Utah State Library Joins First Utah Read-a-Thon

On Oct. 2, the Merrill-Cazier Library at Utah State University joined libraries across the state in participating in the first-ever statewide Read-a-Thon. The event was made to form and strengthen literacy skills in children and encourage all Utahns to join in making a daily habit of reading, according to a news release from Gov. Spencer Cox’s office. 

Cox invited libraries and Utahns to join him in reading for at least an hour. 

Stephanie Western, a collection analyst for USU Libraries, helped organize the event for the library and said she was excited to take part. 

“I knew instantly I wanted the library to participate. I was excited to read the email when I saw it in my inbox,” Western said. 

Western also gave credit to the students in the Center for Academic Belonging and Learning Excellence for their help.  

“We got help from the ABLE office in planning this event. I wouldn’t say it was last-minute, but we did not have very much time to plan, and they were a great help,” Western said. 

When asked about the future of this event, Western expressed her hopes for growth.  

“I hope it can be bigger and better. I also hope that we were able to make the place feel cozy, almost like home.” 

Western estimated that more than 120 students attended.  

“For all the students that didn’t participate today, I would say you don’t need an excuse to come to the library to read or just to relax. We try to make the library as cozy for all students when they are far from home or even just having a rough day. We are here to be a retreat for students on campus.” 

For the Read-a-Thon, students were welcomed to the New Books Reading Lounge with many places to sit and blankets for students to use. The lounge had books across all genres for students to grab and read from, as well as a QR code for students to access the university’s Libby account. Libby contains all of the university’s e-books and audiobooks for students to enjoy for free. A hot chocolate bar was also available for students to enjoy while they read or as they pass by.  

“I love to read, and this day is perfect for me to just sit and have an excuse to read,” said Alison Moss, a sophomore studying biology. 

Similarly, Paige Jones, a sophomore studying public health, said, “I came here for two things: I like to read, and this was an assignment for my honors class, so I’m glad I can just have an excuse to sit down and read.” 

When asked about the event, Emily Graf, a graduate student studying history, said the event brought a nostalgia factor.  

“For me at least, there is a nostalgia factor. I remember all the read-a-thons I would participate in. I love to read and I have reading homework, so this day works out great for me,” said Graf. 

When asked about their hopes for future read-a-thons, multiple attendees had similar opinions. 

“I hope that more people come and participate in just enjoying this event. You don’t need to have a book to read and participate,” said Moss. 

Jones agreed with this sentiment. 

“I just hope more people come. I’ve seen many students just watch or pass by without even enjoying the hot chocolate available,” said Jones. 

Graf said she would like to see support for read-a-thons.  

“I would like to see more support for this event. I would like to see more university and maybe even state support to help make this bigger for next year,” said Graf. 

For students who hesitated to participate or were unaware of the event, Moss, Jones and Graf encouraged students to give the read-a-thon a chance next year. 

“You don’t really need a day or an event or even an excuse to read. Come and join next year, or just come and find a spot and read,” said Moss. 

Jones also encouraged students to attend next year. 

“Just come and join us next year,” said Jones. “This is a cozy fun event, and you can even meet people who have the same interest.” 

Graf said students do not need to bring a book to take part in the event.  

“I saw many students pass by and hesitate to participate. I know some people who wonder if this is for them, but you don’t need to have a book to participate,” said Graf. “You can come and enjoy some hot chocolate while you just chill and do homework or read the many available books.”