Akron Screens Documentary on Literacy Rights
Staff Report / Akronlocal.org
**Community Gathers in Akron for Special Screening of "The Right to Read" Documentary**
Last night, the Akron-Summit County Public Library hosted a special screening of the documentary *“The Right to Read: The Greatest Civil Rights Issue of Our Time.”* The event turned out to be a resounding success, with many community members attending to watch the important film and engage in discussions about literacy and education.
The documentary, produced by renowned actor and advocate LeVar Burton, sheds light on the challenges surrounding literacy in the United States. It follows the stories of an activist, a teacher, and two American families as they work to ensure that children gain access to the foundational skill of reading, which is widely recognized as a key to lifelong success.
This meaningful event was made possible through the partnership between the library and the Summit Education Initiative. After the screening, a panel discussion featured the following local experts in literacy and education:
- **LaMonica Davis**, Principal of Helen Arnold CLC
- **Dr. Shelley Houser**, Director of the Center for Literacy at the University of Akron
- **Dr. David James**, Executive Director of the Summit Education Initiative
- **Pam Kennedy**, Early Literacy Specialist with the State Support Team Region 8
Community members who missed the screening can still view the documentary online. *“The Right to Read”* is available for free streaming on Kanopy with a valid Akron-Summit Library card. Access the film here: [https://www.kanopy.com/en/akronlibrary/video/14531557](https://www.kanopy.com/en/akronlibrary/video/14531557).
The library expressed its gratitude to everyone who attended and participated, emphasizing the importance of addressing literacy as a critical civil rights issue.
Source: Akron-Summit Library
Source Type: Library
Source Location: Akron
| Jan 15, 2025 at 2:30 PM | Library |
Columbus Soap Box Derby Returns This Saturday
Columbus Soap Box Derby returns with Saturday championships and historic racing legacy.
| Jun 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM | Library |
Denver Teen Academy Offers Hands-On Police Experience
Denver PD Teen Academy offers interactive police work experiences for teens.
| May 31, 2025 at 11:45 AM | Police |
Akron Fire Department Wins EMS Star Award
Akron Fire Dept received EMS Star of Life award; excellence in EMS.
| May 23, 2025 at 11:45 AM | EMS |
Denver Forecast: Clear Skies, Low Temps Reported
Partly cloudy evening clears overnight with low temperatures across Colorado.
| Apr 6, 2025 at 7:48 PM | weather |
Three CCS Alumni Earn Postseason Basketball Spots
Three Columbus City Schools alumni in NCAA and NIT postseason tournaments.
| Mar 19, 2025 at 8:44 PM | School |
Akron Officials Tour Downtown Economic Developments
Officials tour downtown Akron, highlighting new economic development projects.
| Mar 19, 2025 at 6:04 PM | Business |
San Antonio Hosts Nationwide NCAA Tournament Teams
San Antonio welcomes various NCAA teams including Final Four contenders.
| Mar 16, 2025 at 6:54 PM | Gov |
North High Student Launches Photography Business, Seeks Investment
North High student launches photography business, offering micro-investment opportunities.
| Mar 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM | School |
Akron Hosts Innerbelt Open House for Community Ideas
Akron’s Open House invites community input for Innerbelt’s future planning.
| Mar 14, 2025 at 6:57 PM | Gov |
KNR Cares Lunch Honors Akron Firefighters
Kisling, Nestico, and Redick delivered lunch to honor Akron firefighters.
| Mar 13, 2025 at 4:06 PM | EMS |