Metro East Literacy Project

Linda Mitchell, executive director of the Metro East Literacy Project, went to a Liberia, Africa, for a literacy mission to teach how to read.

Defeating the Literacy Culture Beast: The Book Lady's Mission Unveiled

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!

A Look Back at MELP in 2023

I have a gift for you.

GRATITUDE.

Everything that happened through the Metro East Literacy Project (MELP) in 2023 was because of your support, encouragement, and generosity.

THANK YOU!

Note: Tap the image for more information.

Gave away over 1,000 books to families in their homes and at book giveaway events.

Tutored 6 children and 2 adults in reading.

Received over $30,000 in grant awards and donations.

Continued interviewing people from all walks of life through the Literacy Journeys with Linda YouTube channel.

Executed the first Literacy Lollapalooza fundraiser practice event.

Released a short documentary film about MELP called "The Book Lady" that has garnered positive reviews.

Spread the message of literacy at 1 Chamber of Commerce meeting, 3 Rotary and civic clubs, the YMCA , and 2 partner organizations.

Referred eligible families living in the 62269 ZIP code for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Partnered with 2 new organizations to reach underresourced families (Habitat for Humanity and Sleep in Heavenly Peace).

Trained 6 people as Encouragement Team Volunteers (ETVs).

Received coaching at monthly executive director cohort meetings.

Received widespread publicity about MELP through a local podcast (The 618) and two literacy blogs (bestselling author Maya Smart and the O’Fallon Public Library).

Finalized a design for our Page and Turner kangaroo mascot.

It’s been a great year thanks to the support of a solid advisory board and champions of literacy like you.
We will do more in 2024!
Advisory Board members:
Dr. Wanda LeFlore, President
Ryan Johnson, Treasurer
Aviva Jaye Mitchell, Secretary
Linda M. Mitchell, Executive Director
Libby Levin
Karen Parker Davis
Norma McCandless
Conswala Jones
Dr. Norman Robinson
Odell Mitchell III, Esq.
And thanks to my husband for helping me carry out this mission: Odell Mitchell Jr.

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.

ERUDITE NATION

Join the Movement

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

It’s more than a t-shirt slogan. It’s an identity, a declaration, and a change in the narrative of our communities. It’s your family’s pledge to have 100 books in your home by 2025. It’s a mindset that understands that Literacy is Liberation! It Takes You Higher. Click here to join.
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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.

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.