FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:    Heather O'Connell, Community Relations Specialist
                    Lee County Library System
                    479-4629
                    hoconnell@leegov.com

Each year, the International Reading Council and Florida Reading Council challenge their local chapters to seek out and recognize outstanding efforts to promote literacy in their communities. The Lee County Library System is honored that the 2001 Lee County Reading Festival has been named to receive this year's "Lee County Reading Council Community Literacy Award."

The Reading Council has chosen to honor the Reading Festival's "Celebrate the Power of Reading" in recognition of the outstanding work the festival has shown in advancing literacy in the Lee County area.

The presentation is an annual tradition that goes back several years. Previous recipients include several outstanding Lee County residents and "book angels" who have generously given of their time, talents and resources in their dedication to encouraging literacy in Lee County.

The ceremony will take place tonight at the Lee County Reading Council's annual Spring Banquet, which begins at 6:00 at the Country Creek Country Club in Estero. The featured speaker will be Doug MacGregor, who is introducing his 2 new books, including a children's book. Music will be provided by a young violinist, Allison Myers, who is in 8th grade at Bonita Springs Middle School.

The Lee County Reading Council will also be honoring this year's "Outstanding Elementary and Secondary Reading Teachers."

For more information, contact the above number.