To promote reading across Ohio, the State Library of Ohio and the Ohioana Library are launching a new program called Choose to Read Ohio during National Library Week, April 12-18, 2009.
“The goal of Choose to Read Ohio is to encourage the reading of Ohio literature together across Ohio communities,” said State Librarian Jo Budler, in a press release. Ohioans of all ages will choose a book to read together, by an Ohio author of their choice, over a six week period anytime between National Library Week and the end of 2010. Readers are encouraged to get together and discuss these books to encourage Ohioans to “Read Together, Read Ohio, and Read for Life.”
The Choose to Read Ohio booklist has four current titles and one classic in the three categories of Children’s, Young Adult, and Adult. The Choose to Read Ohio website features many downloads and resources for groups who wish to participate in the program, including bookmarks and toolkits.
Several of the authors participating in the Choose to Read Ohio program will be appearing at the Ohioana Book Festival, including featured authors Jaime Adoff, Margaret Peterson Haddix, and Ann Hagedorn. Louise Borden, Andrea Cheng, and Sharon Draper will also appear and participate in a round-table discussion about Choose to Read Ohio and their books.
Choose to Read Ohio partners also include WOSU Public Media, The Ohio Channel Government Television, Kent State University School of Library and Information Science, and Ohio’s Public Libraries. Together, the partners envision a statewide program that will promote reading and sharing quality literature across Ohio.
