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Literacy Is Life: Building Skills That Empower Us Every Day
From the exam room to the inbox, literacy today means far more than reading—and Valley of the Tetons Library is here to help.
When you hear the word “literacy,” you might picture books, storytimes, or learning to read. And while traditional reading and writing remain at the heart of a thriving community, literacy today reaches far beyond the pages of a book. In today’s world, being literate also means understanding how to manage your health, protect your finances, navigate technology, and make informed decisions in everyday life.
At Valley of the Tetons Library, we believe literacy is life—a foundation for independence, confidence, and connection. And thanks to donor support through the Valley of the Tetons Library Foundation and Friends, we’re able to bring many forms of literacy to life through programs, resources, and access for all ages.
The Many Faces of Modern Literacy
Health Literacy: Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing
Health literacy helps people understand prescriptions, ask the right questions at the doctor’s office, manage chronic conditions, and evaluate online health advice. For families, seniors, and individuals managing complex medical needs, being health-literate can mean better outcomes—and less stress.
Our library supports health literacy by providing access to trustworthy resources both through books in our collection and through lili.org – an online collection of databases available to access for free for all Idaho residents. We also offer programs related to food and nutrition like our popular Cook the Book series, and food demonstrations like Sprouting 101 and Lunch in a Jar meal planning.
Financial Literacy: Building Security and Freedom
Knowing how to budget, avoid scams, save for emergencies, and understand credit is key to financial stability. Yet many people never receive this kind of education.
In addition to the many financial books and audiobooks available in the Valley of the Tetons Library collection, each year VTL partners with VITA to offer free, confidential tax preparation for moderate to low income Teton County residents.
Digital Literacy: Staying Connected in a Tech-Driven World
Whether it’s applying for jobs online, using telehealth services, or connecting with loved ones, digital literacy is essential. But not everyone has equal access or training.
Valley of the Tetons Library is a hub for providing digital literacy through our Makerspace, public computers, and free public Wi-Fi available 24/7 around our buildings. We even lend out Wi-Fi hotspots and laptops—thanks in part to funding from Valley of the Tetons Library Foundation and Friends.
One additional resource for digital literacy is available through IdahoDigitalSkills.org which offers free online digital skills workshops on being productive, staying safe online, mobile devices and more.
Civic, Information, and Media Literacy: Navigating a Noisy World
It’s more important than ever to understand how to find trustworthy information and engage thoughtfully in public life. Civic literacy helps people vote and participate in democracy. Information and media literacy help people recognize bias, misinformation, and manipulation in news and social media.
Information provided through Valley of the Tetons Library helps teach people how to evaluate sources, understand the news, and think critically before clicking “share.” These are skills that build informed citizens and resilient communities.
Your Local Library: A Hub for Lifelong Literacy
Behind all of these programs is the Valley of the Tetons Library Foundation and Friends, a dedicated nonprofit that raises funds to enrich the resources and facilities of the Valley of the Tetons Library. They support playful programs, expanded collections and physical spaces—ensuring that the library stays relevant, responsive, and welcoming.
With their help, we’re not just offering access to books. We’re offering access to skills, tools, and opportunities that help people improve their lives.
In a small, rural community like ours, that support makes all the difference.
Why Literacy Is Life—and Why It Needs You
Each form of literacy—health, digital, financial, civic, media—is a key that unlocks something vital. But these keys are only useful if people can access them.
That’s where you come in.
During the Tin Cup Giving Season, we invite you to “Give 5 in 2025.” Whether it’s $5, $15, $25, or more, your donation directly supports community members who are building better lives through learning.
Literacy is life. And every dollar you give is an investment in our community’s future.
The Valley of the Tetons Library Foundation and Friends is proud to participate in the 2025 Tin Cup Challenge from June 13 through July 25. Your donation directly impacts programs and services that empower people across Teton Valley.
Donate today and Give 5 in 2025. Help someone learn to budget, apply for a job, understand a diagnosis, or simply feel more confident in their daily life. Be part of something that grows literacy in all its forms. Thank you for believing in the power of literacy—and the power of your local library.
