Saturday, April 28, 2007

We help DISCOVER discover us!


On 4/26/07 6:31 AM, Keith Eldred wrote:

Dear Discover Magazine editors,

Little did I know what an interesting challenge I would discover in Dean Christopher’s article “20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Pencil” (May 2007, page 80). Point number 6 claims that the average pencil can write roughly 45,000 words but that “History does not record anyone testing this statistic.” Let history record this: I was inspired to organize an event through the local library for volunteers to write out a word-for-word copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird” using one pencil. The event will begin on May 4 at 2:00 pm and continue around the clock until copying is complete. We’ll go into it realizing that we need a miraculous performance from our chosen writing utensil. Our paperback copy of “Mockingbird” has 288 pages, and online (http://www.writersservices.com/wps/p_word_count.htm) I found an estimate of 400 words per page in a standard paperback, for a total of 115,200 words. Nevertheless, we are determined! And we are pleased to have found this way to honor a literary treasure. You can track our results at www.ToWriteAMockingbird.org. I’ll also plan to report back to you after we’re done. Please communicate my thanks to Mr. Christopher.

Sincerely,

Keith Eldred
413 Bella St.
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648



----- Original Message ----
From: editorial@discovermagazine.com
To: Keith Eldred
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 5:52:12 PM
Subject: Re: Your May 2007 "20 Things" article inspires library's tribute to the greatest American novel

Dear Keith:

Best of luck with the write-off. We hope all the participants do appropriate finger-stretches before getting started to avoid cramps! We’ll be sure to check back for the final word count.

Cheers,
The Editors at DISCOVER

Thursday, April 26, 2007

An important safety reminder

Never run with a pencil. Or just look what can happen:


This happened yesterday when we were hanging the second big pencil for display. One of the Library employees, Kim (punctured, above) learned an important lesson. Chris, who is another Library staffer, helped Ken successfully extract the instrument.

Stop by the Library and see for yourself that Kim has recovered just fine. And while you're there—sign up to write a section of the book!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Would you believe an even BIGGER pencil?

Yes!


Ken and I made this one, too. When you're at the new book section ... just look up. You can't miss it!

And as long as you're at the Library, how about signing up to write out a section of To Kill a Mockingbird?

Monday, April 23, 2007

Here's the perfect pencil!



Okay, okay, it's not for writing. It's for decorating the library, site of To Write A Mockingbird. Ken and I made it with utmost care (if not skill).

It's also a prize! Anyone who comes into the Library can enter to win it! Can't you just picture this in your bedroom ... office cubicle ... day care center ... classroom ... ?

Come on in and fill out an entry form! And while you're at it, sign up to help with the writing!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

A plea to the Dixon-Ticonderoga company

Help us choose!

Should we go with your Original model?

Executive model?

Black?

Woodgrain?

Environmentally-friendly?

Triangular?


Help!

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Won't you write with us?

Please join us in writing out one of the world's literary treasures! Please see the form at the bottom of this page to choose one or more time slots.