Busking for Books

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Kerry G. Hill

Reading, writing & rhythm: More than two dozen musical acts will be singing and playing their little hearts out on every State Street corner this Saturday as part of the Literacy Network’s Busking for Books. Show your appreciation by dropping a little dough-re-mi in their collection cans — every penny goes to support adult literacy.

press release: More than two dozen musical acts will perform on every corner on State Street to raise money for adult literacy in Dane County during the Literacy Network’s annual Busking for Books event on Saturday, April 30, from 1:00-3:00 pm.

Busking for Books raises money to support instructional materials for adult literacy programs in Dane County through donations given to performers during the event.

Literacy Network is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 in Madison. Staff, teachers, tutors, volunteers and donors work together to help adult learners improve their literacy in Dane County.  They help adults improve their reading, writing and English skills so that they may better achieve goals specific to their needs: read to their children, help with homework, fill out a job application, understand a medicine label, or speak with a doctor about a health concern.

Last year, we served more than 1,000 adults with the help of nearly 30,000 hours of volunteer labor! Our programs are in 28 different locations, including public schools, libraries, hospitals, clinics, workplaces, community centers and a correctional facility.

Beatriz Cantelmo, a former medical student in Brazil, arrived to Madison 19 years ago as a newlywed, unable to speak English.  She was able to meet with a tutor at Literacy Network to learn English while preparing for her university coursework and working a full-time job.  "Everyone has a gift to give,” she said. “If you invest in a human being, and give them the tools and skills to follow their dreams, they will be in a position to give back."

Volunteers and musicians interested in helping out with this event can contact Jen Davie at (608) 244-3911 or jdavie@litnetwork.org.