Fourth annual ‘read across the county’ campaign focusing on Native American culture
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The fourth annual ‘read across the county’ is taking place next month.
The campaign will focus on developing a more informed understanding of Native American culture.
Held annually as a collaboration between the New Hanover County Public Library, the New Hanover County Office of Diversity and Equity, and the Friends of the Library, this year’s program features three titles chosen for specific age groups, ranging from young children to adults.
Written by North Carolina native Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Even As We Breathe” is the adult and teen title for the summer reading program. The works featured for younger readers are Cynthia Leitich Smith’s “Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids” (middle grade) and Traci Sorell’s “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” (picture book/younger children).
“As we get ready to start our fourth ‘Read across the County,’ we wanted to foster an engaging and insightful conversation about Native American heritage and its importance to our region and country,” said Chief Diversity and Equity Officer Linda Thompson. “We are excited about these titles, but we’re equally excited about the support of local partners to share more about their culture, bringing a deeper understanding and awareness throughout our community.”
Established in 2021, “Read across the County” uses books to bring people of all backgrounds together for a community-wide summer of reading. Corresponding events centered around the selected titles provide further opportunities for engagement and learning for people of all ages in the community. These events run through August and a full calendar is available here.
