A Lansing nonprofit is reminding families that free literacy help is available as students head back to school, offering one-on-one tutoring and book access to children, adults and immigrants who need support with reading.

The Reading People, based at 1028 E. Saginaw St., provides free instruction in reading and writing for children struggling in school, at-risk teens and adults, according to the organization's website. It also offers GED preparation, English as a Second Language classes for refugees and immigrants, and tutoring for migrant families. Every program is volunteer-powered.

Executive director Brian Babiasz appeared on WILX News 10's Mid-Michigan Matters on Monday, Aug. 24, to discuss the organization's work and an upcoming book swap. The segment, hosted by Taylor Gattoni, focused on how The Reading People removes barriers to reading in the community.

"Our mission is empowerment through literacy, so one of the ways we do that is to distribute books throughout the community," Babiasz told WILX in February, when the nonprofit hosted a book swap featuring Valentine's Day and Black History Month collections.

The organization, also known as the Capital Area Literacy Coalition, serves residents across Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties, according to Michigan Media. Babiasz has been with The Reading People since 2022 and took over as executive director in 2025, according to the organization.

All programs are free.

Its seven-person staff covers a range of needs, according to The Reading People. Jamie Lu coordinates the children's program for kindergarten through fifth grade. Buba Sulle Dicko, who joined in June, leads ESL instruction. Jalen Shafer, a Michigan State University social work graduate student, runs GED preparation. Meredith McDonnell coordinates the volunteers who deliver the free tutoring sessions.

Board chair Sheila Potter, a former elementary reading specialist and former coordinator of K-12 English language arts at the Michigan Department of Education, helps guide the organization's direction, per the organization.

The Reading People has hosted recurring book swaps as community outreach, and Babiasz mentioned another swap during the Aug. 24 segment. Details have not yet been publicly posted. Residents can check thereadingpeople.org or call (517) 485-4949 for updates.