23% of the adult U.S. population cannot read above a third-grade level. Literacy isn’t limited to reading and writing, it can also refer to basic math, comprehension and critical thinking skills.
According to ProLiteracy, bringing reading levels up “would generate an additional $2.2 trillion in annual income. Today, we get a deeper understanding of adult literacy in our country and across our state.
There is no part of the U.S. population that isn’t touched by low literacy. And many people suffer from shame around the struggle to read and write.
GUESTS:

Haleigh Guerrera: Basic Literacy Tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
Aliyya Swaby: Reporter for ProPublica
Mark Vineis: President and CEO of ProLiteracy

Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.
Cat Shen contributed to this episode that recently aired April 7, 2023. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The challenges of addressing adult literacy

Produced by Connecticut Public, 'Where We Live' puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

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In 2023, book club event listings grew 24% over the prior year according to the ticketing platform Eventbrite. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and RuPaul are among the celebrities who have launched their own book clubs.
This hour, we hear about these new communities of readers, and how the influence of BookTok and BookStagram factors.
We’re joined by one Silent Book Club chapter taking off in New Haven, and a shoreline-area business owner arranging “Blind Dates with a Book.” Plus, Anthony Bagley founded “Black Kidds Read Too” in his hometown.
GUESTS:

Britt Rivera: Content Creator; Founder, Silent Book Club New Haven
Anthony "Da Kidd PG" Bagley: CEO and Founder, A Kidd From New Haven
Alyssa Korzon: Co-Owner, Bookish Babes and Brews
Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the influence of 'BookTok' helped build real-world community – and book clubs

This week, Muslims across the world celebrate the holiday of Eid-al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.
Today, we are hearing from Muslims around Connecticut celebrating this sacred and special time honoring those who have made the Islamic pilgrimage known as Hajj.
We’ll hear from Connecticut residents, including one who is making the Islamic pilgrimage known as Hajj. If you’re celebrating this holiday, we want to hear from you.
GUESTS:


Khaleel Rahman: a producer with Audacious with Chion Wolf on Connecticut Public


Imam Safwan Shaikh: Farmington Valley American Muslim Center


Asif Chaudhry: Connecticut resident taking a Eid-al-Adha pilgrimage this year


Dia Fortenberry: Assistant Athletic Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement at Wesleyan University and Speakers Bureau with the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut


Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) is marked with pilgrimage, charity and community

In the LGBTQ community, “found” or “chosen family” can be crucial. It's the idea of a social support system beyond your biological family, and one of the themes Ella Dawson explores in her book, But How Are You, Really?
This hour, the sex and culture columnist from Connecticut joins us to discuss her first novel, found family, burnout, second-chance romances, and much more.
GUESTS:

Ella Dawson: Sex and Culture Critic; Author, "But How Are You, Really?"
Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex and culture critic Ella Dawson highlights the importance of 'found family' in her fiction debut

Fools and wise man, come hither! This summer’s day program of Where We Live will dedicate an hour to the master of comedy and tragedy alike, Sir William Shakespeare.
Outdoor productions of William Shakespeare’s plays go back to well…the time of William Shakespeare! And every summer this tradition comes alive on stages across Connecticut.
Today, we talk about Shakespeare in the park, the common and even - the sound! We’re joined by thespians across the state staging productions of this iconic playwright. 
GUESTS:

James Bundy: Dean and Artistic Director of the David Geffen School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre
Laura Sheehen: Co-founder of Capital Classics Theatre Company in Hartford
Aaron Simms: Managing and Producing Director of Shakespeare on the Sound in Norwalk, Connecticut

Theater companies featured in this broadcast, including summer 2024 productions:

Shakespeare on the Sound - Norwalk


June 12- June 30: Romeo and Juliet, Pinkney Park, Rowayton, CT


Breakdancing Shakespeare - Hartford Stage


June 17 – July 27: Hartford Stage


Capital Classics - Hartford


July 10 – August 4: The Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival will feature two full-length productions of Hamlet and The Taming of the Shrew — outdoors — on the campus of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.


Shakesperience - Litchfield Hills (Washington Depot, CT)


August 7-11: Romeo and Juliet, River Walk Pavilion, Washington Depot, CT (Free Admission)


Elm Shakespeare - New Haven


August 16 – Sunday, Sept 1: Richard III, Edgerton Park, New Haven (Free Admission)


Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theatre - Middletown

Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shaking up the summer with some (outdoor) Shakespeare

In Connecticut, there are LGBTQ community centers in New Haven, Norwalk and, most recently, Bridgeport. There have also been recent efforts to launch a queer hub in West Hartford.
These spaces are important for community, safety, resources, and even are associated with reduced suicide risk among LGBTQ youth, according to the Trevor Project.
Connecticut Public reported on the New Haven Pride Center’s move to a larger location in January. They say this will allow them to offer more community resources.
This hour, we hear from Juancarlos Soto, executive director of the New Haven Pride Center. We'll also hear from a researcher who has measured the importance of these community hubs, and the resources they offer.
Plus, we get an update on the policies protecting and restricting LGBTQ rights in the U.S. from The 19th's LGBTQ+ reporter Orion Rummler.
GUESTS:

Orion Rummler: LGBTQ+ Reporter, The 19th
Juancarlos Soto: Executive Director, New Haven Pride Center
Dr. Dani Chiaramonte: Associate Research Scientist, Yale LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative

Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The challenges of addressing adult literacy

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