Marathon 'Lord of Rings' reading to raise money

More than 100 students, area dignitaries and fans of Tolkien will read from The Lord of the Rings during a 24-hour fund-raising marathon beginning October 9 at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

The marathon began at noon at the Cook Carillon Tower with a reading by Provost Gayle Davis (pictured).

Nancy Patterson, GVSU School of Education faculty member, said she planned the event after hearing of its success on other college campuses. Money raised from the marathon reading session will benefit Grand Rapids Public Schools classroom libraries and the Celebrate Literacy Conference, an annual event sponsored by Grand Valley. Celebrate Literacy is scheduled for October 24-25 on the Allendale Campus.

'I hope a lot of people come out to listen to the magic of Tolkein's words and celebrate the power of literacy,' said Patterson, who added fans are welcome to dress like Tolkein's elves, trolls and wizards.

People who would like to read Lord of the Rings can contact Patterson at 616-331-6226 or at [email protected]. She is also seeking people to make donations and sponsor readers. Patterson hopes to raise $2,500; readers can pledge $25 or get someone to sponsor them.