ATHENS, Ohio -- The Friends of the Libraries of Ohio University will sponsor the sixth annual Readathon on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Galbreath Chapel.

The event highlights the importance of reading and the central role the library has in supporting reading, study and research. It also raises money for an endowment that supports student assistants in the Ohio University Libraries.

Ohio University President Robert Glidden will kick off Tuesday's "University Day" portion of the Readathon at 9 a.m., followed by Ohio University Libraries Dean Julia Zimmerman at 9:15 a.m.

Athens Mayor Ric Abel will throw out the first line of literature for Wednesday's "Community Day" and will be followed by other local luminaries.

The public is invited to stop by and enjoy a good reading. A new feature for this year's event will be door prizes. Pledge forms will also be available for visitors who wish to contribute to the scholarship fund. A schedule of readers will be available on the Ohio University Libraries Web site.