In the United States, millions of our fellow Americans go through life functioning at the lowest literacy levels. In the Commonwealth of Kentucky according to the Kentucky Adult Education agency, "nearly a million Kentucky adults function at low literacy levels".

Reseach has shown that the greatest impact on life-long learning capabilities are made in early childhood. A *percentage of the author's proceeds from sales of The Very Best of Kentucky Crosswords will be donated to the outreach reading programs at author's local library that focus on developing early childhood reading skills.

You too can help promote and encourage literacy in your own community and across the nation. There is a family literacy program in every Kentucky county. Contact yours for more information.

Other ways you can help both adults and children:

The National Center for Family Literacy (based in Louisville); this organization's mission is: "To create a more literate nation by leveraging the power of the family".

The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, (based in Lexington) states that: "The mission of the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning is to create and support programs that foster literacy and learning as a lifelong process for all citizens."

The Kentucky Adult Education agency, which provides a number of programs and resources for adult learning across the state.

The (Kentucky) Collaborative Center for Literacy Development coordinates a number of projects to promote literacy through the professional development of all Kentucky educators.

Also, visit the Northern Kentucky Adult Reading Council, and the American Library Association. Through your support of organizations like those listed above, you can make a positive impact on the lives of others.

*If you would like a full disclosure of the percentage of book proceeds that are to be donated to the author's local library, send an e-mail inquiry to the editor of Kentucky Crosswords.