Literary Society of the Southwest • Brochure

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PASSION

PURPOSE

FOR LITERARY ENGAGEMENT IN ARIZONA FOR OVER 16 YEARS

LITERARY SOCIETY OF THE SOUTHWEST

OUR STORY Since 2005, the Literary and Prologue Society of the Southwest has sparked unique connections with accomplished authors through member luncheons and engaging book discussions. Initially founded

by Northern Trust, the Literary Society is a thriving and growing organization now independently led by a board of directors composed of dedicated members.

Once a hidden gem, the Literary Society today shines as a premier membership forum for knowledge, appreciation and promotion of contemporary literature and literacy; connecting through books and community. With over 500 generous members in Phoenix, Pinnacle Peak, and Tucson, we produce dynamic literary experiences, volunteer opportunities and support to advance and promote literacy in Arizona.

Experiencing LITERATURE

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AUTHORS

LUNCHEONS Each season, members gather at prominent luncheon locations for a curated book review experience and connection with other members.

MEMBER EXPERIENCE Unique opportunities to participate in engaging book discussions in a personalized, luncheon setting with accomplished authors from a variety of literary genres…an experience beyond any conventional book tour event.

Cordial interactions with like-minded members, connecting over books and supporting literacy and learning about effective local programs.

Optional involvement with Literary Society operations such as author selection, grant making, and assisting at events.

AUTHORS

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BOOKS

The Literary Society of the Southwest is the crème de la crème -- they're such wonderful hosts, their events are beautifully organized, their audiences are engaged and sophisticated; I don't remember the last time I had so much fun on stage.

IMBOLO MBUE

The Literary Society has proudly hosted more than 80 gifted and celebrated authors.

40% of these outstanding authors have won or been listed for the most prestigious literary prizes available.

4 Pulitzer Prizes 3 Women’s Prizes (UK) 2 National Book Awards 28 have been short-listed or long-listed for Pulitzer, National Book Award, Booker Prize, Book Critics Circle, or Women's Prize.

Each year, we match our top list of authors and their availability with our fiscal year budget and season calendar.

What a splendid organization is the Literary Society of the Southwest; so dedicated to reading and books, and utterly open-armed to writers. I loved my visit.

RICHARD FORD

LITERARY SOCIETY OF THE SOUTHWEST

Enriching ARIZONA LITERACY LITERACY GRANTS The value of literacy is more than a book. Together, we advance and impact the cause of literacy through advocacy, funds awarded and opportunities for volunteer involvement.

Literacy statistics in Arizona are dire.

Only 4 in 10 Arizona students are reading at grade level.

Less than half of all third-graders passed the 2019 standardized AzMERIT reading test.

AzMERIT scores dropped by 11 percentage points from 2019 to 2021. Disrupted learning due to the pandemic has negatively impacted reading scores even further.

Students who struggle to read by the end of third grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school.

- Anne E. Casey Foundation Every member's personal enrichment from reading and connection extends to enriching others. The Literary Society has granted over $200,000 to nonprofit literacy programs and student scholarships in Arizona in the last 16 years through net proceeds from memberships and donations. Recently, our generous members met the challenge goal to raise an additional $25,000 for our literacy mission, doubling our grant budget to $50,000.

WE HAVE PROUDLY SUPPORTED THESE HIGH PERFORMING LITERACY PROGRAMS.

LITERARY SOCIETY OF THE SOUTHWEST

OUR MISSION Celebrate contemporary literature and authors and promote the cause of literacy throughout Arizona.

OUR VISION Bring the joy and lifelong benefits of reading to all!

Partner WITH US BECOME A MEMBER OR A SPONSOR OF THE LITERARY SOCIETY

LITERARY SOCIETY OF THE SOUTHWEST 480.658.0539 | info@literarysoc.com | literarysoc.com 4980 S. Alma School Rd, Ste A2-510 Chandler, AZ 85248