Nebraskan in Space Encourages Young People to READ®

Nebraska Astronaut READ® Posters Available Could the young people that visit your library relate to an astronaut from Nebraska? Nebraska native Clay Anderson, currently aboard the International Space Station, describes his experience in space as “the ride of my life.” Anderson, born in Omaha and raised in Ashland, is the first native Nebraskan to fly in space (and the first to walk in space). When he returns to earth, he plans to visit classrooms and other groups to encourage youngsters to pursue their dreams. In a recent broadcast from space, Anderson reflected on the fifteen times he applied to the astronaut program before being accepted. “Don’t ever give up…You can be whatever you want to be. You just have to set your mind to it…and go get it,” he said. Anderson generously posed for READ® posters and bookmarks for Nebraska libraries and school media centers to use to promote books and reading. Upon request, the Nebraska Library Commission will send Nebraska libraries and school media centers a CD with the posters and bookmarks. They can be printed at a local print shop or quick-copy shop. One hundred and fifteen CDs have already been distributed. To use this promotional tool with your customers, contact Alyssa Bundy, Nebraska Library Commission Student Intern, e-mail: Alyssa Bundy. Please comment below on your use of READ® posters and other READ® materials with your library customers. Thanks, Mary Jo Ryan