Spreading the word about literacy

By The Gazette Editorial Board

When local literary leaders applied to include Iowa City in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, they pledged that a designation as a City of Literature wouldn't be cause for the town to rest on its literary history, but to build on it.

They pledged to work to advance language, literacy and literature, writing:

“A creative city must be unique in its development, production, promotion, consumption, and celebration of a particular art; in its constellation of creative institutions and economic collaborations; and in its devotion across local levels to universal artistic practices. At the same time, a creative city must connect as a model and partner with other cities and communities, both close by and around the world.”

By all accounts, these leaders are upholding that pledge - acting as advocates for Iowa City and the literary arts, partnering with local businesses and groups to promote literature at home.

And as Iowa City continues to define what it means to be a living, breathing city of literature, we hope the rest of the state embraces the process, looking for ways they might help to build on its economic as well as cultural and educational benefits.

Civic and business leaders outside of Iowa City also should consider how they can complement and support Iowa City's unique literary position to improve the quality of life for all Iowans.

That might mean promoting the city, partnering on small projects and events, or pursuing ambitious endeavors like the proposed literacy- and literature-themed Stories Project complex in Coralville.

Back when Iowa City first announced the honor, we called upon local leaders to take full advantage - to use the opportunity not only to promote the town abroad, but also to promote literacy and literature at home.

Less than two years after Iowa City announced it had been designated a UNESCO City of Literature - only the third city in the world to be so named, and the only U.S. city - the non-profit City of Literature board is doing just that.

They coordinated an effort between local florists and booksellers to offer free roses to book buyers on World Book Day.

They partnered with the University of Iowa football program and the Iowa City Community School District to bring more than 30 Hawkeye student-athletes to Iowa City elementary schools to read from beloved books and talk about the importance of reading.

They are a sponsor of this year's Iowa City Book Festival, presented by the University of Iowa Libraries (for information and a listing of events, log on to www.iowacitybookfestival.org).

Unique ideas and creative partnerships like those will strengthen the impact of literature and reading into the fabric of the community, benefiting every Iowan who takes pride in the written word.