More than 1000 libraries Get on Board

Contact: Megan Humphrey, Coordinator, the Campaign for America's Libraries


312-280-4020

mhumphrey@ala.org

For Immediate Release


August 2003

Strong interest in teen reading prompts more than 1,000 libraries to "Get on Board"

The "Get on Board and Read @ your library" program sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and Morningstar Foods Inc., maker of Hershey®’s Milk, has captured the interest of more than 1,000 libraries throughout the country. Since the teen reading program’s unveiling in July, 1,150 libraries have pre-registered on the program’s Web site at
www.hersheysmilk.com to receive free posters and bookmarks. The free materials will be delivered when the program begins in November.

"Get on Board and Read @ your library" was launched at the San Diego Public Library, with professional skateboarder and program spokesperson, Tony Hawk, library staff and teens from the San Diego area. The program encourages young adults across America to skate their way into libraries, grab a book and land in the world of possibilities available through reading. Teens are encouraged to check out one of their favorite books from their local library and create an entry about how the book is meaningful to them. Entries may be submitted in a written essay or a creative entry consisting of a poem, painting or video. Entries may be created individually or as a team. The winning teen or team will meet Tony Hawk, as will the sponsoring librarian.

Once "Get on Board and Read @ your library" begins, additional free promotional tools such as programming ideas, and artwork will be available to libraries via the program’s Web site. As an additional incentive, prizes will be awarded in three categories 5+, 15+ or 25+ to librarians who submit entries on behalf of the teens whom he or she serves. The program runs through April 2004.

This is the third year for the partnership between ALA and Morningstar Foods to promote teen reading. The "Get on Board and Read @ your library" program is part of The Campaign for America's Libraries, ALA’s multi-year public education initiative to speak loudly and clearly about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st Century. For more information about the @ your library campaign, visit
www.ala.org/@yourlibrary.