Lafayette Reads Together begins tomorrow, with the book Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard.
The event is a community-wide reading program from the Lafayette Public Library, the Lafayette Parish School System and many local organizations aimed at encouraging everyone in the community to read and discuss the featured book.
Free copies of the book will be available at all library branches, donated by the Lafayette Public Library Foundation, beginning Monday, January 14. If you want to buy a copy, you can find it here and here.
The book is about ultramarathon runner and author Dion Leonard’s encounter with a small dog while competing in the Gobi March, a grueling 250 kilometer race through China’s Gobi Desert. On the second stage of the marathon, he noticed the dog following him. The book is a “heartwarming tale about a little lost dog and the seasoned runner who saved her,” a release from the library says.
Activities include An Evening with Author Dion Leonard on Tuesday, January 29 at the Main Library (6:15 – 7:30 pm). He will talk about his journey in Finding Gobi while running an ultramarathon in the Gobi Desert. Along the way, he discovered many things about himself and China. A book signing will follow.
Also on tap are the Finding Gobi book discussions. The special guest is Christine Duay, LPSS Director of Early Childhood. She will bring along her service dog, Willow. The book discussions will take place on Monday, February 11 at the Main Library (6:30 – 7:30 pm) and Monday, February 18 at the South Regional Library (6:30 – 7:30 pm).
Library programs now through March 16 will include film showings, presentations, and programs for teens and children. Businesses and groups can also join this effort, simply by agreeing to have members read the book, and distributing books to employees or hosting programs.
Lafayette Reads Together is sponsored by the Lafayette Public Library Foundation. Community partners include the Lafayette Public Library System, Lafayette Parish School System, Lafayette Consolidated Government, Lafayette Utilities System, LUS Fiber, BBR Creative, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Asian Chamber of Commerce of Acadiana, Healthy Acadiana and AOC Community Media.
