Tucked among the green slopes of the University of the Virgin Islands golf course Saturday afternoon, youngsters, moms, dads, librarians and volunteer readers abounded, along with books of every sort – children's books, adult books and, new this year, "human books."

Kicking off National Library Week and celebrating Virgin Islands public libraries, the 5th Annual Read on the Green had the UVI hillsides dotted with clumps of youngsters curled up on beach towels, bent over picnic benches, seated around little tables, all intent on listening to stories read by librarians, teachers or parents.

While the youngsters listened to tall tales, high school students flocked to the UVI Club House, anxious to explore the Human Library; there, Buddhists, Africans, Muslim women, Haitians, Filipinos and Dominicans welcomed them in person, each telling a story about themselves.

The concept originated in Denmark, to spread understanding of people with diverse backgrounds who are often mistakenly stereotyped. Bringing it to St. Thomas was the brainchild of Tanisha Mills, public relations officer of the sponsoring St. Thomas-St. John Library Association.

"I came across it while I was researching to see what we could do for the event this year, Mills said. "I got permission from the Denmark office, approval by our board. and the use of the UVI facility. It's our first time." And, from the reception, it looks to be a continuing project.

Eugenia Cruse, association president, Mills, and a bevy of volunteers were busy keeping things moving, with the aid of six Girl Scout guides from Troop 309, who greeted folks and helped them to the Human Book of their choice.

Sunday Odezah, wearing a headdress and colorful tribal robes, held court with students, talking about his native Nigeria. Actually, Odezah is a familiar face on the campus, where he is an assistant professor of social sciences.

Buddhist Christine Davis held three students enthralled as she talked about her belief. Ivanna Eudora Kean student Ulani Beltou got right to the point. "What's Buddhism? " "It is a way of life," Davis said, "a way of connecting to the universe." That seemed a little abstract for the students, so Davis was more specific.

She recalled a death in her family, and spoke about how she handled it, through her deep belief., and compassion. "I was able to help the family keep together," she said, briefly explaining karma, how we are responsible for our own actions.

Afterwards, the students agreed they had learned a new concept about being accountable for their actions. "Karma is if you do good things, good things will follow you, and if you do bad things, that will follow, too," said Delanni Matthew.

On a lighter note, a cluster of youngsters hung on the words of Enid Baa associate librarian Annice Canton as she read from "Taking a Walk/Caminando," a book in Spanish and English.

"So, they walked up a mountain, la montana, " Canton said. "Do you know what a mountain is?"

"Yes," said one tot. "It's where you crawl up and see everywhere."

"Like a skyscraper," added another.

Observing Canton's childrens' hour was fellow librarian Marilyn Brissett, who had her nose stuck in a magazine. "I'm just reading and enjoying myself this afternoon," she said

While the kiddies got their faces painted, or constructed their own bookmarks, anyone interested in any aspect of reading had no trouble finding like-minded souls, either librarians, or folks simply sitting reading themselves. Friends of the Library did a brisk business dispensing secondhand books.

Symra Chinnery, Enid Baa librarian, roamed the campus on the lookout for folks "getting caught" reading. "They get a prize," she said.

Chinnery said the day was a wonderful success. "We had students from 18 public and private schools, and the Human Library was very popular."

She said Gladys Abraham Elementary School won the attendance award. "In fact, they've won it all five years," she said.

Read on the Green is a collaborative effort between schools and public and academic libraries, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Enid M. Baa Public Library and the UVI Paiewonsky Library.