Meet Kat Gilmore, founder of the Literacy Project of North Idaho. Kat has a love of learning that started early. She taught her dolls to read, then her brother and then anyone who would sit still long enough! In college, she studied philosophy and English and through a class focus on adult literacy, she saw a different world than she knew. It opened her eyes and heart. While finishing her graduate work she began volunteering for an adult literacy program. She has worked as a volunteer adult literacy tutor, certificated adult literacy trainer, English as a second language instructor, board member and ultimately board president of that program. She earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Nevada, Reno in philosophy and English and her Master of Arts degree in English from Cal State University, Long Beach. She is currently an English professor at North Idaho College, a volunteer and board member with the Literacy Project of North Idaho. She likes to run, spend time with her grandgirls and read many, many books!

1) What motivated you to establish the Literacy Project of North Idaho?

Simply, because there was not an adult program here that teaches adults to read, nor is there one for hundreds of miles in all directions. In my 15 years of working in adult literacy, I had worked with adults from every age, race, income level — both urban and rural — and that told me that there were people here who needed support. The nationwide number is one in six adults cannot read above a third-grade level. It was unimaginable that there was not a place where one could receive the help needed when they worked up the courage to seek it.

2) Why is reading important and what impact does literacy have on us as individuals and on society as a whole?

Reading is more than a pastime or hobby. It is how we survive in our world. Without the ability to read, adults cannot read a letter from a teacher, medical forms, a prescription bottle, a menu, banking information, consent forms or any forms. They cannot get promoted at their jobs and struggle to participate in their community. It is crippling. The stigma of low literacy leads to fear and isolation. Forbes Magazine recently said that low literacy costs America $2.2 trillion annually. That’s a lot of money for a 100% solvable problem.

3) Any organization news or events coming up that you would like to share?

An event that is new for the Literacy Project is that we are offering English language classes by proficiency levels. There are currently no adult language classes in North Idaho to help community members improve English language skills. We are happy to fill the need! We were also able to hire Holly Edwards as a part-time executive director! As a nonprofit that does not qualify for state or federal funding, we must rely on the generosity of our community. We were honored to receive the Women’s Gift Alliance grant to fund the position for one year and support continued growth. When a program lifts the community, the community finds a way to support it.

4) What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I moved to North Idaho to run. I came here for a trail race in St Maries 11 years ago with my husband. We both fell in love with the area. I told my husband I could run forever here and he said he would just be happy with the views. Three months later we moved here and made this community our home. Now, I do run forever with an incredible trail running community, and my husband enjoys his time outside taking in the views!

5) What is your all time favorite book or author or genre and why?

My favorite book is "Wuthering Heights." To build empathy with unlikable characters is a master’s touch. I fall into it again and again. However, my favorite genre is detective fiction. In fact, I am teaching a class spring semester (Jan. 8-May 9) at NIC on Raymond Chandler and the legacy of the hard-boiled detective. I cannot wait! I encourage all your readers to join me! Community college is for the community and I can’t think of a better way to spend the winter than reading pulp noir novels. Come read with me!