It's time again to read and bake

March 28, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. —Book readers and book eaters can get ready for the ninth annual Read-A-Thon and the fifth annual Edible Book Contest.

The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries are looking for readers for its Read-A-Thon to be held April 4-6 and entries for the Edible Book Contest April 7.

During the Read-A-Thon, participants share a 10-minute segment of a short story, poem, play or excerpt from a favorite book under the canopy at the Plaza of the Americas in front of Library West. More than 50 reading slots are open.

“Ten minutes might be really funny and filled with humor, and the next might be really dark and serious,” said Barbara Hood, the public information officer for Smathers Libraries.

The Read-A-Thon will take place Monday, April 4, through Wednesday, April 6. On Monday and Wednesday, there will be open-topic reading from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Tuesday, participants will read to Baby Gators’ preschoolers and P.K. Yonge’s second-graders from 10 a.m. to noon. Open-topic reading will resume from noon to 2 p.m.

The event, which celebrates National Library Week, will feature free Five Star Pizza for readers and listeners.

The Edible Book Contest will take place on the walkway in front of Library West on Thursday, April 7. A team of judges will determine the winner in each of the following categories: Most Realistic Book, Best Pun, Best Adult’s Book and Best Children’s Book. The public is invited to vote for the People’s Choice entry from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.

Last year, there were more than 40 entries and a Green-Eggs-and-Ham-themed creation won the People’s Choice category. Winners are given prizes that are donated from local sponsors. Prizes from previous years included restaurant gift certificates, cook books and cooking supplies.

Entries must relate to a book in some way and be edible. Winners will be announced at 12:15 p.m.

Both events are free and open to the public. For more information and to sign up for the Read-A-Thon and the Edible Book Contest, visit http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/readathon.