Statewide 'Smokey Reading Challenge' launched in Carson City at Nevada State Library
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 05/05/2024 - 11:38am
As part of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday celebration, the Smokey Reading Challenge is underway. Launched this morning at the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records in Carson City, the program is designed to engage children across Nevada in an exciting reading journey to learn about wildfire prevention, forests, and careers in natural resources with Smokey Bear.
Throughout the state, the Nevada Division of Forestry is supporting local libraries with special visits by Smokey Bear to promote the summer reading program while emphasizing Smokey’s critical wildfire prevention message.
"We are thrilled to kick off the Smokey Reading Challenge here at the Nevada State Library," said Mike Strom, Navada State Librarian. "We look forward to working with the Nevada Division of Forestry and Smokey Bear to promote participation in this reading program, which will provide children throughout Nevada with the opportunity to discover the joy of reading. We encourage Nevadans to visit their local public library to learn more about the Smokey Reading Challenge and other summer reading program opportunities."
“The Nevada Division of Forestry is excited to partner with libraries across Nevada in the Smokey Reading Challenge. There’s no one better than the iconic Smokey Bear to educate young readers on how to prevent wildfires and protect our forests and natural resources” said State Forester, Kacey KC. “In the state of Nevada, 6 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. Through this wildfire prevention education, we hope to prevent those fires from occurring.”
This year, the Collaborative Summer Library Program has named Smokey Bear as its Summer Reading Champion. As the champion, Smokey will be the focal point of a #SmokeyBearReads campaign, encouraging the public to share pictures of themselves reading with Smokey in their favorite adventurous spots on social media.
Since its inception in 1944, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign has stood as the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. With Smokey Bear’s image protected by U.S. federal law and administered by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), and the Ad Council, the campaign has educated thousands of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. More information about Smokey Bear and wildfire prevention tips can be found at www.smokeybear.com.
The Nevada Division of Forestry is a division within the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Nevada Division of Forestry protects and enhances Nevada’s ecosystems and communities through natural resource stewardship and wildfire management.
The Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records (NSLAPR) is a vital resource for information, literacy, and preservation in Nevada. Serving as the institutional memory of state government by preserving and providing access to original records that document the history of Nevada’s government, the State Library offers unique resources to Nevada’s citizens, local governments, libraries, state agencies and businesses. These resources include a full range of information and reference services; library planning and development; and services designed for citizens with disabilities.
NSLAPR has partnered to distribute promotional materials supplied by the USDF in libraries and communicated with Nevada’s public libraries about the USDF resources like the free public library toolkit. Nevada State Library has also formed a strong working relationship with Nevada Division of Forestry to promote and encourage the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge as well as Summer Reading Programs statewide.
