THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 14, 1995 TAG: 9512120120
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
The Norfolk Public Library wants you.
To enlist readers, the library has been holding a ``Look Who's Reading'' poster campaign, featuring popular figures from Norfolk and Hampton Roads.
Mayor Paul D. Fraim and his family, state Sen. Yvonne B. Miller and Norfolk Tides baseball players are among the notables pictured with their favorite books, urging citizens to pick up a good read.
``There are three main purposes in this,'' said library public relations coordinator Wanda Croudy, who conceived the campaign. ``The first is to show the importance of reading. The second is to help influence kids to begin reading early. We're also trying to bring more people into the branches.''
The program's initial promotion began at Waterside and Norfolk International Airport in October. Posters went up Dec. 6 in the Kirn Memorial Library, the city's 11 library branches and at City Hall. The displays will continue indefinitely.
Croudy got the idea for the poster campaign from the American Library Association's ``READ'' program. There has been a decline in library use nationally and in Norfolk, she said. A recent trend that has seen many Norfolk residents going to neighboring city libraries is not the major reason for the program, but the campaign is ``involved with trying to keep people here,'' Croudy said.
There are 26 posters now, with more on the way. People are selected for their popularity and recognizability, with politicians, TV personalities and sports figures pictured on many of the posters. Shots of professional football star Bruce Smith and champion boxer Pernell ``Sweetpea'' Whitaker will be on display in the near future.
Croudy said that everyone she has approached about posing to do a poster has agreed to do so enthusiastically.
Several local professional photographers have donated their services. The 22-by-26-inch posters are in color and black and white, depending on the photographer's preference. Most photos have been taken in the Kirn library.
Croudy said that the campaign has received positive feedback from the public and City Council.
``Now that the posters are in the libraries, we can keep a better track of peoples' responses,'' she noted.
Children have been showing an interest.
``A lot of kids want the Tides poster, but it's not for sale,'' Croudy said. MEMO: POSTER SUBJECTS
Those who have posed for posters include:
Actor/director/producer Tim Reid and his wife, actress Daphane
Maxwell Reid.
U.S. Rep. Robert C. Scott.
State Sen. Yvonne B. Miller.
JoAnn Falletta, music director for the Virginia Symphony.
Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim, with his family.
Members of the 1995 Norfolk Tides baseball team.
Norfolk Police Chief Melvin C. High.
Stan ``The Man'' Verrett, WOWI-FM morning disc jockey.
Wendy Larry, head coach of the Old Dominion University women's
basketball team.
WTKR Channel 3 personalities Kurt Williams, Jane Gardner, Glenn
Corey, Bruce Barry and Gerald Owens.
WAVY Channel 10 personalities Don Roberts, Carolyn Castleberry,
Alveta Ewell, Lisa Parker, Don Slater and Les Smith, with his daughter.
WVEC Channel 13 personalities Cynthia Lima, Jim Kincaid, Barbara
Ciara and Terry Zahn. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
This poster of actor/director/producer Tim Reid and his wife,
Daphne, is among those on display.
by CNB