arts & entertainment

Literacy Services of Indian River County is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated Love of Literacy Luncheon, scheduled for Friday, March 15, 2024 from 11:30am to 1:30pm, in honor of the exceptional achievements of two literacy students. This year, we are pleased to welcome Will Schwalbe, New York Times bestselling author, as the guest speaker. The event will be held at the Bent Pine Golf Club Clubhouse on Friday, March 15th.

Will Schwalbe, renowned for his bestselling books, including The End of Your Life Book Club and Books for Living, will deliver the keynote address.  His latest book, We Should Not be Friends will be available for purchase at the event. Schwalbe’s profound insights into the power of books, the joy of reading, and their impact on our lives make him a fitting and inspirational presence for this occasion.

The Love of Literacy Luncheon has been a hallmark event for Literacy Services of IRC, which is dedicated to championing adult literacy and English language learning. This year’s luncheon promises an unforgettable experience, shining a spotlight on our exceptional Students of the Year who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, passion, and achievement in both literacy and language acquisition.

“Our commitment to fostering a love for reading and literacy among adult learners and their families has always been at the core of our mission,” says Literacy Services of IRC’s Executive Director, Shannon Maitland. “The Love of Literacy Luncheon not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of our Students of the Year but also invites our community to engage with the transformative power of literature through the words and wisdom of Will Schwalbe.”

The event will include a luncheon, presentations honoring the Students of the Year, a book signing session with Will Schwalbe, and an opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions about the importance of literacy in today’s world.

The Love of Literacy Luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are available for purchase through www.LiteracyServicesirc.org or by calling 772-778-2223. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. All proceeds from the event will directly support Literacy Services of IRC, advancing our efforts to promote literacy and educational programs for adult learners.

About Literacy Services of IRC

A United Way supported agency, Literacy Services of IRC relies on over 150 volunteer tutors who dedicated over 9,580 hours of  literacy tutoring to over 280 Indian River County adults, aged 16 and older. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive and innovative learning opportunities to local adults seeking English language and literacy skills to achieve their goals. Our vision is for all adults to be empowered with the literacy skills they need to thrive in our community. For more information about Literacy Services of IRC, our programs, volunteer tutoring opportunities or other ways to support our mission, please visit  www.LiteracyServicesirc.org, call 772-778-2223, follow us on social media, or email info@literacyservicesirc.org.

About Will Schwalbe:

Will Schwalbe is the author of The End of Your Life Book Club, which was a #1 Indie Next pick, an Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year, and spent nine weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. He has worked in digital media; in book publishing; and as a journalist, writing for various publications, including the New York Times and the South China Morning Post. He is also the author of Send (co-written with David Shipley) and Books for Living. His most recent book We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship, was published in February 2023 and will be released in paperback in March 2024. He has served on the boards of Yale University Press and the Kingsborough Community College Foundation. He lives in New York City.