Today, Alabama Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. joined reading and library advocates along with other elected officials to officially kick off “The Big Read” a statewide reading initiative.   “The Big Read” is a partnership between Alabama’s Public Library System  and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The program is designed to increase library usage and literacy rates in the state by encouraging citizens to read the Mark Twain classic, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”   The book was chosen to correspond with the Alabama Department of Tourism’s Year of Small Towns and Twain’s 175th birthday. 

“A love for reading brightens the future for our young people.” Folsom said, “This statewide program is a tribute to our hardworking librarians and all those who strive to lay the strongest of foundations for our children’s education.”

The statewide literacy campaign runs from January-April with the statewide kick-off today, Feb. 2^nd.  Once this year’s Big Read concludes, Alabama Reads hopes to continue its efforts in the 215 participating public libraries in Alabama.

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