Friday, May 18, 2007
The library campaign focuses on getting back to basics.
YOUNGSTOWN — Mayor Jay Williams and Youngstown State University football Coach Jon Heacock have a simple message for library patrons: READ.
Williams and Heacock are two of 23 local personalities being featured in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s upcoming campaign linking reading to success.
Williams, Heacock, Vindicator columnist Bertram de Souza and many others will be featured on posters to be displayed throughout the library system as well as on bookmarks, the library’s Web site and newsletter. Each image carries the simple message, READ.
Ohio author Angela Johnson poses in front of copies of her own books. Her message for youngsters? “We all could be better and kinder human travelers if we read more.”
Williams chose a selection from fellow politician and presidential contender Barack Obama, “The Audacity of Hope,” for his photograph. Heacock recommends “The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team.”
De Souza is pictured propping open a copy of The Vindicator. “I read because my imagination cries out to be fed,” he said in comments on the library’s Web site.
Fundamental purpose
Library spokeswoman Janet Loew said the campaign is intended to highlight the fundamental purpose of the library.
“The project’s goal is to emphasize the importance of reading in everyone’s life and show how reading can lead to success,” said Loew. “It’s true that the library is also about technology and the Internet ... but at its very core the library is still about reading, in all its shapes and forms.”
For a full list of participants and a sneak peek at the posters, visit libraryvisit.org and click on “READ posters.”