Midcoast Literacy held its annual Meeting and Celebration in Bath on May 31, celebrating 56 years of providing free literacy services in Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and northern Cumberland counties. The rainy weather moved the gathering inside but still brought together board members, staff, volunteers, learners, and their families to celebrate the organization’s progress.

“In 2025 our programs served 766 adults and children – an increase of 31% over the previous year. And because we served more people, we were able to make more positive change happen in more lives,” said Midcoast Literacy Executive Director Daniel Burson in his remarks at the celebration. “It’s positive change that isn’t flashy and that doesn’t make headlines. But that doesn’t mean it’s not transformative for the people we serve. Through the work of our staff and our more than 150 volunteers, we’re helping a lot of people improve their lives through literacy.”

In her remarks, Board Chair Janine Boyce thanked her fellow board members for their dedication and their camaraderie in steering the organization over the past year. She also introduced two new Midcoast Literacy board members: Joseph Moore and Molly Tannatt, both from Harpswell.

The annual celebration included awards recognizing exceptional tutors and learners for their accomplishments over the past year. The Outstanding Read Together Learner award (for students in Midcoast Literacy’s program for children) was given to 10th grader Eason Cui of Brunswick. The Outstanding Adult Learner award was given to ELL learner Samantha Stella of West Bath. And the seventh annual Newton Blakesley and Cyndy Lewis Outstanding Tutor award (named in honor of the dedicated work of former Midcoast Literacy board members) was given to Read Together tutor Barbara Sonia of Bath.

At the event, Midcoast Literacy also recognized Midcoast Maine Community Action (MMCA) as their Community Partner of the Year. Midcoast Literacy partners with MMCA to bring the Read With Me program to midcoast Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms run by MMCA. “I want to express our sincere gratitude for this meaningful recognition,” said Claire Berkowitz, MMCA’s Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Midcoast Literacy, whose work enriches our Head Start and Early Head Start programs by bringing books, stories, and a love of reading into the lives of the young children in our classrooms.”

Midcoast Literacy is a non-profit organization based in Bath that has been providing free literacy programs to people of all ages in Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and northern Cumberland counties for over 55 years. You can find out more about their programs or about how you can become a volunteer tutor at www.midcoastliteracy.org or by calling 207-443-6384.