The eighth annual reading marathon was in full swing this week Nov. 26-30 at the Italy High School Library! Students, faculty and staff participated in a week-long event that had someone constantly reading in the “reading parlor” in the library from 8 a.m. Monday morning until school dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Students were allowed to miss 30 minutes of an elective class to come to the library to read a book of their choice…with no strings attached. Teachers and staff gave up 30 minutes of their conference period for the opportunity to read.

Each reader was treated to popcorn and a drink, a comfortable easy chair and footstool, and 30 minutes to read with no one to bother them.

With 80 readers participating, it was one of the most anticipated library events of the school year.

“It is our hope that students will find that reading for pleasure is enjoyable and continue the practice throughout their lives,” Sharan Farmer, district library coordinator, said.