Orland Park Library Encourages Kids To READ With Local Officials

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Park Public Library has hopped on the American Library Association created concept of READ posters. The concept began in 1985, when the ALA created posters of celebrities reading.

Not every celebrity the ALA approached has signed on to be featured in a READ poster, but those that do participate do so out of the kindness of their heart and understanding for the importance of encouraging Americans to read, according to a news release from the library. Popular ALA READ posters of the past have featured Michael Jordan, Harrison Ford, Bill Gates, and most recently Baby Yoda.

The Orland Park Public Library said it reached out to local, Orland Park officials and celebrities to be photographed while reading. All the 2021 READ posters that the library has made so far are posted on the wall in the Youth Services department in the library.

“It is such an easy thing to be photographed reading, but it goes a long way in the community to help encourage kids to read,” said Communications Manager Jackie Boyd. “We look forward to making some more of these posters soon.”

The READ posters feature Darvin Furniture & Mattress’s President Will Harris, Orland Park Police Chief Joseph Mitchell, Designer Debbi Ross from Insides Looks, Orland Park Fire District’s Chief Michael Schofield, Library Director Mary Adamowski, Library Board Trustee Bridget M. Lindbloom, Library Trustee Nancy W. Healy, Library Trustee Elan Kleis, Library Board Treasurer Daniel McMillan, Library Board Secretary Charles McShane, Library Board Vice-President Christian J. Barcelona, Library Board President Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad, Illinois Representative Fran Hurley, and Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham.

The Orland Park Public Library is located at 14921 S. Ravinia Ave in Orland Park. The library serves the residents of the Village of Orland Park and the surrounding areas.

According to the release, the ALA is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all.