Interviews, discussions and publications on library initiatives in adult literacy show that interest, programs and opportunities have grown significantly over the last decade. Libraries are willing and interested in changing to accommodate adults with literacy challenges by being more flexible, committing time to programming and reaching out to their communities in new ways that go beyond traditional outreach. They are working purposefully to become true education partners. The outstanding response to the online survey about adult literacy by rural and urban libraries is further evidence of the strong interest across the country.
Collaboration has been a primary method of gaining access to literacy learners who are often non-users of library services. Initiatives and partnerships with local and provincial literacy organizations and community agencies has opened the door to new opportunities for libraries to raise their profile and expand their user base. Libraries are certainly confident now about their role in literacy development and how they can serve their communities.
Some challenges identified in the 1995 Summit still exist in 2006: sustainability of successful adult literacy programs and activities, services for adults with English or French as their second language, a need for more literacy resources to be shared provincially, methods to overcome geographical distances, and expansion of partnerships to provide support for adult literacy services in libraries. The nature of libraries themselves remains an ongoing challenge in attracting non-users such as adults with literacy challenges to the library. This next Summit is an opportunity for librarians to share their stories of success, tackle these continuing challenges and plan for an exciting future in adult literacy.