Turning Pages Aiken

We teach adults to read through personalized, one on one tutoring that is free of cost. Available in Aiken County. Founded by Loretta Beckner and Janet Kabel. Built on passion. Continued with purpose.

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Aiken: 803-679-1990
Amanda Travaglini
Branch Coordinator

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[email protected]

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HOMEBASE:
314 Chesterfield St S
Aiken, SC 29801
No mail here, please.

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PO Box 6482
Columbia, SC 29260

Our Founders

Aiken volunteers Loretta Beckner and Janet Kabel saw a need in Aiken that couldn’t wait. So in 2024, they launched Turning Pages Aiken, a division of Literacy SC, to ensure every adult in our county could read well. Their grassroots energy turned a vision into a vital local institution in less than one year.

Strategic Growth

By July 2025, after a year of explosive growth and life-changing tutor matches, Loretta and Janet made the strategic decision to transition Turning Pages into its next chapter. To ensure long-term sustainability, Literacy SC turned the role of Branch Coordinator into an official staff position.

Current Leadership

Today, that legacy is in expert hands. Under the leadership of Amanda Travaglini, Turning Pages Aiken continues to scale its impact across the Aiken county and beyond. As part of the Literacy SC family, we are honoring Loretta’s founding spirit by reaching more learners than ever before.

The Legacy Award

Loretta's LightAnnual Award

Launched in September 2025, the Loretta Beckner Legacy Award—affectionately known as ‘Loretta’s Light’—is the highest honor presented by the Turning Pages division of Literacy SC.

This annual award recognizes an outstanding tutor-learner pair who embodies the grit, heart, and ‘above and beyond’ spirit that Loretta brought to the founding of our Aiken chapter. It celebrates those who redefine what is possible through the power of reading.

At the 2025 Read Aloud Brunch, Literacy SC announced the first-ever recipients of Loretta’s Light, awarded for their extraordinary commitment over the past year:

Sandy Jowers (Tutor), Ethan (Learner) and Chandler (Learner)

Through their hard work and Sandy’s unwavering guidance, these individuals have set the standard for what ‘Loretta’s Light’ looks like in action.

Legacy Funders

Bill Miller
Mike Beckner
Michael Beckner
Janet Kabel
Jan Waugh
Jeffrey Kraus
Rudy Washington
Ben Labowitch
Katy Michaelis
Steven Duenas
Bruce Lizzi
Steven Duenas
Pam Hamby
Alberta Szczukowski
Jeanie Michaelis
Mary Beattie
Sarah Rothleder

Volunteer in Aiken

Teach Reading to AdultsBe a Tutor

Turning Pages Aiken is enrolling now for new volunteer tutors. All tutors must attend a 4-hour New Tutor Workshop, held at the Aiken County Public Library. Workshops are held each spring and fall. Once trained, tutors will be able to self-select assignments at the library. Learn more about tutoring with Turning Pages Aiken >>

Start with Literacy SC

Learn where you fit with usNew

New to our nonprofit? Join a virtual intro session to learn about Literacy SC’s core programs and how to find the right fit for your needs, whether you want to learn or volunteer. Start with Literacy SC virtual info sessions will be held on… {Coming This March} >>

Recent Sponsors

We are a debt-free, cash in hand nonprofit. We are not government funded, so we rely on the passion of people and places who believe in possibilities. We prioritize our mission and programs, staying lean and agile so dollars power the programs that make reading well possible.