This event celebrates the launch of a new book, Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children’s Series. A panel discussion featuring co-authors Barbara Irwin, Tony Bu=no Sr., and Pam Johnson – moderated by former President and CEO of Buffalo Toronto Public Media, Donald K. Boswell – will be followed by a book signing.

Bonnie Kane Lockwood, WNY Regional Director for New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and

Deputy Mayor of the City of Buffalo Dr. Callie Johnson will offer brief remarks after being introduced by Buffalo Toronto Public Media President and CEO Tom Calderone. Invited guests include Buffalo Broadcasting Association members; Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system librarians; educators; and many who contributed to the early development of Reading Rainbow.

• What: Creating Reading Rainbow Book Launch Celebration and Book Signing
• When: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
  • 5:30 – Doors open – mix and mingle
  • 6:05 – Opening remarks and panel discussion
  • 7:10 – Book signing
• Where: Buffalo Toronto Public Media, 140 Lower Terrace, Buffalo, NY 14202
• Who: Deputy Mayor Callie Johnson; Authors Dr. Barbara Irwin, Tony Buttino Sr. and Dr. Pam Johnson; Current and past Presidents/CEO’s of Buffalo Toronto Public Media; Reading Rainbow book reviewer Tom Puckett invited guests. Buffalo Toronto Public Media spokesperson: Nancy Hammond

Creating Reading Rainbow tells the story of a major piece of Buffalo’s broadcast history. Reading Rainbow, the children’s reading motivation series, originated in the City of Good Neighbors. The series was co- created by co-author Tony Bu=no Sr. and co-produced by WNED PBS. Years of collaboration with educators and librarians on experimental summer reading programs in Buffalo laid the foundation for Reading Rainbow, which premiered in 1983 to an audience of 6.5 million young viewers. It went on to become a year-round sense and stands as one of the longest running (26 years) and most significant PBS children’s television series, in the company of Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It earned 26 Emmy awards and a Peabody award, but most importantly, it helped generations of children cultivate a love of reading.