Upcoming News
See the latest News From Your Local Reading Council!
Read Around Town Bingo Underway
Summer reading is underway at MARC as learners take part in our Read Around Town Bingo challenge.
The challenge encourages learners to complete a variety of practical reading activities throughout the summer. Bingo squares include tasks such as reading a recipe, comparing food labels, visiting the library, reading a newspaper article, writing a grocery list, reading to a child, and exploring information found throughout the community.
The goal is to show that reading happens every day and in many different places. By connecting literacy skills to everyday activities, learners can build confidence while practicing skills that support independence at home, at work, and in the community.
Learners who complete a bingo earn a free small pizza coupon donated by BC Pizza of Greenville. Those who complete the entire board receive a small pizza coupon and a two-liter bottle of soda provided by MARC.
We are grateful to BC Pizza of Greenville for helping make this challenge possible.
The Read Around Town Bingo challenge continues through August 31 and is open to current MARC learners. We look forward to seeing where our learners read, explore, and learn this summer.
For more information about MARC programs or volunteer opportunities, visit www.montcalmareareadingcouncil.com or call 616-303-1651.
MARC receives grant to expand language learning opportunities
The Montcalm Area Reading Council (MARC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a 2026 National Book Fund grant through ProLiteracy. The award will provide more than $700 worth of books and educational materials to support MARC’s English language learning program.
The National Book Fund grant represents an important investment in adult literacy and English Language Learning (ELL) in Montcalm County. The new materials will be incorporated into MARC’s programs throughout 2026 and beyond. The grant-funded materials include resources from the Oxford Picture Dictionary series, which is widely used in English language learning programs
“We are incredibly thrilled to ProLiteracy and the National Book Fund for this support,” MARC Executive Director Amanda Lee said. “Our learners work hard every day to improve their English skills, and these materials will give them additional tools to help them succeed.”
Besides one-on-one private tutoring for ELL learners, MARC also offers a weekly English Conversation Practice Group on Wednesday afternoons and is developing a similar evening conversation practice group. These programs provide adult English language learners with opportunities to practice speaking and listening skills in a group setting. The grant-funded materials will be used to support participants in both groups.
The new books and learning materials will be used to support vocabulary development, pronunciation practice, listening comprehension, workplace communication, and everyday conversation skills.
“In a rural county like ours, resources can be limited, so grants like this make a tremendous difference,” Lee said. “These materials will allow us to better support adult learners as they work toward their personal, educational, and career goals.”
The Montcalm Area Reading Council (MARC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults in Montcalm County strengthen their reading, writing, and English language skills. For more information about MARC, visitwww.montcalmareareadingcouncil.com or contact Executive Director Amanda Lee at 616-303-1651.
Party with MARC Celebrates Adult Learners
The Montcalm Area Reading Council (MARC) recently welcomed learners, learning coaches, board members, family members, and supporters to its annual Party with MARC celebration at the Flat River Community Library.
The event recognized the accomplishments of adult learners and celebrated the volunteers and supporters who help make MARC’s mission possible. Guests enjoyed Momma’s Boy Pizza and a dessert bar while reflecting on another year of growth, learning, and achievement.
The evening included presentations from two learners who shared personal stories from their educational journeys. One learner read a poem about overcoming challenges and finding strength through difficult circumstances. Another spoke about using creativity and volunteer service to make handmade cards for veterans, seniors, and local organizations.
Learner awards were presented throughout the evening, recognizing accomplishments ranging from perseverance and personal growth to dedication and commitment to learning. Each award reflected the unique path of an adult learner working toward individual goals.
The celebration also highlighted the impact of MARC’s volunteer Learning Coaches. In 2025, volunteers contributed 1,468 hours of tutoring and support, helping adult learners throughout Montcalm County build literacy, English language, workforce, and life skills.
The annual event served as a reminder that adult literacy is about more than reading and writing. It is about building confidence, creating opportunities, and helping individuals reach their goals. Through the combined efforts of learners, volunteers, board members, and community supporters, MARC continues to strengthen lives and expand opportunities throughout Montcalm County.
MARC is always looking for volunteer Learning Coaches. Individuals interested in helping an adult learner reach their goals can learn more at www.montcalmareareadingcouncil.com/volunteer.
GACF Grant Supports MARC’s The Next Chapter Club
The Montcalm Area Reading Council (MARC) has been awarded a $500 Spring Education Grant from the Greenville Area Community Foundation, funded by the William and Harriette Cook Literacy Fund.
The grant will support The Next Chapter Club, MARC’s adult literacy book club, by helping purchase books and instructional materials for participants.
The Next Chapter Club brings adult learners together to read, share ideas, and enjoy books in a relaxed group setting. The club gives participants an opportunity to practice reading, build vocabulary, and connect with others through discussion.
The grant also inspired MARC to give the program a name of its own. While the group had been meeting for some time, it was previously known simply as “Book Club.” As MARC began planning for the future of the program, The Next Chapter Club felt like a natural fit.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Greenville Area Community Foundation and the William and Harriette Cook Literacy Fund for their support,” said Amanda Lee, executive director of MARC. “This grant gives us more flexibility in the books and materials we can offer our participants. Instead of being limited to whatever resources we can find, we’ll be able to explore a wider variety of books and companion materials that make discussions more engaging and enjoyable. The timing was perfect because it also encouraged us to think about what we wanted this program to become. That’s how The Next Chapter Club got its name. We loved the idea that everyone, no matter where they are in life, always has another chapter ahead.”
The Next Chapter Club is one of several programs offered by MARC to support adult learners throughout Montcalm County. In addition to free one-on-one tutoring, MARC offers English language learning services, conversation groups, and other literacy programs for adults.
MARC thanks the Greenville Area Community Foundation for believing in our learners and in the mission of adult literacy.
For more information about MARC or to learn how to become a learner or volunteer learning coach, contact Amanda Lee at 616-303-1651 or visit montcalmareareadingcouncil.com.
