Literacy Coalition of Oswego County

Through a generous grant from Constellation Energy, three school districts in Oswego County have received funding to purchase a book that connects their whole community. One Book Connects Us is a program developed by the national Read to Them organization that promotes family literacy. The Oswego City School District is reading The Wild Robot by Peter Brown during the month of October. Each elementary school is celebrating literacy and encouraging families to read at home with their children.

If you want more information about One Book Connects Us, click here.

October 19-25 is national Read Aloud to a Child Week!

Click here for family resources!

Since the program's inception in 2018, Imagination Library of Oswego County has delivered over 200,000 books to children under the age of five that have signed up for the program.

If you or someone you know wants to enroll in this free book program, click here for more information.

Books, Balls & Blocks is a hands-on, play-based screening event where children (ages 5 and under) can explore learning stations filled with books, toys, and activities—while parents and caregivers get helpful information about their child’s developmental milestones.

To learn more about Help Me Grow, click here.

To learn more about Books, Balls & Blocks events near you, click here.

Literacy Coalition of Oswego County (LCOC) would like to recognize Patrick Dewine for his leadership within LCOC.

We asked Patrick some questions to learn more about him and his connection to the Literacy Coalition.

Where do you work, how long have you been there and what is your job title?

Executive Director with United Way of Greater Oswego County since March 2015

Why did you become involved in LCOC?

I strongly believe literacy is the foundation to a more successful life. Possessing the ability to read provides individuals several opportunities to advance their knowledge, education and careers, read and safely use prescriptions, follow and create healthy recipes, as well as expand interests and hobbies they may not realize they had.

What are you most proud of as a member of LCOC?

I was happy to play a role in offering the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program to Oswego County. This program has successfully provided literacy support to our youngest population, strengthening their reading skills before they enter kindergarten. Encouraging children from ages birth to five years old to enjoy reading early on is a lifelong tool that will help guide them through adult life. Watching this program grow and impact the lives of younger community members has been a rewarding experience.

What would you like to see next for LCOC?

With a gap in literacy services for adults, I hope to see other options explored that can address the needs of adults looking to improve their reading skills.

What brings you joy?

I enjoy camping, spending time at the beach, and vacationing with friends. I also enjoy seeing the impact my efforts have through initiatives with my job.

LCOC is a diverse group of agencies, institutions, businesses, and volunteers, joining together to address the literacy needs of people of all ages in Oswego County.

Would you like to get involved? Click here to contact us.

The Literacy Coalition of Oswego County (LCOC) is looking to increase membership and participation in its Providers Network Committee. LCOC’s Providers Committee meets quarterly via Zoom to build awareness of services, identify needs, and strengthen collaboration. It is a terrific opportunity to learn about available services and service providers and create greater awareness of the services your organization provides to the community.

If you would like to participate in LCOC’s Providers Network please contact Paul Gugel at pgugel@citiboces.org

We look forward to working together with you and your organization to improve literacy in Oswego County!

Donate to keep these vital efforts growing by making a tax-deductible donation to LCOC?

We’re partners with the Weston T. Hyde Foundation, a 501( c ) 3 non-profit.

It’s easy! Click here!

If you prefer to send a check, payment should be made out to

“WTHOCEF” and mailed to: WTHOCEF, P.O. Box 3124, Oswego, NY 13126

Thank you for your ongoing support!

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Visit our website at: https://www.literacycoalitionofoswegocounty.com/