighted the hurdles that pose a challenge, including the fact that their traditional advertising strategies may not be as effective as their target audience predominantly comprises adults with literacy limitations.

Cole has expressed her strong belief in the organization’s mission—“when people can’t read, it impacts generations. It affects their ability to create a better life… It impacts their ability to do little things like helping with their children’s homework, apply for jobs, and for those who are religious, their ability to read their faith’s scriptures. It’s something that deeply matters to them in their soul.”

Keywords: turning pages, adult literacy, columbia nonprofit, lexington county libraries