Dale Lipschultz named president of the National Coalition for Literacy

Contact: Satia Orange, OLOS Director


312-280-4295

For Immediate Release


September 12, 2003

Dale Lipschultz named president of the National Coalition for Literacy

Dale Lipschultz, Ph.D., literacy officer of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, has been elected president of the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL) in Washington D.C., a nonprofit membership organization that seeks to advance adult education, language, and literacy in the United States.

"I am honored to be leading the coalition and representing ALA at this exciting challenging time,” said Lipschultz. “This is a remarkable opportunity to promote literacy, libraries and the ALA.”

Throughout her career, Lipschultz has focused on the literacy and language development of adults, children, and families.
As president of the NCL, Lipschultz will continue to promote literacy through means of developing effective programs for members and the community at large,
increasing NCL membership beyond national organizations by actively promoting NCL’s new individual member category, lead fundraising efforts and secure funds for member activities.

Prior to Lipschultz serving as NCL president, she served as ALA’s liaison to the NCL. In this capacity, she served on the executive committee, the founding board, and chaired the National Literacy Summit Initiative Task Force.

As literacy officer, Lipschultz is responsible for building ALA's
capacity in adult literacy by working with Association divisions, offices, round tables, and committees. She advocates for library literacy programs, services and staff as they impact local communities' service delivery to other traditionally underserved populations. She also develops staff development opportunities and collaborates with national partners, government agencies, private contributors and corporate sponsors.

Prior to coming to ALA, Lipschultz was the senior program associate with the Illinois Literacy Resource Development Center (ILRDC). In addition, she played a leadership role in the founding and development of several Chicago-based literacy initiatives.
She was the coordinator of the Read with a Child Literacy Program at La Rabida Children's Hospital and Research Center, the executive director of Reach Out and Read Family Literacy Program (ROAR), and project director of the Literacy and Health Partnership, also in Chicago. Lipschultz has a Ph.D. in Child Development from the Erikson Institute in Chicago.

The National Coalition for Literacy seeks to advance adult education, language and literacy in the United States.
Membership in the new National Coalition for Literacy is now open to individuals and local and statewide agencies.
For further information regarding NCL activities and membership opportunities, go to
www.natcoalitionliteracy.org.