ASHLAND – A local professional skateboarder will be visiting the Ashland Public Library on Monday, Dec. 19 for a Christmas reading.
Skateboarding professionally since 2002, Wooster resident Doug Brown has diversified his career to include penning books and sharing his optimism through inspirational speeches as part of his Dream Big program. Brown will be combining those elements into the library event by reading his recently released children’s book, “The Skater’s Night Before Christmas,” and speaking about the themes of hope and optimism with attendees.
Brown’s 15-year career in pro-skating began at the Summer Gravity Games, leading to competitions at the AST Dew Tour and Vans Warped Tour, appearances on NBC’s Good Co. Today Show, ESPN, and Fox Sports, and a line of signature pro-model skateboard decks. Brown has harnessed his celebrity status to become a positive influence on youths by working with notable causes such as Athletes for Hope, SADD, the American Red Cross, Skate Straight, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Ronald McDonald House.
Taking his social conscience to the next level, Brown founded Dream Big, an inspirational program bringing uplifting messages about social issues such as drug & alcohol awareness, bullying, literacy, and leadership to a wide range of venues packed with audiences of all ages.
In addition to his Christmas book, Brown has written “Bliss of the Unwind: My Life Beyond the Board,” “Looking Glass Self,” “Beyond the Board,” “ABC Skateboard Day,” and has even released Classic Christmas CD, consisting of 33 songs arranged and performed on classical guitar.
A Christmas Reading with Doug Brown will be held in the Stockwell Room on the lower level of theAshland Public Library at 4 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and inscription. More information on Doug Brown can be found at www.dougbrown.org. The library can be reached at 419-289-8188 or www.ashland.lib.oh.us for information on this or other library events.
