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Carlton A. Sears
LIBRARY DIRECTOR
“Why do I love reading? Reading is my source of inspiration and new ideas. It’s the fuel that keeps my mind active. Reading gives me information about the world I live in so that I can live more fully. It gives me a way to verify truth from fiction. And, it allows me to lose myself into a good story to relax from daily challenges.
“I simply can’t imagine what the world would be like if I couldn’t read.
“Why do I love libraries? They are so eclectic. Libraries offer lots of choices that enable people to fully realize their potential; and all the choices are good!” |
Jay Williams
MAYOR, CITY OF YOUNGSTOWN
Read: Succeed. What better role model is there than the 47th Mayor of the City of Youngstown?
Mayor Williams is the first African-American to be elected to that position, and having been elected at 34 years of age, he is also the youngest.
Youngstown has moved progressively under his leadership. You can read about the City’s planning and development efforts by visiting a library and looking in notable publications such as The Wall Street Journal, New York Times Magazine, USA Today and Governing magazine. |
The Library's Smart Money program is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart Investing @ your library®, a partnership with the American Library Association.
PLYMC has formed local partnerships with the following community agencies to promote financial literacy initiatives especially to young families: Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way, Mahoning County Financial Stability Partnership, Mahoning/Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP), Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley, Inc., Mahoning County Coalition for Community Reinvestment, Child Care Connection, Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority, Youngstown Economic Development Office, WFMJ-TV 21, WKBN-TV-27, and WYTV-TV -33.
For more information: www.libraryvisit.org/smartmoney.htm
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Cinda Williams Chima
OHIO AUTHOR
Cinda Williams Chima, an award-winning author, also teaches at the University of Akron.
Her fantasy novels, “The Warrior Heir” and “The Wizard Heir,” will soon be joined by the third companion book, “The Dragon Heir.”
What advice does she have for budding authors? “Every writer should read widely and often. It is like treating yourself to a series of private seminars with the masters.”
http://www.cindachima.com/ |
Dr. Louis Zona, Director
BUTLER INSTITUTE
OF AMERICAN ART
Dr. Zona understands the importance of reading and chose to be photographed with the Norman Rockwell painting “Lincoln the Railsplitter,” which depicts a young Abe Lincoln reading. We all know how Mr. Lincoln’s habit of reading led to his success. Rockwell’s 1965 oil painting was unveiled at the Butler in February of 2007.
Of this painting, Dr. Zona wrote, “I hope this painting might inspire the youth of this land to appreciate this man who believed so much in the value of education.” |
Chris Crutcher,
award-winning author of teen novels.
The author of "Deadline," "Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes," and "Whale Talk," has never shied away from difficult subject matter. He was a counselor first and his life experience touched the pages of his novels. "I write what I know, and because I've been a child and family therapist, working mostly with child abuse and neglect for the past twenty or so years, those stories are the kind that pop up." Chris says he feels proud when he's made someone think or gotten an emotional response.
http://www.chriscrutcher.com/ |
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Proudly representing the Hispanic community in our richly diverse area are Miguel Labra and Grimilda Ocasio-Santiago for TeenXTreme, The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
Miguel’s book choice for this poster is “Other worlds: Images of the Cosmos from Earth and Space” by James Trefil. Grimilda chose “The Beatles Anthology.” |
Hamish
K-9’s for Compassion
Hamish is a certified therapy dog with K-9’s for Compassion, a local chapter of the Delta Society. One of Hamish’s many talents involves the K-9’s reading program, where children have an opportunity to read to dogs. Why? Because in these furry companions, children find a friend who won’t judge their reading abilities if they stumble over a word. They grow in confidence and learn to enjoy reading. Hamish loves his human, Megan, who loves Hamish and her job as a librarian.
Megan says of Hamish: “He enjoys coming to story times, listening to kids read to him and participating in library programs! He especially likes the attention and petting he receives for all his hard work. Hamish loves teaching children about being safe around dogs, including his own breed, the Borzoi.” |
Angela Johnson
OHIO AUTHOR
Ms. Johnson, a critically acclaimed author, makes her home in Kent, Ohio. Her writings span from children’s books to novels for teens. Several of her young adult works, including “Heaven” and “The First Part Last,” have been honored with the American Library Association’s prestigious Coretta Scott King Award for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. She has also earned the ALA’s Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature.
Why is reading important to Angela Johnson? “We all could be better and kinder human travelers if we read more.” |
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Angee Shaker
Newscaster Angee Shaker chose the book “Women Don’t Ask” because of its significance in her life. “This book changed my life. It reinforced my belief that women not only should ask for what we deserve, but that we have a right to ask in ways that feel both comfortable and possible – whether it’s asking for a raise or negotiating household chores with a spouse. The authors present positive strategies to help women balance the inequity of the value we bring to our professional and personal lives and the compensation we receive for it.” |
AC and Kelly
HOTFM-101
WAKE UP CREW
Do AC and Kelly read?
You bet!
AC’s book choice for this poster is “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. Kelly chose “The Giving Tree,” a children’s book by Shel Silverstein.
You’ll notice that in this photo, AC and Kelly are standing very near another love of theirs - music CDs, which you can check out at a nearby library. |
Proudly representing the Hispanic community in our richly diverse area is Iris Torres Guglucello, Youngstown City Law Director, for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County
Ms. Guglucello's book choice for this poster is “When I was Puerto Rican” by Esmeralda Santiago. |
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Rich Morgan
WKBN 27 FIRST NEWS
WEATHERCASTER
Rich Morgan is a long-time library user and frequents the Brownlee Woods branch. He has been a strong supporter of reading for many years.
How did he get reacquainted with reading on a regular basis?
”My son renewed my interest in books because when he was young he read stacks of library books. I started reading Westerns, a favorite from my childhood. Now I mix Louis L’Amour books with a wide variety of authors and subjects.” |
Tricia Perry
For Tricia Perry and daughter Lucia, reading is a family affair. “Mahoning County’s libraries are getting better and better. Our libraries are places where you can spend hours with the family, thanks to the many activities, resources and, of course, the cafe!
Lucia and I often spend time at the Poland branch. I have been reading to her since birth, and now, at 4, she is as hooked on books as I am. I often find them in her purse, in the car or in bed with her. Because she reads, I know she will be fine as she lives her life.” |
Coach Jon Heacock
Youngstown State
University Football
As a college football coach, Jon Heacock knows how important reading and libraries are to a student’s success, both on and off the field.
His book selection is one of his favorites. It demonstrates an outlook that gives us a glimpse at his coaching style and why his team is so successful.
He chose “The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team” by John C. Maxwell. |
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Proudly representing the Hispanic community in our richly diverse area is Luis M. Arroyo, Director of Family Services, Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court, for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County
Mr. Arroyo's book choice for this poster is “If I Only Knew Then: Learning from our Mistakes” by Charles Grodin. |
Barry Louis Polisar is a true pioneer in the world of books and music for children and his songs and stories can be heard on radio and TV. This four-time Parents' Choice Award winner has written numerous children's books, poems and stories.
He travels throughout the U.S. and Europe visiting schools and libraries. Barry has performed at The White House, The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
He has written songs for Sesame Street and The Weekly Reader, starred in an Emmy Award-winning television show for children, and has been featured regularly on The Learning Channel. The Library was pleased to host Barry in June 2007.
http://www.barrylou.com/ |
Louie Free
WASN 1500 AM and
webcast at LouieFreeShow.com
Talk radio is Louie Free’s venue. His focus is improving our community by providing guests who educate, as well as entertain.
Louie is a strong advocate of libraries and makes sure his monthly schedule of interviews includes a wide range of authors. His interest in preserving America’s freedoms is reflected when he says: “Our libraries are the last vestiges of true freedom in America. Reading allows true freedom and choice. We choose what we read and to what length; it is not decided for us by some 24-hour news service or entertainment company.” |
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Father Edward Noga
PASTOR, ST. PATRICK CHURCH
Father Noga is known for his enthusiasm for facilitating positive change in the community.
He has been a motivating force to build interest in the new library projects in Youngstown, most notably the library that will soon be built at the corner of Market Street and Midlothian Boulevard, near his parish.
In 1998, Father Noga was instrumental in bringing to the community a faith-based organization, ACTION, which is a county-wide coalition of congregations working together for positive social and economic change in the Mahoning Valley. |
Bertram de Souza
THE VINDICATOR
Where would an editorial writer and columnist be without reading?
Bertram de Souza works in a medium for readers – the daily newspaper The Vindicator.
But to Bertram, reading is more than catching up on the day’s news. He says, “I read because my imagination cries out to be fed.”
The Vindicator also encourages students to develop good reading habits through its Newspapers in Education program. |
Dan Rivers
NEWSRADIO 570 WKBN
A radio talk-show host must be well read and informed. And, Dan Rivers certainly is.
Dan chose the book, “Why Not?” – and here’s why: “I love this book because it turns the tables on much of today’s thinking. Instead of signing up as an ‘organ donor,’ you opt out if you choose not to be a donor. Instead of paying a flat rate for car insurance, how about paying just for the miles driven? When you rent a car, how about a discount for not speeding? We have season passes to swimming and health clubs; how about season passes to movie theaters? I love how books encourage new ways to look at the world. And did I mention portability? No batteries required!” |
Library Catalog
READ: SUCCEED. These two words go together well. When you think about reading, do you think about The Library? Then you’re in good company. Just look below for examples of individuals who recognize the role of reading in reaching their goals.