Reprinted from the Cortland Standard:
Two librarians at Phillips Free Library in Homer thought they’d be safe from coloring their hair, when they issued a reading challenge to the community — they would dye their hair purple or teal if their patrons read 2,200 books in one summer.
“This many books has never been read, not at Phillips Free Library, not for the summer reading program,” said Priscilla Berggren-Thomas, director at the 37 S. Main St., Homer, library. “Last year, the number was 1,700.”
“We figured if we picked 2,200, it (could) probably be reached, but it would be a stretch,” she said. Homer readers did better: 2,298 books.
Berggren-Thomas and Sarah Bouwens, assistant to the director, found themselves Friday at Prima Salon on Main Street, Homer Friday, doing something they have never done before: One. Getting their hair colored. And two, getting a dramatic color change.
“I think they are brave,” said cosmetologist Megan Williams, who was working her magic on the women. “And I think it’s an awesome thing to do for the kids. They are holding up their end of the bargain.”
Berggren-Thomas’ white hair “is going to be purple. White hair is easiest to accept this color.”