JOIN IN THE FUN: THE CREATING A CITY OF READERS READ-A-THON

Norfolk, VA (September 7, 2004) Get ready, get set....READ. All Norfolk Public School children have been asked to read during September to earn books for Norfolk Public Library. The "Creating a City of Readers" Read-A-Thon, a partnership between Norfolk Public Library and Norfolk Public Schools, began on September 7 and ends on September 30.

Last year 10,289 Norfolk Public School students read for 5,721,895 minutes. Despite Hurricane Isabel, students read 59,744 minutes more in 2003 than in 2002. In addition to adding books to the library's children collection, this exciting program promotes reading among Norfolk's students and their families. Past Read-A-Thons have donated more than 5,500 books.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, The Virginian-Pilot and Boise Cascade Office Products, students are not asked to raise money - only to read! Each student's reading time contributes to the overall success of his or her school. The elementary and the middle school with the highest percentage of time logged, based on enrollment, will be awarded a banner. The winning schools will be recognized with nameplates inside the books donated to the library.

Coleman Place Elementary and Lafayette Winona Middle School won the 2003 Creating a City of Readers Read-A-Thon. For more information on the Read-A-Thon, contact your child's teacher, your school's communication skills specialist, or call the Norfolk Public Library's Public Relations Department at 664-7338.