Metro East Literacy Project

Linda Edmonds Mitchell worked as a press advance person for First Lady Rosalynn Carter after college. Linda poses with her in front of Air Force One at the end of one of the trips. Mrs. Carter was always kind enough to pose with staff who helped on the trip.

Rest in Peace, First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Click here to learn more.

Giving Tuesday is November 28. Donate Now. Thank you!

Left to right, Lexy Knox, Linda Mitchell, and Nathan Knox, owners of Notable Human Films.

Every once in a while an unexpected opportunity of a lifetime comes along that is hard to resist. That’s what happened when Notable Human Films approached the Metro East Literacy Project (MELP) about making a short documentary film. All kinds of questions swirled in my head. How did they find MELP? Why did they pick MELP? Was I ready for the scrutiny… for the curtain to be pulled back on the work and my personal life? I wrestled with whether MELP was worthy enough to be on such a public stage. And most important, is this legit?

All these questions were answered. And, yes, Notable Human Films is legit. The MELP board of directors vetted and voted, and we decided to proceed with the documentary.
I was so nervous, until I met the directors, Nathan and Lexy Knox. This young couple is amazing. They are living their dream of traveling around the country doing documentary films that highlight the humanitarian work of nonprofit organizations.

You can watch the documentary by clicking the image or the link below. Feel free to share the video link with others. And please leave a comment. Thank you.
"The Book Lady"
https://youtu.be/gPNsIArNyQI

The release of this film in September coincides nicely with National Literacy Month and National Library Card Sign-up Month. What a cool serendipity!

ERUDITE NATION

WILL YOU HELP BUILD IT?

Illinois' first Erudite Nation family. From left, Cortez; Linda Mitchell, Encouragement Team Volunteer; Ashlei and son, Rayquion; mom Patricia; and Mortez. This family received their bag of 25 books. Photo by Odell Mitchell Jr.

Encouragement Team Volunteers (ETVs) encourage families in their literacy journey. They follow up with families after they have received a bag of books and support them in their strengths, using positive, affirming words.
Learn more about becoming an Encouragement Team Volunteer.

Encourage remotely. Online Encouragement Team Volunteer trainings are held the fourth Saturday of each month, except May, November, and December.
Register here.

What do families have to say about receiving a bag of books?
Visit the MELP YouTube channel to see videos.

New! Text to Give. Text helpMELP or yourbooks to (618)248-4880. Not case sensitive.

Check out our 2022 Year-End Snapshot. Click here.

What book are you reading? What book are you writing? Our goal is to raise $10,000 through the Metro East Literacy Project Virtual Bookshelf. List your book title or simply give a general donation. Click here to donate. The money raised will help us with operational expenses. Thank you so much for helping children and adults in our community get books and literacy resources. Donate today.