By Elizabeth Bowman
In collaboration with BYU, the Provo City Library at Academy Square has launched a 'Sarah, Plain and Tall' reading program.
BYU Theatre and Media Arts Department performances of the book begin this week. After reading the book, children are awarded free tickets to the performance.
'We''re encouraging people to read the same book to promote discussion and literacy,' said Carla Morris, children services manager at the Provo City Library.
The reading program is molded after many other similar programs across the nation to promote family literacy. Ken Crossley, marketing manager for BYU''s Theatre and Media Arts Department, proposed the program, ProvoReads, to the city library. Last year, BYU and the library showcased 'Holes' for families to read.
'It was my hope that through the partnership a new audience would be developed for theater for young audiences, while at the same time encouraging families to read together,' Crossley said.
After reading the book, children can go to the 'kid''s corner' in the library and receive two free tickets for the play. To promote discussion of the book, the meet and greet discussion will take place at 12 p.m. in the Pardoe Theatre, located in the Harris Fine Arts Center, before each of the matinees.
Morris said the library encourages children to read the book, get their free tickets and take a sack lunch to the meet and greet to discuss the play and book.