The Charlotte Adult Learning Center is set to host a fall festival at the center Oct. 14 to promote literacy.

“We are creating an annual awareness event,” said Center Executive Director Lonnie Calhoun III. “It’s about the opportunities and challenges of literacy.”

Calhoun said the center is trying to get patrons to come out and support the cause.

Program Manager Joyce Nelson said the event will feature a fish fry, live music, children’s activities, space for vendors and more.

The Charlotte County Lions Club will also be on hand to provide vision testing with their pediavision screening device.

Nelson said while the center places a strong emphasis in reading, it is important to make sure the individual’s vision is suited to read.

Calhoun said the event will also showcase the new and improved learning center, which received several upgrades recently including new lighting, fresh paint and a reorganization.

He said some volunteers will be on hand during the event.

The center was originally formed in 1986 as the Charlotte County Literacy Program to aid illiterate adults.

“Since then, the organization has grown to include Southside Virginia Community College sponsored classes in pre-GED and GED, English for speakers of other languages, basic computer literacy, writing, money management, health literacy and public speaking,” according to the website.

Nelson said all classes at the center launched for the season after Labor Day. In addition to hosting classes, “we do one-on-one tutoring,” she said.

Nelson said while the center mainly places an emphasis on literacy, some math tutoring is available.

The fall festival will be held from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the center.

Vendor space is available for nonprofit organizations free of charge, however, there is a $25 fee for all others.

The Charlotte Adult Learning Center is located at 395 Thomas Jefferson Highway in Charlotte Court House.

For more information, contact the center at (434) 542-5782 or email charlit300@gmail.com.