The Literacy and Learning Center successfully hosted its annual Celebration of Education fundraiser on September 30, drawing strong community support with a special appearance by global bestselling author and philanthropist, David Baldacci.

The event’s fundraising success was significantly boosted by Mr. Baldacci’s own generosity. The author donated an impressive $50,000 to TL&LC. Inspired by his commitment, several event guests pledged an additional $50,000 as a matching grant, creating a fundraising challenge with a potential total of $150,000 for the Center’s programs.

This Halloween, we're thrilled to continue a favorite tradition with the Mountaintop Rotary Club. Thanks to their generous support, we'll be giving out free books to all the trick-or-treaters on Main Street. It's our way of sharing the love of reading with our community. We can't wait to see you there!

Partner Programs for After-School Enrichment have started back again for the new school year! Many thanks to the Highlands Biological Foundation for their recent lesson on acorns, the trees that produce them, and the animals that eat them. And we welcomed a new facilitator from The Bascom, Caryn Raming, who read The Dot and lead our students in a related art project.

We were pleased to be invited by The Bascom to join an inspired dialogue between art and nature at this year’s Dahlia Festival with Petals and Perspectives, a distinctive floral design showcase. This special event invited selected area non-profit organizations to create floral arrangements in direct response to works of art on view in The Bascom’s galleries, offering a compelling exploration of the connections between the visual and floral arts. 

Longtime community partners, The Bascom chose just the right artwork for our mission — Writer's Hand by Natasha Dikareva. We were also grateful to Kitty Bossio and Alison Moran from the Wildcat Cliffs Garden Club for their generous floral design and thoughtful poem:

Seeds of imagination

Take root in the mind's eye

Ideas budding, blooming

Gently plucked to immortalize

The floral design included a combination of dahlias (two types), milkweed seed pods, cast-iron plants, and more.

TL&LC Seeks Dedicated Volunteers for School-Year Programs



As the school year approaches, The Literacy & Learning Center is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to support its vital educational programs. While the generosity of the community is immense, there's a particular and ongoing need for individuals who can commit to volunteering throughout the entire school year, especially during the quieter winter months.

For those interested in contributing time to our programs but not able to commit to the full school year, we — and our students — would still be most grateful for any time you can offer.

TL&LC is pleased to offer a nurturing and comprehensive learning environment for children needing Pre-K education. Through a play-based and child-centered approach, young learners will engage in activities that enhance their language and literacy skills, develop mathematical and scientific thinking, nurture social-emotional well-being, and promote physical growth. 

It's not too late to enroll!

To ensure your child's spot in our free Pre-K program for the 2025-26 school year, apply now.

• To apply, visit theliteracyandlearningcenter.org/pre-k. Download, complete, and return the application form to Carolyn Middlebrooks, Pre-K Director, at CMiddlebrooks@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org or 675 S 4th St. For questions, call 828-526-0863.

• Potential students will then be invited to a play date for observation and assessment. 

• Students must be 3 or 4 years old and must be fully potty trained. 

To learn more or to apply for your child, contact Carolyn Middlebrooks at 828-526-0863 or CMiddlebrooks@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org.

After-School registration is open for students from Kindergarten through 8th grade!

Children in grades K - 3 meet Monday through Thursday for homework assistance and engaging educational activities. These activities are available in part thanks to partnerships with other local nonprofits, including The Bascom, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Highlands Biological Foundation, International Friendship Center, and Hudson Library.

Students in grades 4-8 meet Monday through Thursday for assistance with homework, papers, research, and overall comprehension of the student's curriculum. 



ESL (English as a Second Language) classes returned to in-person meetings beginning Tuesday, October 7. Classes are now held Tuesdays, 6 pm, at The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street in Highlands.



SUPPORT FOR LITERACY

The Highlander

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A PLAN

The Highlander

BALDACCI FEATURED AT CELEBRATION OF EDUCATION

The Highlander

REGISTER NOW FOR PRE-K AND AFTER-SCHOOL

Highlands Newspaper

EARLY-BIRD TICKETS

PARTNER PROGRAMS

MATCH CHALLENGE