Norfolk, VA (April 1, 2010) - In honor of Earth Day, volunteers across Norfolk will be going to Norfolk Public Schools in April to read environmental stories to over 5,000 students. Norfolk Public Library is excited to partner with the Keep Norfolk Beautiful 9th Annual Green Reader Program by providing volunteers to read to the children. Along with several of NPL's regular volunteers, staff members will be lending a hand as well.

The purpose of The Green Reader Program is to guide students toward stewardship of their environment, at home or at school, and instill a sense of community responsibility. Volunteers visit classrooms to read age appropriate, entertaining stories that deal with environmental issues, such as The Wartville Wizard by Don Madden, and Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. Afterward, the readers will engage the students in a discussion about the book, its theme, and issues such as litter prevention, the importance of keeping Norfolk clean, and participating in litter clean-ups. Students are left with a better understanding of their role in caring for the environment.

For more information about The Green Reader program and Keep Norfolk Beautiful, go to www.NorfolkBeautiful.org, or call 441-1347. For more information about Norfolk Public Library, go to www.npl.lib.va.us