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2008 MEDIA RELEASES

FIRST LADY ANNOUNCES BOOK SELECTION FOR READ WITH ME. 2008

-- Program Features Dahlov Ipcar--

(May 22, 2008) Today at the Georgetown Central School in Georgetown, First Lady of Maine Karen M. Baldacci kicked off the ninth year of Read With ME., a statewide program of Maine Reads aimed at improving literacy and reading skills among Maine’s students. She was joined by Dahlov Ipcar, the book’s ninety-year old author/illustrator, for a reading to kindergarten students. Read With ME. is made possible by FairPoint Communications.

At the press event, Baldacci unveiled this year’s program. Through Read With ME., every kindergartner in the state has the opportunity to receive a book bag, which includes a copy of this year’s featured book The Cat at Night, which was written and illustrated by Ipcar in 1969, and has been out of print for more than thirty years. The book will be distributed to Maine’s more than 18,000 kindergartners in the fall as part of the literacy outreach program Read With ME.

The Cat at Night explores just what a cat does a night. Ipcar's illustrations alternate from black and blue to hot daylight colors, as a cat moves from farm to city and throughout the area, letting a child see what is visible only to the "cat at night."

This special edition designed and published by Islandport Press, a Maine-based independent publisher that develops books about Maine and Northern New England, will feature additional pages for Read With ME that include activities for young readers. Each book bag also includes literacy information and a bookmark developed by the Maine Department of Education and illustrated by Ipcar. Schools have been provided with DVDs about reading aloud produced by Maine Public Broadcasting and the Maine State Library. Each year the featured book is selected by a committee of educators, parents, teachers, librarians, literacy professionals, and authors.

“This year we honor Maine artist and writer Dahlov Ipcar,” said Baldacci. “We’re approaching the forty year anniversary of the original release of The Cat at Night, so we celebrate that anniversary and all the Dahlov has contributed to the literary and art worlds. We also are happy to announce that FairPoint Communications is the new sponsor of Read With ME.”

Baldacci read The Cat at Night to a classroom of kindergartners at the press event. She was joined at the event by Ipcar who did an illustration demonstration for the students. Maine Reads is the umbrella literacy organization for Read With ME. and is spearheaded by the First Lady.

Dahlov Ipcar was born in Vermont, raised in Greenwich Village, and summered in Maine after her parents, the famed sculptor William Zorach and artist Marguerite Zorach, bought a farm on Georgetown Island in 1923. Thirteen years later, eighteen-year-old Dahlov married Adoph Ipcar, and the young couple left the city for Maine in 1937 to live on the family farm where they first met. By the early 1940s, Ipcar had nearly given up thoughts of writing and illustrating books, but was contacted by a New York publisher to illustrate The Little Fisherman, the latest title by Margaret Wise Brown. The struggling young artist jumped at the chance, and this charming title helped launch a four-decade run that saw her write and illustrate more than thirty children’s books of her own, including The Cat at Night in 1969. Today, Ipcar’s intricate, distinctive, and fanciful artwork is known worldwide, with pieces of her work in the permanent collections of numerous renowned museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Ipcar still lives and paints in the 1860s farmhouse that she shared with Adolph for nearly seventy years.

Recently, Baldacci contacted principals in each school in Maine that has kindergarten students inviting them to take part in the program. Each participating school will receive the books and literacy information as school opens in September. Packing and delivery of program materials to the schools will be handled by the Maine National Guard and a 100-person volunteer corps. Last year, Read With ME. reached more than 18,000 students' families across the state.

Through their support of Maine Reads, FairPoint Communications has awarded Read with ME. a $75,000 grant to help underwrite the program and provide all of the books and information at no cost to the schools and students. Maine Reads is one of the local community programs supported by FairPoint. For more information log onto www.mainereads.org.

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Maine Festival of the Book To Celebrate Love of All Literary Genres

-- Maine’s First Lady to chair event honoring authors--

(March 27, 2008) The second annual Maine Festival of the Book will give fans of many different genres a chance to celebrate their love of reading through a three-day event to take place in and around Portland May 15-17. It is being presented by the nonprofit Maine Reads and is chaired by First Lady Karen M. Baldacci.

“I am delighted that Maine Festival of the Book is turning into an annual tradition,” said Mrs. Baldacci. “While promoting literacy, we have the opportunity to bring members of Maine’s literary community together in one place for a celebration of the written word.”

The festival’s goal is to encourage a dialogue between authors and readers through programs that feature readings, performances and panel discussions. All events, with the exception of Opening Night on May 15 at Merrill Auditorium, which is a benefit for Maine Reads, are free and designed to appeal to a broad range of ages and interests.

Opening Night will feature David Baldacci, bestselling author of Stone Cold, poet Annie Finch and performer Michael Maglaras. Tickets are $50 per person (available by calling 871-9100) to attend the A Reception with the Authors party, and $10 per person (available through PortTix and the box office starting in April) to attend the program in the auditorium that follows.

All other programs are free and will be held May 16 - 17 at Monument Square, the Portland Public Library, Maine Historical Society and other venues. Books will be for sale on the Square and more than 40 authors will be available for signings.

Children’s events will include the opportunity to meet many of their favorite authors, performers and storytellers under the big tent on Monument Square and in the Portland Public Library’s children’s room. The list of participants includes Phil Hoose, Paul Janezcko, and Lynn Plourde.

Other scheduled events include panel discussions, writing workshops, mystery, maritime fiction, nonfiction and young adult fiction. At Portland Stage Company, the Theatre of the Unexpected will feature work of emerging playwrights throughout the weekend.

“What is exciting to me about the festival is that we are really reaching out to fans of all different types of books,” said event organizer Sarah Cecil of Maine Reads. “There is truly something for everyone, from people who love graphic novels, to kids, to poetry devotees.”

Authors will be speaking throughout Friday and Saturday about their craft. Most of the presenting authors will be discussing and reading from books just released. David Baldacci will have a new book out, as will Elizabeth Strout, bestselling author of Amy and Isabelle. Portland’s own Amy Sutherland will be reading from her new book, What Shamu Taught Me about Life, Love, and Marriage. Author Crystal Zevon will read from her 2007 critically acclaimed biography of her former husband Warren Zevon.

Established in 2002 by the Office of the First Lady, Maine Reads is dedicated to promoting a more literate Maine through meaningful programs that create awareness, raise funds, and encourage collaboration among literacy providers. For more information, please visit www.mainereads.org or call (207) 871-9100.

April 4, 2008

Maine Festival of the Book to Present Free Writing Workshops

PORTLAND – The second annual Maine Festival of the Book will present panel discussions on the art of writing mystery and suspense, maritime fiction and nonfiction, and young adult fiction. These writing workshops are free and open to the public. The festival runs May 15-17 on Monument Square in downtown Portland; the writing workshops will be held Saturday, May 17.

Presented by Maine Reads, the festival offers more than 50 readings, signings, performances and panel discussions designed to appeal to all ages and interests. With the exception of Opening Night on the evening of May 15 at Merrill Auditorium, which is a benefit for Maine Reads, programs are free and open to the public.

“Sinister Secrets of Mystery Writers’ Research” features mystery writers J.S. Borthwick, Gerry Boyle, Rosemary Herbert, and Lea Wait who will share the secrets of their research, and other insights into how to plot a gripping mystery. This discussion will be presented Saturday, May 17 from 3:15 – 4:15 pm in Room 316 at the Portland Public Library with an author signing following.

Gerry Boyle is best known for the Jack McMorrow mysteries. The series, including Homebody, Pretty Dead, and Borderline, features a scarred but not jaded former New York Times reporter who has been transplanted in Maine where he finds that mystery abounds. Lea Wait writes the Agatha-finalist Shadows Antique Print Mystery series (Shadows at the Fair, Shadows on the Coast of Maine, Shadows on the Ivy, Shadows at the Spring Show). Rosemary Herbert is editor in chief of The Oxford Companion to Crime & Mystery Writing, and co-editor (with Tony Hillerman) of A New Omnibus of Crime and The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories. J.S. Borthwick is the author of 13 mysteries featuring Professor Sarah Dean and Dr. Alex McKenzie.

“Down to the Sea in Ink: Today’s Maritime Writing” is a panel discussion about maritime fiction and nonfiction with four authors manning that literary boat. This program will be held Saturday, May 17 from 9:30 – 10:30am, with an author signing following, at the Maine Historical Society. Sailors and maritime writers alike will enjoy this event.

James L. Nelson, a former professional sailor, is an award-winning author of maritime fiction and non-fiction. His new book is called George Washington’s Secret Navy. William H. White a sailor, maritime historian, former naval officer and author. His novels of naval action in the age of sail, include his latest, In Pursuit of Glory. Lincoln P. Paine is the author of Ships of the World: An Historical Encyclopedia and Down East: A Maritime History of Maine. William C. Hammond, is the author of A Matter of Honor.

At “Dysfunction Junction,” authors Carrie Jones and Robin Merrow MacCready discuss what draws them to the edgy side of Young Adult fiction, one of the hottest areas of writing today. The program will be offered Saturday, May 17 from 1:30 – 2:30pm in Room 316 at the Portland Public Library, with an author signing following.

Robin MacCready is the author of Buried, the 2007 Edgar Winner for Best YA, and a NYPL Best Book of the Teen Age. Carrie Jones wowed the world in 2007 with her debut YA novel, Tips on Having a Gay (Ex) Boyfirend. The follow-up, Love (And other Uses for Duct Tape) was released in March 2008.

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Maine Festival of the Book to Be Held May 15-17, 2008

January 16, 2008 – Maine Reads will present the second annual Maine Festival of the Book, a literary extravaganza celebrating the written word, May 15-17, 2008 at venues on Monument Square in downtown Portland, Maine. With the exception of the Opening Night kick-off party on Thursday night, which will feature bestselling author David Baldacci, the programs will be free.

Spearheaded by First Lady of Maine Karen M. Baldacci, the festival presents programs of all genres designed to appeal to audiences of all ages and reading abilities.

Much of the adult programming will be dedicated to thematic conversations among writers. In addition there will be readings, poetry out loud, performances, book signings, and other activities for young and old.

A wide range of writers -- novelists, poets, critics, playwrights, journalists, screenwriters, graphic novelists, and non-fiction writers, songwriters and writers working in oral traditions -- will present. Forums featuring professionals involved in the business and creation of literature are also slated. Major writers from outside the State will join Maine's cadre of outstanding authors. Last year’s festival featured such renowned writers as David McCullough, Richard Ford, Tess Gerritsen, and Maxine Kumin. More than 2,000 people attended last year’s festival.

Tickets to the Opening Night author readings are only $10 pp for general admission seating, and can be purchased through PortTix at 207.842.0800. Tickets to the Reception with the Authors are $50 pp and can be reserved by contacting Maine Reads at 207.871.9100 or info@mainereads.org. The ticket price for the reception also includes orchestra seating for the readings, as well as free parking at the Elm Street Garage on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The planned hub for the Festival will be downtown Portland with most of the activity centered around Monument Square. Other participants in the event include the Portland Public Library, Portland Stage, Maine Historical Society, and area bookstores. Maine Reads is looking for sponsors as well as volunteers to help with the festival planning, design, marketing and implementation and follow-up. For more information, please go to www.mainereads.org.

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2007 MEDIA RELEASES

MAINE FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK TO FEATURE AUTHOR LECTURES AND LITERARY PANELS

(May 11, 2007) Portland, Maine - The Maine Festival of the Book is bringing together writers, editors, agents, publishers and other members of the literary world for a free three-day literary extravaganza covering a broad spectrum of topics to take place in and around Portland June 22-24.

The festival is being presented by Maine Reads and chaired by First Lady Karen Baldacci.

“Our goal is to encourage a dialogue between authors and readers through programs that feature readings, performances and panel discussions,” said First Lady Karen Baldacci. “We hope that anyone who attends the festival will find several presentations of interest to them.”

Festival goers looking for some insight into a Maine institution will no doubt be interested in attending the presentation by Leon Gorman, Chairman and longtime president of L.L. Bean, Inc., as well as grandson of company founder Leon L. Bean. Gorman’s new book, L.L. Bean: The Making of an American Icon offers the first authoritative, true-to-life account of the iconic retailer and its colorful history and culture. He will discuss his decision to write the book, as well as some of the company’s behind-the-scenes struggles.

Charles Shields, a former English teacher who shared his love of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird with his students for years before deciding to tackle a biography of the Pulitzer Prize winner, will discuss the four years he spent researching and talking to over 600 of Lee’s neighbors, friends and former classmates to write Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee.

Knitting is a hobby that has recently exploded in popularity with women of all ages. Jill Eaton and Robin Hansen are both accomplished knitters and writers who have had their work published in various books and magazines, and will be co-hosting a panel to discuss their experiences in the publishing industry. Topics will include how to get started, finding an agent, working with publishers and the process of actually producing a craft book.

The festival will include some of Maine’s most noted authors, including best-selling author Tess Gerritsen and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist Jane Brox, as well as well-known literary visitors to the state, such as Pulitzer Prize winner Maxine Kumin.

Other local authors scheduled to appear include Liz Hand of Lincolnville, who has written nine multiple-award winning novels, including 2006 Book Sense selection Saffron and Brimstone: Strange Stories, and is a regular contributor to Washington Post Book World and Neil Rolde of York, author of 12 books including Down East and Different and Continental Liar from the State of Maine.

“I am excited that we have such a good mix of national and local authors,” said event organizer Sarah Cecil of Maine Reads. “I feel we are striking the perfect balance between drawing in authors the public is familiar with, while also providing exposure for local authors who may be less well known.”

And the festival is not just for adults. Saturday’s program is chock-full of activities for the whole family, including an appearance by Brian Lies, author of Bats on the Beach, who will be in Monument Square with his new bat mobile.

Other scheduled events include theatrical readings by members of Portland Stage Company of works by Maine authors Monica Wood, Lewis Robinson, Peter Behrens, and Lisa Carey, as well as poetry readings and panels focusing on fantasy writing, trends in the world of romance writing and writing for teens. There will also be a panel on mystery writing, which will include Harpswell-based Kate Clarke Flora, co-author of the Edgar-nominated Finding Amy: A True Story of Murder in Maine.

The Maine Festival of the Book kicks off with Opening Night to benefit Maine Reads on Friday evening, June 22 at Merrill Auditorium and will feature readings by Pulitzer Prize winners David McCullough and Richard Ford, as well as novelist Dorie McCullough Lawson and others to be announced. Tickets to the pre-performance VIP reception with the authors and complimentary reserved orchestra seating are $50 and can be reserved by contacting Maine Reads at info@mainereads.org or 207.871.9100. General admission tickets to the performance only are $10 and are available through PortTix at 842.0800 starting May 14. All other Maine Festival of the Book events are free.

FIRST LADY LAUNCHES READ WITH ME. 2007

(May 16, 2007) On Thursday, May 17 at a press event at 9:30 am at the Narragansett School in Gorham, First Lady of Maine Karen Baldacci will kick-off the eighth year of Read With ME., a statewide program of Maine Reads aimed at improving literacy and reading skills among Maine’s students. She will be reading in the classroom of kindergarten students. Read With ME. is made possible by the Verizon Foundation.

At the press event, Baldacci will unveil this year’s program. Through Read With ME., every kindergartner in the state has the opportunity to receive a book bag, which includes a copy of this year’s featured book Shape Capers, written and illustrated by Gorham resident Cathryn Falwell. The book is scheduled for release in August in hardcover, but publisher Greenwillow Books, a Division of HarperCollins Publishers, has agreed to specially print softcover books with additional pages for Read With ME. The pages include bookmaking activities written and designed by Falwell for young readers. Each book bag also includes literacy information and a bookmark developed by the Maine Department of Education and illustrated by Falwell. Schools have been provided with videos about reading aloud produced by Maine Public Broadcasting and the Maine State Library. New this year, will be a technology component available on the Maine Reads website and through the schools; it will feature a Web cast with the author/illustrator. Each year the featured book is selected by a committee of educators, parents, teachers, librarians, literacy professionals, and authors.

Baldacci will read Shape Capers to a classroom of kindergartners at the press event. She will be joined by Falwell, who will engage the children in an art project. Program supporters, including Edward Dinan, President of Verizon Maine, and members of the board of trustees for Maine Reads, will be in attendance as well. Maine Reads is the umbrella literacy organization for Read With ME. and is spearheaded by the First Lady.

Recently, Baldacci sent letters to principals in each school in Maine that has kindergarten students inviting them to take part in the program. Each participating school will receive the books and literacy information as school opens in September. Packing and delivery of program materials to the schools will be handled by the Maine National Guard, the Verizon Pioneers volunteer organization, and Verizon employees. Last year, Read With ME. reached more than 18,000 students' families across the state.

Through their support of Maine Reads, the Verizon Foundation has awarded a $75,000 grant to Read With ME. to help underwrite the program and provide all of the books and information at no cost to the schools and students. Maine Reads is part of the Verizon Foundation’s support of a variety of programs that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, enriching communities through technology and creating a skilled work force. For more information log onto www.mainereads.org.

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Directions to:
Narragansett School, 284 Main Street, Gorham, ME, 04038, 839-5017

For Narragansett School, continue into the village, turn right onto Route 25 at first light. Go straight through one set of lights and the blinking yellow. School will be on the left.

If you come in from 202:
Follow 202 into Gorham--go to light in center of town (by Amatos, Gorham House of Pizza) go straight through light about 1 1/2 miles (through lights and 1 yellow blinking light) Narragansett School will be on the left directly after police/fire station.

OR If you come in on 114:
From the 114N Center of Gorham - Take a right at Amatos (Rt 25) About 1 1/2 miles (through 2working lights and 1 yellow blinking light) Narragansett School will be on the left after police/fire station.

OR If you come in from the 95 South
Take Turnpike to Westbrook. Rand Road Exit.
Take left @ light onto Rt 25. Follow Rt 25 into Gorham {you will take 1 left to bypass downtown Westbrook other than straight into Gorham} Once in Gorham, you will see a Flag Center on your right. Drive about 1/4 mile to the entrance on Narragansett School on the right.

Mrs. Maine to Launch Read-Aloud Program for Children

(April 15) In her ongoing effort to improve literacy, Mrs. Maine 2006, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino of Falmouth, will tour the state reading aloud to children as a volunteer ambassador for Maine Reads. Maine Reads is dedicated to advancing literacy in children and adults by coordinating reading programs, schools, libraries, volunteers and other literacy partners and can be found on the web at www.mainereads.org.

Guarino plans on traveling throughout the state of Maine visiting schools and preschools to hold storytimes. At these events, she will also bring homemade cookies from her business Tahoe Cookie Company, which she founded. She will be donating chocolate chip cookies to kids in connection with Maine Reads and other organizations throughout the state of Maine. Oakhurst Dairy will be donating milk for the storytimes, when possible.

Guarino moved to Maine in 2004 from California where she was extremely active with children's literacy efforts and was able to donate thousands of chocolate chip cookies to support literacy outreach programs including author Dave Eggers's literacy nonprofit for children 826Valencia.

"I look forward to continuing my literacy work in Maine and working with Maine Reads, " said Guarino. "I hope to compliment the efforts of those that have already been working so hard to make the various reading programs throughout the State of Maine successful.

Storytimes in Maine will be kicked off with the first being held at the Falmouth Public Library on May 6 from 2-4. To register contact Louise Capizzo at lcapizzo@falmouth.lib.me.us or call 207 781-2351.

Guarino will represent Maine at the Mrs. United States Pageant in July in Las Vegas. You can learn more about Mrs. Maine at www.mrsmaineus.com

If you would like to set up a storytime for your school, library or organization, please contact Elizabeth@mrsmaineus.com.

Contact Mrs. Maine:
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
9 Terison Drive Falmouth, Maine 04105
207-797-4241
Elizabeth@mrsmaineus.com
www.mrsmaineus.com

Contact Maine Reads:
Sarah Cecil
19 South Street, Suite 4B, Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 871-9100 (866) ME READS
info@mainereads.org
www.mainereads.org

MAINE READS GRANTS AWARDED TO LIBRARIES STATEWIDE

(July 20, 2005) The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project, a new grants program spearheaded by First Lady of Maine Karen Baldacci and targeting Maine libraries, announces the recipients of its 2005 implementation grant awards. This new literacy initiative is a program of Maine Reads and is designed to strengthen the interaction of Maine libraries and their communities.

The fifteen libraries that received full or partial funding were: Auburn Public Library, Augusta school libraries in conjunction with Maine Parent Federation, Orono Public Library, Fort Fairfield Public Library, Island Librarians (Deer Isle), Norway Memorial Library, Belgrade Public Library, Wells Public Library, York Public Library, Rumford Elementary School Library, Bangor Public Library, Coolidge Public Library (Solon), Rangeley Public Library, Lewiston Public Library, and Southern Maine Medical Center Library. Projects and programs receiving funding ranged from the creation of a mobile unit to deliver books and programs to a rural community, to a readers' theatre workshop to a literacy program designed to develop kindergarten reading readiness skills. Targetted audiences ranged from children, to male teens and adolescents, to seniors.

Grant awards will help to cover the cost of presenting a project or program developed in response to literacy needs as discovered through Maine Reads Community Literacy Project planning grant process. To receive Maine Reads Community Literacy Project implementation grants funding, libraries had to first apply to Maine Reads for planning grant funding. Twenty-eight libraries received planning grants in January and, as part of that grant, presented local literacy advisory panels, held a public forum on literacy, reviewed existing literacy programs, and determined literacy needs and possible collaborative projects addressing those needs. Libraries that fulfilled the requirements of the planning grant were eligible to apply for a Maine Reads Community Literacy Project implementation grant. Implementation grant funding ranged from $500 to $2,000. Findings submitted by planning grants recipients will be posted on the Maine Reads website.

"We're delighted with the range of libraries that responded to the Maine Reads Community Literacy Project," said Mrs. Baldacci. "The results of this project should give libraries and other literacy and educational organizations an understanding of what's happening around the state and what our literacy needs are at a very grassroots level."

The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project is designed to help identify unmet literacy needs and to develop projects and activities to meet those identified needs. Its goal is to increase literacy in Maine through the participation of our communities and use of our libraries. The plan is to generate exciting literacy programs that enlist the involvement of community leaders and literacy, arts and educational organizations, using libraries as the foundation for these programs.

The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project (MRCLP) is made possible by Verizon’s Check Into Literacy program, the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, the Margaret H. Burnham Trust, and Maine Community Foundation. Maine Reads is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote literacy through public policy, fund raising for literacy projects statewide, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to access quality literacy programs. For the past five years, Maine Reads has presented Read with ME., an outreach program that gets books to Maine’s kindergartners and is made possible by Verizon.

The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project is funded in part by Verizon customers using their Verizon phone bill to support literacy initiatives in Maine. Through its Check Into Literacy program, Verizon customers can make a $1 tax-deductible donation each month to Verizon Reads, a public charity established by Verizon and committed to promoting literacy throughout the United States. Verizon adds $1 to the total amount on the monthly statements of customers who participate in the program. The extra dollar that Maine customers pay each month will go to Maine literacy programs. Customers can contact their local Verizon business office to sign up for the program or simply “check the box” on their bill. Maine Reads thanks everyone participating in this program and encourages more Verizon customers to “Check Into Literacy.”

According to the National Adult Literacy Survey, 92 million adults in the United States have low literacy skills. They can read, but not well enough to fill out applications, read food labels or simple stories to their children.

“By increasing literacy skills, we’re giving people with low literacy the tools to help them find and keep decent jobs, support their children's education and contribute actively in our communities,” said Ed Dinan, president of Verizon Maine. “But we can’t do this without support and funding. Verizon customers who participate in this program are showing how much they care about our state and are helping us provide Maine Reads programs through their generosity. We applaud them for it.”

Verizon is dedicated to support efforts to improve literacy in the communities it serves. The company recognizes that economic growth and business success depend on having a skilled and literate workforce. Since its inception, the Check into Literacy program has raised more than $2.6 million from customer donations for the cause of literacy. Verizon also donated almost $20 million last year (2003) to support literacy causes nationwide through the Verizon Foundation.

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Library 2005 Maine Reads Community Literacy Project Implementation Grant Awards
Auburn Public Library
“Lewiston-Auburn Reads!”
Collaborate with area literacy organizations (including monthly meetings), compile list of services available. Targeting adult-new readers and ESL adults. Purchase appropriate books (including job skills, health and wellness and other practical books), and offer outreach programming to these audiences.

Bangor Public Library
“Leap into the Library”
Working with transient pre-schoolers and their families, will offer programming designed to attract these audiences and introduce them to library offerings. Will provide a book for every child. Working with area schools and other organizations to find this audience.

Coolidge Public Library (Solon)
“Opening Doors, Opening Books”
To present programs designed to increase library hours and library use by residents. Theatre, author reading components and outreach to local elementary school.

Island Librarians (Deer Isle)
"All Fishermen Tell Stories: Island Read-a-Thon"
Using a community read program featuring books by Trevor Corson and resident Linda Greenlaw as a launching pad for a storytelling program designed to break down any perception of reading as an "unnecessary, difficult, or unattainable" skill. Culminates with a storytelling competition.

Fort Fairfield Public Library
Present special events during the Potato Blossom Festival (on Maine Street where the library is located) designed to draw festival attendees into the library.

Kezar Falls Circulating Library
“Reading Beyond the School Walls”
Busing children ages 7-10 from South Hiram Elementary School twice a year to engage them in library activities with a poetry focus. Each child would receive a poetry book and be invited to share their original work on the second visit and present at a poetry slam.

Lewiston Public Library
“Readers Theatre Workshop”
Ten-week series of workshops in Readers Theatre and other oral interpretation techniques designed to bring literature to life through the spoken word. Training a cadre of readers; partnering with local theatre groups.

Norway Public Library
“Dragon Rider Readers”
Piggybacking the 2005 statewide summer reading program “Dragons, Dreams & Daring Deeds,” Norway will tackle children whose reading skills decline over the summer by creating a mobile unit designed to deliver books and programs in the Oxford Hills area.

Orono Public Library
“Outreach Senior Programming”
To create programming designed to bring books and library services (primarily computer classes) to the audience currently “least served” by the library.

Rangeley Public Library
“Boys to Men”
To present 5 evening programs featuring high-profile male role-models (NASCAR, pro-baseball, competitive snowboarding, aviation, and photography). Goal is to encourage bonding among generations of family members while sowing new attitudes about the library and its offerings.

Rumford Elementary School
“Extreme Readers”
Books discussion series targeting fifth graders (the age when reluctant reader ways hit). Area high school students who are role models (Nat’l Honor Society, sports stars, etc.) will participate by promoting reading. Group will make book purchase suggestions and thereby “buy-in,” also.

Southern ME. Medical Center Library (Biddeford)
“SMMC Health Literacy Project”
A program designed to improve the health of the community while acknowledging low literacy levels. While focusing on nutrition and health activities will teach basic math and reading skills while teaching healthy cooking and medical practices through workshops.

Wells Public Library
“Passport to Wells”
Collaborating with various organizations (including Wells Rec and area businesses), a series of art and reading programs designed for junior high-aged youth, will be held at various locations. Workshop subjects include: producing the graphic novel, mural painting, and storytelling. Participants get free items at area businesses through a “passport” rewards system. Programs are four 2.5 hour-long sessions, one afterschool session per week, for four weeks over a two-year period.

York Public Library
“Ready, Set, Go!”
A literacy program fostering kindergarten readiness skills. Targets parents and children, with special efforts made to recruit students identified “at risk” during the spring kindergarten screening process. Emphasis on phonemic awareness activities, effective strategies for reading, developing social skills, and easing the transition into kindergarten.

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FIRST LADY TO TAKE PART IN "READ WITH ME." INITIATIVE ON AUGUST 23rd

AUGUSTA, MAINE (August 22, 2005) – First Lady Karen Baldacci will highlight the importance of reading during a press conference and book bag-assembling project for the literacy outreach program Read with ME. on Tuesday, August 23rd. The First Lady, who is a former kindergarten teacher, spearheads Maine Reads, the umbrella organization for Read with ME.

Mrs. Baldacci will join Maine author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen and Verizon Maine President Ed Dinan, as well as 50 volunteers, on Tuesday, August 23 at 9:30 am at the Armory on Western Avenue in Augusta to help prepare 18,000 book bags for delivery by the Maine Army National Guard and Verizon technicians, to incoming kindergarten students throughout Maine. Recently, Mrs. Baldacci sent letters to principals at each school in Maine that has kindergarten students and invited them to participate in the program. The students at those schools that do participate will receive book bags after school opens in September.

This year's book bags will include the book Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen of Camden, Maine, as well as reading activity sheets, a resource guide, and a bookmark developed by the author-illustrator and the Maine Department of Education. Videos about reading aloud have been produced by Maine Public Broadcasting and the Maine State Library and distributed to school libraries statewide.

Maine Reads is a 501c3 non profit aimed at improving literacy and reading skills in Maine and is part of the Verizon Reads national program. It is the sixth year Verizon has made the Read with ME. program possible. All of the books and information are provided at no cost to the schools or students. Through their support of Maine Reads, the Verizon Foundation has supported Read with ME. with a $70,000 grant. Maine Reads is part of the Verizon Foundation’s support of a variety of programs that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, enriching communities through technology and creating a skilled work force. The Foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts for nonprofit organizations. For more information about Read with ME. and Maine Reads, go to www.mainereads.org

LIBRARIES RECEIVING MAINE READS GRANTS ANNOUNCED

(February 1, 2005) The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project, a new grants program spearheaded by First Lady of Maine Karen Baldacci and targeting Maine libraries, announces the recipients of its 2005 planning grants. This new literacy initiative is a program of Maine Reads and is designed to strengthen the interaction of Maine libraries and their communities.

To receive Maine Reads Community Literacy Project planning grants funding, libraries had to apply to Maine Reads and agree to develop local literacy advisory panels, hold a public forum on literacy, review existing literacy programs, and determine literacy needs and possible collaborative projects addressing those needs. Libraries that fulfill the requirements of the planning grant are eligible to apply for a Maine Reads Community Literacy Project implementation grant. Findings submitted by planning grants recipients will be posted on the Maine Reads website.

The twenty-eight libraries that received planning grants were: Auburn Public Library, Pittsfield Public Library, Windham Public Library, Orono Public Library, McArthur Library (Biddeford), Livermore Falls High School Library, Fort Fairfield Public Library, Glenburn Library, Deer Isle Stonington High School Lbrary, Hubbard Free Library, Norway Memorial Library, Belgrade Public Library, Wells, Public Library, York Public Library, Belfast Free Library, Prince Memorial Library (Cumberland), Rumford Elementary School Library, Bangor Public Library, Coolidge Public Library (Solon), Rangeley Public Library, Springvale Public Library, Lewiston Public Library, Southern Maine Medical Center Library, Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library (West Paris), Casco Public Library, Palermo Library Guild, Rockland Public Library, and Kezar Falls Circulating Library.

The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project is designed to help identify unmet literacy needs and to develop projects and activities to meet those identified needs. Its goal is to increase literacy in Maine through the participation of our communities and use of our libraries. The plan is to generate exciting literacy programs that enlist the involvement of community leaders and literacy, arts and educational organizations, using libraries as the foundation for these programs.

The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project (MRCLP) is made possible by Verizon’s Check Into Literacy program, the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, the Margaret H. Burnham Trust, and Maine Community Foundation. Maine Reads is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote literacy through public policy, fund raising for literacy projects statewide, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to access quality literacy programs. For the past five years, Maine Reads has presented Read with ME., an outreach program that gets books to Maine’s kindergartners and is made possible by Verizon.

The Maine Reads Community Literacy Project is funded in part by Verizon customers using their Verizon phone bill to support literacy initiatives in Maine. Through its Check Into Literacy program, Verizon customers can make a $1 tax-deductible donation each month to Verizon Reads, a public charity established by Verizon and committed to promoting literacy throughout the United States. Verizon adds $1 to the total amount on the monthly statements of customers who participate in the program. The extra dollar that Maine customers pay each month will go to Maine literacy programs. Customers can contact their local Verizon business office to sign up for the program or simply “check the box” on their bill. Maine Reads thanks everyone participating in this program and encourages more Verizon customers to “Check Into Literacy.”

Verizon is dedicated to support efforts to improve literacy in the communities it serves. The company recognizes that economic growth and business success depend on having a skilled and literate workforce. Since its inception, the Check into Literacy program has raised more than $2.6 million from customer donations for the cause of literacy. Verizon also donated almost $20 million last year (2003) to support literacy causes nationwide through the Verizon Foundation.

NEW LITERACY EVENT PRESENTED

( AUGUSTA) Augusta will launch a new literacy program. Augusta Reads: Fantasy Challenge is a program aimed at students throughout the city in grades 6, 7 and 8. The Challenge will be held Sunday, May 16 from 1-3 pm in Augusta's Cony High School cafeteria and will be emceed by Maine humorist Gary Crocker.

Augusta Reads consists of a panel of members of the community who are concerned with the issue of literacy for all ages. This community literacy project is a pilot program of Maine Reads, a non-profit organization founded to raise awareness of literacy issues, which is headed by First Lady Karen Baldacci and is made possible by Verizon. The Fantasy Challenge is made possible by Kennebec Savings Bank, Gardiner Savings Bank, the Kennebec Journal, Verizon, Scholastic Books and Penguin Putnam Inc.

"Augusta Reads: Fantasy Challenge is a literacy project that’s aimed at getting middle schoolers interested and involved in reading, comprehending and discussing two books," said the First Lady recently. "I hope it captivates their imagination and encourages them to read more. What a great idea! This pilot project provides a model on how Augusta can strengthen its community through reading, literacy programs and libraries."

The event is open to students attending public, parochial and home schools in Augusta. The Augusta Reads panel selected two books for the students to read; Forests of Silence, the first book in the Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda, and Redwall, the first book in the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. Students wishing to participate in the Challenge must create a team of 3 to 6 people from grades 6-8, and register their teams at their school library or at Lithgow. The teams then read the books, and compete at the Challenge by answering trivia questions about the books. Teams that dress in costumes based on the books will earn extra points and a chance of winning prizes. Registration begins March 29 th and ends April 30 th. The books were made available to check out at school libraries and at Lithgow Public Library on March 29th. There will be prizes as well as other activities and refreshments on May 16 th. For more information contact Sarah O’Sullivan at the Lithgow Public Library at 626-2415 in youth services.