News

See where Blue Ridge Literacy is in the community with recent press coverage, events, and announcements!

April 2026

April 22: A Global Day of Giving

Join BRL on this global day of giving and help us improve the lives of adults through literacy. GIVE Roanoke is April 22 or you can pre-schedule your tax-deductible gift now!

April 2026

Summer Registration Open

Registration is open for BRL's summer session, running from May 5 - August 13. Contact us by phone at 540-265-9339 or WhatsApp at 540-355-3187 to schedule an appointment.

April 2026

2025 Issue of Spotlight

2025 marks the 4th annual issue of Spotlight, a resource showcasing adult learners' experiences across the Commonwealth. Several of our learners writings are published! See their stories on pages 5, 6, 12, 24, 27, and 28.

March 2026

Important Message - Scrabble

After twenty wonderful years, Blue Ridge Literacy will not be hosting its Annual Scrabble Tournament this spring. For more details, please follow this LINK.

March 2026

Celebrate Nowruz

Nowruz -- meaning "new day" -- marks the start of the Persian New Year. Celebrate with us on Saturday, March 28 at the main library. Enjoy Afghan food, live music, cultural performances, activities for kids, and experience Nowruz traditions firsthand!

December 2025

A Message From the Executive Director

Click HERE to read a message from our Executive Director, Dr. Ahoo Salem, regarding recent federal executive actions affecting travel, Temporary Protected Status, and U.S. naturalization revisions.

December 2025

New Partnership

BRL now offers a new citizenship preparation class, supported through the School Support for Afghan Students Program and hosted at the Community Empowerment Center at Booker T. Washington. To learn more, contact Sara Geres at sgeres@brlit.org

October 2025

Connecting Learners with Local Leadership

BRL is excited to continue partnering with the City of Roanoke to provide advanced and post-advanced learners with My City Academy, a free leadership program that helps refugees and immigrants engage in local government.

September 2025

Dr. Salem Presented With Award

Executive Director Ahoo Salem was presented with the Eva Stitt Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to supporting the mental health and wellness of refugee and immigrant families and communities.

May 2025

BRL Celebrates 40 Years!

BRL celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Grandin Theatre with a special one-hour Buzz Live episode! Mayor Joe Cobb made a proclamation declaring May 1 as Blue Ridge Literacy Day.

April 2025

Students as Leaders

BRL's post advanced graduates, Luz, Sindy, and Georgia, attended the 2025 Coalition on Adult Basic Education in Dallas, TX. We are so proud of these ladies for being a part of the first Virginia Adult Student Ambassador cohort!

December 2024

In Memoriam

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Jennie Sue Murdock, a dear friend and long-time volunteer of BRL.

Jennie Sue joined BRL in 2001, and in 2023 she received the "Longest Serving Volunteer" award.