NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Children of all ages and from different backgrounds can come together on a countywide initative launching June 1, “read across the county.”
New Hanover County will host discussions and programs tied to three books: “Ruby’s Birds” by Mya Thompson (for children eight and younger), “Someday Birds” by Sally J. Pla (for children between eight and 12), and “The Home Place” by J. Drew Lanham (for teens and adults).
“This is our first community-wide reading initiative through the Public Library, and we hope it inspires individuals of all ages and backgrounds to read one – or all – of these books,” New Hanover County Public Library director Paige Owens said in a press release. “We also want to get individuals and families into nature to have new experiences, and to celebrate the diversity within our community. So we are collaborating with the Arboretum and New Hanover County Parks and Gardens for events and activities outdoors, and will have virtual author visits for residents to discuss each book with their authors starting in June.”
“Birding, connecting with nature, diversity, togetherness, and finding your identity are themes throughout all three books,” chief diversity and equity officer Linda Thompson said in a release. “No matter your age, one of these books will resonate with you, make you think about what your “spark moment” is – as Ruby has in the book Ruby’s Birds, and think about your own life – your place of belonging, and how you can embrace those around you and be more inclusive. It is our hope that this initiative promotes the joy of reading, allows for even more open and honest dialogue, and creates a shared reading experience across our entire community to help bind us together.”
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