Auburn library will showcase 'Faces of Literacy'

AUBURN —Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin will host a free reception Monday, Nov. 23, for the statewide touring photography exhibit "Faces of Literacy: Voices of Courage" at the Auburn Public Library.

The exhibit features 20 large-format, black-and-white photographs with accompanying stories of more than 40 hardworking Maine adults who have achieved success and hope through the Maine Literacy Volunteers Network.

The portraits were created in collaboration with six volunteer photography students from the Maine College of Art. "Faces of Literacy" will be on view at the library at 49 Spring St. through Dec. 19.

The reception will run from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Designed to reduce the shame of low literacy by emphasizing the humanity and achievements of learners and tutors, the exhibit illustrates how Maine's Literacy Volunteers offers life-changing solutions with free tutoring instruction.

It is hoped the portraits and stories will encourage more learners and tutors to come together through their local LV offices, as nearly 200,000 Mainers struggle with literacy.  Last year, 1,000 adults learned to read through the Maine LV Network of affiliates.
Among the people depicted who have transformed their lives are Auburn restaurateur Yu Li Huang and professional home-care provider Theresa Winslow, who have both studied with LV-Androscoggin tutors. Huang is featured in a short film LV Maine produced, which can be viewed online at www.lvmaine.org/events-faces-of-literacy.htm.

The exhibit can be viewed beginning Nov.  23,, from 3 to 8 p.m. Other times: 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14; 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 9, 16; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12, 19; and other times by arrangement with the library. For more information, contact Sharon Hawkes at 333-6640 or shawkes@auburn.lib.me.us.