libraries & literacy
As a child, Greg spent a great deal of time reading books 'in the stacks' at the public library. His civic & philanthropic experiences can be traced back to the first book he ever purchased with his own money (a children's biography of Harriet Tubman). The book inspired him to want to make a difference. Soon after, he signed up for a charity Read-a-Thon. This kick started a lifelong interest in volunteerism & philanthropy (& reading). As an adult, his involvement with libraries & literacy has taken different forms. He has taken part in the READ public service campaign to promote various libraries around North America. He has helped judge or establish various essay contests - including the establishment of 'The First Thirty Reading Champ' Award at a school in his parent's town. The nonprofit organization (The 11-10-02 Foundation) which Greg founded has contributed to libraries, literacy programs & financial literacy programs. SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT PARAGRAPH
On the professional side, he has spoken at conferences (i.e. National Conference on Family Literacy, Illinois Library Association Annual Conference, Florida Library Association Annual Conference) & events for specific organizations (i.e. an annual event for Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati's supporters, an annual event honoring some of Racine Literacy Council's adult learners). He has participated in book signings (i.e. Cape Town Book Fair in South Africa), on-stage interviews (i.e. Baltimore Book Festival) & interviews in print (i.e. Florida Libraries) (Photo Courtesy of Megan Elizabeth Photography) SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT PARAGRAPH
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He has spoken &/or done book signings at libraries &/or at events sponsored by libraries (i.e. Old Yeller Day appearance sponsored by Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library). He has done readings of The Milkshake Man -- the picture book edition of The First Thirty -- at events for kids (i.e. Readers are Leaders event; Genoa Public Library) & adult learners (i.e. Skokie Public Library ESL Conversations class). & intergenerational audiences (i.e. Monroe Public Library Kindness Initiative event). SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT PARAGRAPH
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Organizations (i.e. Teton Literacy Center, Triangle Literacy Coucil) have ordered his books (The First Thirty, The Silhouette Man) for their leadership, staff, some of their students &/or for local students. Other organizations (i.e. Racine Literacy Council) have given copies to tutors, teachers &/or adult learners they are honoring at an event. Many libraries around North America have chosen to get the books as well. In one instance, a librarian who read the book personally ordered copies of both books to give out throughout her community. The books have received kind reviews from librarians as well as representatives of groups that promote literacy & reading (see below). Other groups (i.e. Look. It's My Book!) have ordered the book-related posters for students in their communities. During the pandemic, Greg teamed up with many organization on long-distance projects including ones such as Reach the Summit Language and Literacy Clinic.
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Rebecca Mullen, MSEd, Reading Specialist & Executive Director of Programs - Reading Power, Inc: "In The First Thirty, Greg Forbes Siegman captures the defining moments of reflection in all our lives with passion, humbleness, and insight...This beautiful book is great for readers of all ages to see beyond their own worlds while connecting with many types of people across the globe."
Angela Bouque, Branch Manager, Gail Borden Public Library: "The Silhouette Man is a timeless tribute to two of society's greatest sources of wisdom -- the books we read and the grandparents who guide us." |