State celebrates sesquicentennial with West Virginia Reads 150 - WBOY.com: Clarksburg, Morgantown: News, Sports, Weather

The West Virginia Library Commission, the West Virginia Center for the Book and libraries across the state invite West Virginians to join West Virginia Reads 150, a reading challenge that celebrates the state's 150th birthday in 2013.

The year-long reading initiative encourages West Virginians to read 150 books during the course of 2013, West Virginia's sesquicentennial year. The books can be in any format, such as printed book, e-book, downloadable text, and from any source. Books can be on any topic, fiction or non-fiction.

People can read 150 books individually, or they can join teams to read 150 books collectively. Libraries across West Virginia are encouraged to form teams to compete. Teams, which can have up to 15 members, must choose a name and select a leader to keep track of the books read by team members.

All ages and groups can participate – friends, coworkers, book clubs, classmates, seniors. If children are too young to read on their own, kids can have their parents read to them. Families can apply their Summer Reading Program credits toward their West Virginia Reads 150 tally.

The West Virginia Library Commission is providing libraries with West Virginia Reads 150 readers' advisories, the Good Reads web site, social media support and program ideas. Some may offer prizes or certificates.

The program is not limited to public libraries — bookstores, school and academic libraries, literacy organizations, youth services providers and more are encouraged to participate in West Virginia Reads 150.

The West Virginia Library Commission provides services to libraries across the state. It also provides a reference library and a research service for the West Virginia Legislature and all state employees and serves the general public.