Jumpstart Hammond and Livingston Literacy Center participating in 'Read for the Record' Sept. 20
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
8/27/07
HAMMOND – Jumpstart Hammond and community partners such as the Livingston Literacy and Technology Center are inviting readers of all ages to join in “Read for the Record,” a national campaign to engage tens of thousands of adults and children in beating the record for the largest ever shared reading experience.
During the 2006 “Read for the Record” campaign, more than 150,000 people read the children’s classic “The Little Engine That Could” in a single day, a feat officially recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records.
This year’s official group reading selection is “The Story of Ferdinand.” Jumpstart Hammond, located at Southeastern Louisiana University, and the Livingston Center are encouraging readers to sign up at www.readfortherecord.org to participate on Sept. 20. to read the book on Thursday, Sept. 20 either at home or at a scheduled public readings
“Read for the Record is a much needed campaign in our communities,” said Jumpstart Hammond Site Manager Shawanda Benton. “The campaign was created to raise public awareness of literacy.”
Joan Gunter, director of Southeastern programs at the Livingston Literacy and Technology Center in Walker, said the center is spearheading a number of “Read for the Record” events.
“Individuals can participate by simply pledging to read this year’s book on Sept. 20 either at home or at any of the scheduled public readings,” Gunter said. “They can also buy and/or donate the book for their own child or a needy child.”
Parents and children are invited to readings at the Denham Springs/Walker Library from noon to 3 p.m.; the Livingston Parish Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and the Livingston Literacy and Technology Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Each reading session is approximately 30 minutes.
Volunteers from various businesses and organizations in Livingston Parish will participate in reading to area children. Participants to date include Livingston Parish Sheriff, Willie Graves and Livingston Chamber President, Mickey Seale.
Other community partners include the Parish Library System, Rotary Club and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Department, who is providing jambalaya.
“Read for the Record is a much needed campaign in our communities,” said Jumpstart Hammond Site Manager Shawanda Benton. “The campaign was created to raise public awareness of literacy.”
For the second year, Jumpstart Hammond will be working with the Hammond Library and Southeastern Laboratory School to host readings Benton said. Additionally, the organization will work with the Regina Coeli Child Development Centers, including Southeastern Head Start and Hammond Head Start. Readings will also be held at Alaya’s Daycare and Babyland in Hammond.
For more information about read for the record or Jumpstart Hammond, contact Benton at 985-549-5158. For information about readings at the Livingston Literacy and Technology Center, contact Gunter at 225-665-3303.
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