South Texas College presents Reading Week
WESLACO — Monday meant the start of Reading Week at the South Texas College Mid-Valley campus, sparking a week of activities designed to promote reading.
More than 50 people attended the Open Mike on Monday at noon where 13 speakers including STC students, faculty and staff read their favorite poems or sections of a story.
STC Mid-Valley campus librarian Josh Wallace said he and several professors known as the Reading Committee wanted to do something different to encourage students to read.
“Basically, several professors wanted to share with students the joy of reading and demonstrated to students that people actually do read for pleasure,” he said.
On Tuesday, several local authors including Lady Mariposa, Jacqueline Mendez, Joe Sanchez and Jan Seale were scheduled to speak to students.
“We’re hoping the authors will talk about what inspired them to write and what other authors and books influenced them, and Open Mike (was) to show that there are a lot of people out there who like to read, including fellow classmates,” Wallace said.
Wallace was happy with the turnout for the week’s initial events, and said if Reading Week is a success it will become an expanded annual event. He said he has received positive feedback from students and staff and has hopes that more people will see reading as a joy instead of a chore.
In addition to the readings, the Weslaco Public Library presented an exhibit showing book covers and titles from books of various genres from Japanese manga to Stephen King’s latest horror title, said Jesus Campos, Weslaco library assistant director. All of the books on display are available at the Weslaco or STC libraries.
“Students can get an idea of all resources available,” Campos said. “Part of what this week is, more than anything, is to encourage people to read.”
Two Weslaco library staff members, Patricia Avila and Maricarmen Garcia, were at the presentation and will be there today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to answer questions regarding the library, online databases and literature. The library exhibit will be up for the remainder of the week.
STC student Josue Perez was at the Open Mike for 45 minutes both out of curiosity and for extra credit.
“I just wanted to see (what) people and professors like. It was interesting. I’ve never been to a place where they read,” he said.
Perez said if he had spoken he would have read the poem “Why I am not a Painter,” by Frank O’ Hara, because he likes its artistic message. He plans to be at the next Open Mike and said he might read the poem then.
There will also be a poster display and contest in the library coinciding with the “Against the Wall” art exhibit. The poster contest is open to all students and STC employees. Winning posters will be selected later during Reading Week.
For more information on Reading Week, call (956) 973-7629.
