Earlier this month, as part of the holiday giving season, the Oklahoma Pork Council kicked off a donation campaign, distributing copies of the  book "Pigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia" to libraries across the state's 77 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.

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 animals and the ways they contribute to our everyday lives.

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 was 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 says. "Reading allows young people to enhance their knowledge while also training them to become amazing writers."

That childhood experience made connecting with libraries in each of Oklahoma's 77 counties to donate a book even more special. 

"We are thankful to the Oklahoma Pork Council for helping our libraries build literacy in our communities," says Cherity Pennington, district communications and library services coordinator for Shawnee Public Schools. 

Pennington serves as part of the Oklahoma Library Association, and adds, "we at the Oklahoma Library Association 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." 

To purchase a copy of "Pigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia," contact the Oklahoma Pork Council office at 405-232-3781 or order from Amazon.