Submitted Photo

Submitted Photo

The Lackawanna County Literacy Committee, describing the ability to read as “the most foundational indicator of lifelong success,” will conduct a screening of the award-winning documentary “The Right to Read,” followed by a panel discussion emphasizing the role of reading not just in education but in public health and the broader society.

The free event will be Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Lackawanna College. Other sponsors are the Lackawanna County Library System, the Scranton School District, NEIU 19, the Wright Center for Community Health and the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education.

Panelists are Dr. David Kilpatrick, nationally recognized reading expert; Margaret Adolfson, director of the Bellevue Child Care Center and program director for Project Hope; Patricia Hein and Colleen Judge, members of the Literacy Committee; Erin Keating, Scranton schools superintendent; Rosemary Boland, Scranton Federation of Teachers president; and Lackawanna County First Assistant District Attorney Brian Gallagher.

“The Right to Read” chronicles the efforts of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two families to ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn how to read.

“Illiteracy is one of the most solvable problems of our time” director Jenny Mackenzie said. “We made this film to show the importance of early literacy and how crucial it is for children’s long-term success.”

Those planning to attend may register at: https://tinyurl.com/urt9wc94.