Brief History

Horry County Literacy Council originated in 1976 and gained 501(c)3 and nonprofit status in 1981.  The Council began by serving out-of-school teenagers and adults.  The primary focus was threefold: to provide trained volunteers to work one-on-one with those reading below a fifth-grade level; to increase skills to acquire a GED®; or to develop the ability to read the Bible.  As we identified the need in our community for English as a Second Language support, HCLC implemented a program to address the needs of this population.  ESL is now offered in small group and one-on-one settings to allow students to learn or improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills.

In 2012, HCLC was fortunate enough to receive accreditation status from the nationally recognized organization ProLiteracy®. Services were expanded to include a program for learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, for those age six and older. The Barton Reading and Spelling System is a multi-sensory approach to reading- using sight, sound, and touch to make learning fun and relevant.

In 2014, the unique Read & Create program was implemented.   The goal of this program is to combine the joy of reading and the creation of an artistic statement.

HCLC wants to improve the economy, the literacy rate, and individuals lives as follows:

• To provide good employees
• To raise children who have strong literacy skills
• To keep themselves and their families healthy
• To avoid crime
• To advocate for all