Illinois State Library

Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Program

The Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Grant Program consists of local projects throughout Illinois that provide integrated instruction and educational activities to improve the basic reading, math, writing skills or English language proficiency of parents and children together during the summer months. Services include reading enrichment and for both adults and children, literacy-based, interactive, parent-child activities and library activities for the families’ participation.

Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy projects help Illinois families, both adults and children who have difficulty reading or using English to improve their reading, writing, math or their use of English as a new language. Projects also strengthen the ability of the parent to foster educational achievement and increase their ability to use the resources and services of the library.

Applying agencies must be Illinois public libraries and be recognized as a Full Member Library of their respective library system. Partner agencies may include libraries, volunteer tutoring organizations, community based organizations, community colleges, regional offices of education, schools, and immigrant organizations.

Final Report Form

The online version of the Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Final Report is now available. Please follow the link below to view, complete and submit the final report. Due September 15.

• Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Final Report

Informational Webinars

• Penny Severns Grant Information Webinar (Monday, February 22, 2010)

Quick Links

• Borrow a Resource Bin
• Borrow a Story Kit
• Links to Other Adult Literacy Information
• Program Facts and Statistics
• Sign-up for E-mail Grant Notices and Updates