FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eight Ulster County Bookstores to Celebrate Ulster Literacy Day on September 20

Shops Will Donate 10% of Sales to Support Adult Literacy Programs.

Kingston, NY — [Today’s Date] — The Ulster Literacy Association (ULA) announces Ulster Literacy Day 2025, taking place on Saturday, September 20, with eight independent bookstores across Ulster County joining forces to promote adult literacy.

Each participating bookstore will donate a recommended 10% of that day’s sales to support ULA’s free literacy programs for adults. These services include one-on-one tutoring, English language instruction, and skill-building resources that empower adults to improve their job prospects, participate fully in civic life, and support their children’s education.

“This is the fourth countywide celebration of the power of literacy to open doors and the generosity of our local book community,” said Amy Lenard, Executive Director of ULA. “By shopping locally on September 20, customers will be directly helping their neighbors who wish to improve the literacy skills they need to thrive.”

This year’s event carries extra signi cance: the President’s proposed FY 2026 budget aims to eliminate all federal funding for adult literacy programs under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). If this proposal is enacted, it would have a profound impact on organizations like ULA, making local support more crucial than ever.

Funds raised on Ulster Literacy Day will help ULA:

• Recruit and train volunteer tutors
• Provide instructional materials, assessments, and technology
• O er customized learning plans for adults with low literacy or limited English pro ciency