In recognition of National Library Week, this year April 7-13, KET Adult Education celebrates collaborations between libraries and adult education centers, which hold immense potential for addressing the educational needs of adult learners, particularly in underserved communities. Libraries, long considered mainstays of learning and community hubs, have expanded far beyond “just books” to provide a range of resources promoting lifelong learning and empowering adults to develop new skills and advance their careers.
In fact, the American Library Association underscores the need for adult education and the role of libraries in this way, “More than 36 million adults in the United States cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third-grade level. Libraries are helping to meet this need through outreach, programming, and partnerships.” Libraries all over the country frequently offer literacy programs, language courses, computer skills workshops, and career development assistance, within a welcoming and inclusive environment. In fact, for the third year in a row, KET Adult Education is supporting the annual Kentucky statewide library job fair to assist connecting adult learners with our resources in libraries across the state. We are proud to play a role in this example demonstrating how both libraries and adult education centers working together can foster education, empowerment, and community engagement for adults.