Booklovers delight in free reads

Superior book lovers will hand out 180 free paperbacks between 3:15 and 4 p.m. Monday at the Superior Middle School Library as part of World Book Night.

The annual celebration is designed to spread a love of reading and books. Launched in 2011 in the United Kingdom, it went international this year. The goal of World Book Night is to seek out reluctant adult readers wherever they are and provide them with books, according to the nonprofit organization’s website.

“The Superior Middle School has really worked hard to promote reading and get students to do it for enjoyment, not just because they have to do it,” said Andrea Moreau, literacy coach and reading teacher for the school. “We know that if kids read for pleasure, they will become better at it, and if we can get the community reading and excited about books, it provides a great example for our students.”

Six SMS teachers, two Superior High School teachers and the district’s director of curriculum and instruction all requested books this year. Each received 20 books of their choice to give away. Titles include Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games,” “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak, “Friday Night Lights” by H.G. Bissinger and “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien.

“What I love about the books that we have to give away, is that not only are they great reads for young adults, they are excellent for adults too,” Moreau said. “What an amazing conversation you can have with kids by sharing books! “

The literacy coach chose to give away copies of “The Hunger Games,” as did a number of other teachers.

“Not only are kids excited about it, but plenty of adults are reading and discussing it,” Moreau said. “It’s definitely hot right now. I think I know more adults than students who have read the series.” The book constantly checked out from the SMS library and there’s a waiting list to get it.

“I have bought the book multiple times so that I could read it, only to give it away to a kid so that they could read it,” Moreau said. “As soon as a copy comes back to me, I end up giving it out again and I still haven’t gotten to read it.”

The participants were shocked that so many books were earmarked for Superior, but happy to spread the joy of reading.

“I think it is wonderful concept and idea,” Moreau said. “I can’t imagine a greater gift to be able to give people than a great book to read, and it’s really exciting to be able to share something that I love so much with the community.”

There is no cost for the givers to take part in the event. They can choose the books they want to distribute from a list of 30 titles. The special, not-for-resale editions are provided free of charge.

The World Book Night organization hopes to give out half a million books in a single day throughout the United States. To make that happen, authors are foregoing royalties and American book publishers, the American Booksellers Association, Barnes & Noble, the American Library Association, the Association of American Publishers, Ingram Book Company, UPS and a dozen printers and binders have paid for the production and shipping.

To learn more about World Book Night, go to www.worldbooknight.org.

For a free copy of “The Hunger Games” or another title, stop by the middle school library Monday afternoon. Books will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Refreshments provided by the middle school Family and Consumer Science classes and their teacher, Ruth Slawik and the event will showcase the hub of the school, the library.

“So, even if you do not get a book, it’s definitely worth stopping in,” Moreau said.

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