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"Women Finding Literacy Resources in Michigan Public Libraries"
by Megan McGlynn

In Michigan, a US state plagued by job loss amid a struggling economy, adult literacy services are in demand: an estimated 18% of the adult population reads below a functional level. An increasingly multicultural and multilingual citizenry, in particular a significant population of Hispanic migrant workers, continues to escalate the need for Michigan libraries to provide English as a second language (ESL) and adult literacy services. 

The patrons seeking and finding literacy services from libraries are predominantly women. This paper will detail the literacy education resources women find through Michigan libraries. Many public libraries provide ESL and basic literacy materials and services, and frequently public libraries rely on partnerships with local literacy councils.