News
See where Blue Ridge Literacy is in the community with recent press coverage, events, and announcements!
BRL's Hours of Operation -- Beginning Phase
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Blue Ridge Literacy will re-open on August 10, 2020 under a reduced schedule. The office will be open Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. During BRL's initial re-opening, we are asking that all visitors adhere to the following rules:
-
Ring doorbell located at BRL's door to be provided entrance
-
We are requiring face masks/face coverings be worn in order to enter the building
-
Appropriate social distancing is required
-
No-touch temperature taking will be preformed prior to entrance
Please note, the Roanoke City Library is not open at this time.
Fall Semester Classes Begin September 1 - December 15
Registration is required for all classes! Please schedule your appointment by calling the office at 540-265-9339. We are offering the following classes:
Online Citizenship Class (remote only)
Mondays at 6:00 PM
need an internet connection, using Zoom
English Classes
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
In person classes (at BRL office): Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Remote classes (online): Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The same protocols listed above apply to all in-person classes. If you have questions, please call our office at 540-265-9339 or contact us at info@brlit.org.
Salem is New BRL Director
That's right! Blue Ridge Literacy has a new Executive Director. Ahoo Salem is originally from Iran and has been involved with BRL since 2016 as a volunteer teacher. Read more here!
14th Scrabble Tourney
Growing Up in the Valley Magazine hosts BRL on morning show Living Local to talk about how we help adults learn English and our upcoming 14th Annual Scrabble Tournament
BRL is a Safe Space for All
BRL spoke with Lezla Gooden of WSLS10 about the effect that ongoing immigration policy changes has had on BRL and some of our refugee and immigrant literacy learners.
Another Scrabble Success
BRL's 13th Annual Scrabble Tournament, presented by HomeTrust Bank, included over 35 teams and raised over $8,000 for literacy efforts in the Roanoke Valley.
Immigrants in Roanoke
The Roanoker's May/June 2019 edition features three stories on the influence that immigrants and refugees have in our region, featuring a BRL Board Member. Check out the stories here!
Fundraiser for Literacy!
Did you see JoAnne Poindexter's article in the Roanoke Times about BRL's 2019 Scrabble Tourney Fundraiser? New location, catered meal, and lots of fun--all for literacy!
Clothing Drive a Success
Thanks to the generosity of Northminster Presbyterian Church and community members, BRL distributed warm clothes to learners who needed them at the "BRL Boutique!"
BRL and LVNRV on WFXR
BRL went on WFXR's morning show, Living Local, with community partner Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley to promote Literacy Month events throughout September.
New Board Members
BRL brought on 7 new Directors, including Shelia Umberger, Alicha Grubb, Sissy Kegley, Evelyne Nzikobanyanka, Elvir Berbic, Kat Pascal, and Baraka Kasongo.
Support Literacy Learners
We joined our friends from Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley to talk about our upcoming Scrabble fundraisers on Daytime Blue Ridge. Get in on the fun March 21 and April 4!
DBR Highlights Literacy
Executive Director, Stephanie Holladay, talks with Daytime Blue Ridge about the impact literacy services have on adults in the Roanoke Valley.
Small Business of the Year
BRL was honored to receive the 2018 Small Business Award in the Not For Profit: Micro category from the Chamber of Commerce. This award is given annually in several categories.
Macy's Grants BRL $2,500
Macy's awards Blue Ridge Literacy $2,500 in support of their ESOL Classes that happen twice weekly for Pre-Beginning, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced learners.
Community Partners Week
Another successful Community Partners Week included the Roanoke Sheriff's office teaching a Women's Self Defense class to our newcomer job readiness ESOL class.
