Most of us cannot imagine moving about in a world where we possess no real grasp of the language or written word. In fact, we often take our literacy for granted by not exercising the opportunity to expose ourselves to new ideas frequently enough by reading simply for pleasure. But while we tend to forget, there are unfortunately many among us who still struggle with daily tasks due to low literacy proficiency.

According to recent statistics from the Certified Literate Community Program, a third of adults in Georgia have difficulties with the English language, limiting their employment opportunities and their overall quality of life. Those among us who have less of a grasp of the English language and have low literacy proficiency are limited in the job market and often struggle financially. Fortunately, however, access to opportunities for literacy improvement locally just got better for residents in part of Baldwin County through a partnership between the Twin Lakes Library System and the Milledgeville Housing Authority.

The Floride Allen Library Branch, which officially opened Friday near Glynn Street on Milledgeville’s west side, is another avenue for residents to utilize local literacy resources. But beyond that, this new library branch, the third for the local Twin Lakes system, will hopefully provide an anchor for services for those living within the community, particularly for younger would-be readers.

Now, a new generation of Baldwin residents will have a chance to grow up with access to literacy materials and resources right in their own neighborhood. As they grow up, they will hopefully become more familiar with the library and the services it provides, and foster a great lifelong relationship with reading and learning.

Conquering the issue of access is an excellent way to level the literacy playing field. The Allen library creates access for those who may not have had transportation to other local library branches in other parts of town. Establishing exposure to reading, language and culture is a way to win half the battle in the fight against illiteracy. The new library has the potential to foster a whole new generation of local readers from within the surrounding community. Children who read are more likely to become adults who read, and that is certainly a positive in any case. This new partnership between the local housing authority and the library system will hopefully flourish into even greater services such as GED programs and services.

As many of us cast our votes during this election season, let us remember those right here in our own community who will either struggle to read their ballots or stay at home altogether because they simply can’t. We among the literate must not take this skill for granted, and we should do all we can within our means to support programs and avenues for enhancing the skills of others of us who have difficulty reading. We see the Floride Allen Library Branch and the partnership that established it is an excellent opportunity to do just that by addressing literacy needs within our own community.