Oklahoma Pork Council Intern Tre Smith and Board of Directors Member Tom Layne donate a copy of "Pigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia" to the Enid Public Library as part of the Pork Council's 77-county donation project for the book's release. Accepting on behalf of the Enid Public Library is Interim Library Director Theri Ray.
On December 10, as part of the holiday giving season, the Oklahoma Pork Council kicked off a donation of the book “Pigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia” donations to a librarieslibrary in each ofall the 77 Oklahoma counties across Oklahoma.
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. was
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.one of four pork enthusiasts across the United States who had the opportunity to review and critique the book prior to publishing with Princeton Architectural Press Senior Editor Rob Shaeffer.
“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 at the Oklahoma Library Association know everyone in our state has a part to play in supporting Oklahoma children's love of reading.” said Cherity Pennington, district communications and library services coordinator.
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.”
“We are thankful to the Oklahoma Pork Council for helping our libraries build literacy in our communities.”
Smith said working with the production team for this book was an opportunity he never thought he would have, but now he will never forget.
Shaeffer said libraries are an important part of the publishing program at Princeton Architectural Press.
“We are honored to participate in this great endeavor with the Oklahoma Pork Council,” Shaeffer said.
Princeton Architectural Press has been a leading publisher for design, architecture, and visual culture books for nearly forty years. Recently, the press broadened its scope to introduce children’s books and stationery products.
“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.”
Throughout the book, readers learn entertaining facts about pigs and pig farming. This book is a follow-up to “Chickenology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia,” and is the second of a series of books highlighting farm animal and the ways they contribute to our everyday lives.
The world of pigs comes to life through Daisy Bird’s playful and crafty words. Her sentences are emphasized and framed by Camilla Pintonato’s illustrations.
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 “the bookPigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia”, contact the Oklahoma Pork Council office at 405-232-3781 or order from search “Pigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia” on Amazon.