LaBelle readers get into 'One

LaBelle readers are taking up the challenge presented by the "One Book, One Community" literacy project. The nationwide project officially begins in LaBelle today (Wednesday), with a kick off ceremony at Barron Library at 5 p.m.

The project involves uniting the entire community, all of Hendry County, by asking people throughout the county to read the same book. The first book chosen for this on-going project is called "Pay It Forward," by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

The project kicked off in Clewiston on March 25.

Some 50 paperback copies are initially available at Barron Library, free while they last. There are also audio tapes and copies of the book are at LaBelle High School. Head Librarian Doris Cutshall said the library also has hardbound books and large type volumes to be checked out.

"Pay It Forward" is the story of a young boy who receives an extra credit assignment from a teacher, to "Think of an idea for world change, and put it into action."

In that vein, the idea of the One Book, One Community project is to promote literacy and community spirit by participating in the project. It is hoped that getting many members of the community reading and talking about the same book, at the same time, will present opportunities for discussion and common ground for people of all backgrounds.

Janet Papinaw, Executive Director of the Empowerment Alliance of Southwest Florida, said the book's concept has sparked a movement called the Pay It Forward Foundation, which provides mini-grants and other assistance to teachers and students interested in starting their own projects.

Ms. Papinaw said Ms. Ryan Hyde's book was chosen by a committee out of 150 nominations.

"We threw out "Green Eggs and Ham" and "War and Peace." We wanted something that would be inspirational to people, that would keep adults interested without being too juvenile but not something that you needed to have a dictionary with you to be able to read," Ms. Papinaw said.

"One Book, One Community," initiative started in Seattle in 1998 and has spread around the country, although sometimes under different names.

Governor Jeb Bush, his mother Barbara Bush and President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush have identified education as a key goal for every community and all support the project.

At their April 8 meeting, LaBelle City Commissioners matched the $1,000 donations from Clewiston and Hendry County for the project.

For more information on the nationwide foundation, visit the payitforwardfoundation.org website.