Apr 11, 2025
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2025
Kingston Literacy & Skills Announces New WordLabs Literary Programming Initiative
Kingston, ON – Kingston Literacy & Skills (KL&S), a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through language and literacy education, is excited to announce the launch of WordLabs, a new community-based literary arts initiative offering local author-led writing workshops and author engagements in Kingston.
WordLabs, set to launch this Spring, aims to instill and nurture the community’s engagement with the written word. Workshops, led by local, published professional writers, will be offered year-round, catering to writers of all skill levels. The workshop series will cover a spectrum of topics, from fundamentals to advanced techniques, and a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, playwriting, and more.
Aara Macauley, former Artistic Director of Kingston WritersFest—the celebrated literary festival that ran for 16 years before pausing operations in 2024—will lead WordLabs, bringing 11 years of experience in literary arts administration and programming. “Our goal isn’t to create another literary festival or compete with existing ones,” Macauley explains. “WordLabs is intentionally focused on building a supportive, community-driven literary space. I am excited to collaborate with talented local authors to develop workshops and onstage programming that reflects the diverse interests of aspiring writers and readers, contributing to Kingston’s vibrant literary scene.”
WordLabs will provide participants with the tools they need to begin or refine their writing craft and discover their unique voice in an inclusive, supportive space where people from all backgrounds can share their stories. In addition to the adult writing workshops, WordLabs will also offer a youth writing program and a freewriting drop-in group, where writers can connect in a relaxed, judgement-free environment.
“KL&S has been a leader in building foundational literacy skills for nearly 50 years,” says Christianne Wojcik, KL&S Executive Director. “WordLabs considers the importance of literacy through the lifespan, for building community, personal expression, enjoyment, mental health and more. I see WordLabs as a way to expand the KL&S mission to one that is both empowering and enriching lives through language and literacy.”
Community support is already building for the WordLabs project. "CFRC Radio is thrilled to partner with our friends at Kingston Literacy & Skills on this outstanding new program", says Dinah Jansen, Executive Director, CFRC 101.9 FM Radio Queen's University. "We're excited to help nurture WordLabs through broadcasting and podcasting to support the creative work that will be developed through this initiative.”
KL&S is currently seeking donations to help launch and sustain this program. Contributions will directly support the development of workshops, compensation for author instructors, and the presentation of future onstage events.
To learn more about WordLabs or to donate, please visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kingston-literacy-skills/ or contact KL&S at info@klsread.ca.
Media Contact:
Aara Macauley
Literary Programming Coordinator
Kingston Literacy & Skills
Phone: 1 (613) 547-2012
Email: info@klsread.ca
About Kingston Literacy & Skills
Kingston Literacy & Skills (KL&S) is a non-profit community agency that provides free training for adults in Kingston, Ontario, and the surrounding communities. With over 48 years of experience, KL&S has helped thousands of adults achieve their goals through personalized instruction in English language, reading, writing, math, computers, and job skills. Programs are delivered in a modern, accessible, and welcoming environment