(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) — On December 10, as part of the holiday giving season, the Oklahoma Pork Council kicked off “Pigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia” donations to libraries in all 77 Oklahoma counties.
The 72-page children’s book was written by London-based author Daisy Bird and serves as a fun and educational resource for anyone looking to learn more about pigs.
Oklahoma Pork Council intern Tré Smith served as one of four U.S. pork enthusiasts selected by Princeton Architectural Press, the book’s publishing company, to provide feedback before Pigology was finalized earlier this year.
As a senior at Oklahoma State University studying agricultural communications, Smith said working with the Pigology production team was an opportunity he never thought he would have, but now he will never forget.
His own passion for reading and writing sparked as a child visiting his local public library in Sand Springs.
“I credit public libraries for enhancing my view on creativity and love for literature,” Smith said. “Reading allows young people to enhance their knowledge while also training them to become amazing writers.”
That childhood experience makes connecting with libraries in each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties to donate a book he helped refine even more special.
“We are thankful to the Oklahoma Pork Council for helping our libraries build literacy in our communities,” said Cherity Pennington, district communications and library services coordinator for Shawnee Public Schools.
Pennington serves as part of the Oklahoma Library Association, and she shared, “we know everyone in our state has a part to play in supporting Oklahoma children's love of reading.”
Oklahoma readers can see Smith’s part on full display by viewing Pigology’s acknowledgments inside the front cover, where Smith is thanked with his co-reviewers for “invaluable feedback.”
This week, Smith will travel to Enid and Texhoma for in-person book donations with members of the Oklahoma Pork Council Board of Directors.
A library within each county of the state has been selected to receive the book for free, including a special sticker inside the front cover sharing more about Smith’s involvement and the Oklahoma Pork Council.
To purchase your own copy of “Pigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia”, contact the Oklahoma Pork Council office at 405-232-3781 or order from Amazon.
The Oklahoma Pork Council, a farmer-led organization, represents the interests of all Oklahoma pig farmers. Partially funded by federally collected checkoff dollars, okPORK promotes pork and pork products, funds research, and educates consumers and producers about the pork industry. For more information about this or any other programs of okPORK visit www.okpork.org or call 405.232.3781.