MONROE - Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed Sept. 8, 2008 Literacy Awareness Day. In the proclamation, Doyle recognizes the thousands of volunteers who "help their neighbors to improve literacy and English proficiency skills at community-based organizations, technical colleges and libraries in the state of Wisconsin every year."

The Literacy Council of Green County will celebrate this special day by recognizing their tutors and learners and promoting literacy for all. Supported by Verizon's "Check Into Literacy" program, the council will be hosting a family picnic at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Twining Park North Shelter in Monroe.

Wisconsin's Literacy Awareness Day coincides with International Literacy Day which is celebrated in countries all over the world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization celebrated the first International Literacy Day on Sept. 8, 1967 in order to raise awareness of the importance of literacy worldwide.

The Literacy Council of Green County is a member of Wisconsin Literacy and is recruiting tutors locally. To celebrate Literacy Awareness Day Sept. 7 or if interested in becomeing a volunteer tutor, call Ellen Hossman at (608) 325-9882 or e-mail: eehossman@yahoo.com.Tere Dunlap 8/26/08