Children are encouraged to join the initiative to read 150 books.

slideshow

Julia Roberts Goad

Staff Writer

The Williamson Public Library is inviting everyone to join the West Virginia Library Commission (WVLC), the West Virginia Center for the Book and libraries across the state to celebrate 150th birthday with reading.

On June 6, 2013, West Virginia celebrates its sesquicentennial. To honor the event, the WVLC is hosting a year-long reading initiative encourages West Virginians to read 150 books in any format (printed book, e-book, downloadable text, etc.) from any source.

Books can be on any topic, fiction or non-fiction, but must be read between January 1 and December 31, 2013.

Williamson Librarian Jennifer Ooten said it is easy to participate.

“We have a list here in the library,” Ooten said. “All you have to do is come in and give your name and the books you have read.”

Ooten said that while the program runs throughout the year, she would like to have the 150 books read by June 6.

“The program is open to adults and children, all books count toward the 150, even short children’s books,” she said.

People can read 150 books individually, or create teams to read 150 books collectively.

All ages and groups can participate – friends, coworkers, book clubs, classmates, seniors, etc. If children are too young to read on their own, kids can have their parents read to them.

For more information, call 304 235-6026 or visit librarycommission.wv.org.