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, visit www.montcalmareareadingcouncil.com or contact Executive Director Amanda Lee at 616-303-1651.