As you may be aware, every year the Multnomah County
Library selects a book for the community to read, discuss, and celebrate
the power of books in creating a stronger community. This year's book, The Other Wes Moore, is the story of two boys
with similar backgrounds but very different destinies. It is a testament
to the power of adult mentors in young people’s lives and how
education and incarceration are all too often opposite sides of the same
coin.
There are several ways to participate in Everybody
Reads 2011:
- Read the book.
Borrow or download the book or audio book from the library. You may
also get a hand on one of the 5,200 free books circulating in the
community. Read it and pass it on.
- Hear from the
author. Attend the author's talk on Monday, March 7th
at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlene Schnitzer
Concert Hall. Wes Moore is a highly regarded public speaker,
business leader and youth advocate. Tickets are still available.
- Discuss issues
that matter. Engage your co-workers, neighbors, or that
person sitting next to you on the bus about the roles that
education, mentoring, and public service can play in the lives of
today’s youth.
- Be
inspired – volunteer today. There
are nearly forty programs in the Portland Metro area looking for
volunteer mentors just like you. In as little as an hour a week, you
can offer critical support for a child. Go to oregonmentors.org and click "Find a
Mentoring Opportunity" - you may be the difference for a youth
in our community.
I’m incredibly proud of the work the Multnomah
County Library and Library Foundation, Literary Arts, and our office did
to make sure youth are at the center of the conversation. 28 local
schools representing more than 2,000 students are participating
in “Everybody Reads,” incorporating The Other Wes Moore
into lesson plans. In addition, a number of Portland Police officers are
participating in book club discussions at their assigned schools.
I look forward to discussing these important issues.
Let the conversation begin.
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