ROANOKE, Va.—
The new year brought a change to the organization that used to be known as Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley.The organization is now called Blue Ridge Literacy.
Executive Director Russ Merritt says the new name, logo, and new brand will allow the program to represent itself in a more effective manner.
It will also highlight the important work its volunteers do to help the community - teaching reading and writing. Skills many people take for granted.
"Functional illiteracy is a challenge for employers. It's a challenge for many people in the community," said Merritt. "Because folks need to know how to read and write to be able to survive in this communication era."
The change reflects the program's expansion beyond the Roanoke Valley.
It has grown to include Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig and Franklin Counties.
That means the number of people receiving services will increase by more than 50 percent.
Blue Ridge Literacy has an event planned for Thursday, January 11 at South Roanoke County Library. A public reading by world renowned poetess Nikki Giovanni will take place at 11 a.m. Giovanni is a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech and has won numerous awards. The event is free to the public.
