RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - Illiteracy isn’t something most folks talk about over coffee at Donut Country, but it’s a very real challenge here in Rutherford County — and far more complex than the stereotypes. It’s not just people experiencing homelessness, and it’s not simply students “not learning to read in school.” The truth stretches across age groups, income levels, and life circumstances. In 2003, Read to Succeed was started when local literacy professionals met with the Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation to establish a community literacy initiative in Rutherford County.
Executive Director Jolene Radnoti said, "Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you volunteer, donate, partner with us, or simply encourage a child to pick up a book, you are helping write a brighter future for our community—one reader, one family, and one story at a time. Here's to a wonderful school year filled with curiosity, growth, and the joy of reading!"
Reading In The Schools (Sept. 11)
Read To Succeed continues to champion literacy for all ages, and one of their biggest annual events is right around the corner — Reading In The Schools Day, coming up Friday, September 11. Volunteers will visit Murfreesboro City Schools and Rutherford County Schools to read with students and spark a love of books. It’s one day that makes a lasting difference.
Rutherford County's 2026 ONE BOOK
And while you’re thinking about literacy, grab your free copy of the 2026 One Book selection, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Fresh copies are now available at all Rutherford County Library System branches and Simply Pure Sweets. Thanks to the Friends of Smyrna Library for sponsoring this year’s book giveaway.
Pick up a copy, read it, share it, and join the conversation at readtosucceed.org/one-book.
Yes, our county looks strong on paper. More than 93% of adults hold a high‑school diploma, beating the state average. But a diploma doesn’t guarantee strong reading skills, and Tennessee has wrestled with a statewide literacy crisis for more than a decade. Early‑grade reading proficiency has historically been low, and those early struggles tend to follow students into adulthood.
It's Getting Better
Rutherford County Schools has made real progress. After adopting new curriculum, grades 3–5 ELA proficiency jumped from 39% to 48%. That’s a big win, especially for English Learners and economically disadvantaged students. Still, more than half of students aren’t reading on grade level by 5th grade — a key predictor of future literacy challenges.
And adult literacy? It spans every corner of the community. Some adults graduated decades ago under different standards. Others slipped through school with undiagnosed learning disabilities. Some moved frequently, missing key instruction. Many speak English as a second language. Others can read individual words but struggle with comprehension, digital literacy, or everyday forms and applications. Homelessness can worsen literacy gaps, but it’s far from the only factor.
Why didn’t some people learn to read well in school?
Statewide research points to early‑grade struggles, pandemic disruptions, dyslexia, poverty, language barriers, and school mobility. Graduation standards allow students to pass courses even if their reading skills lag behind. So while there’s no evidence of large numbers of students graduating completely illiterate, many do leave high school with weak reading proficiency.
The good news? Our community is stepping up, and Read to Succeed is definitely making a positive difference. For more information, visit their website: http://readto succeed.org.
