Paint the Town Read!

18 02 2008

My library system, the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (PLCMC), just began an exciting new campaign last week called Paint the Town Read.  Yes, that’s spelled correctly – R-E-A-D, not R-E-D.  As part of the campaign, families and individuals in the community come to the library to pick up a painter’s kit.  The kit contains red lollipops, a red pencil, and a paint chip.  Participants mark off five fun reading experiences on the paint chip then bring it back to the library to receive a Paint the Town Read sign for their yard or window.  The sign looks like this:

 painttownread_sm1.jpg

We’ve given out quite a few of the kits so far at our branch, and I can’t wait to see the signs in yards all over Charlotte.  This campaign is both a great way to emphasize the fun of reading as well as create a sense of community throughout Charlotte.

Here at our branch we’re looking forward to doing some special programming for the campaign, including a monthly Family Book Party.  Our first book party is in March.  We’ll be reading, talking about books, playing games, and eating snacks all centered around the “Charlie and Lola” series by Lauren Child.  I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.  I’ll let you know how it goes!

If you’re in the Charlotte area, be sure to stop by the library and pick up your painter’s kit and help us Paint the Town Read!