August 5, 2025 | 2:08 PM
Asia Tabb
Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.
Toby Hudson/Wikimedia
Aired; August 5, 2025
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As August 9 marks National Book Lovers Day, bookworms in Central Pennsylvania are in for more than just a reminder to curl up with their favorite read — they’re being invited to rediscover the joy, power, and importance of books through community celebrations hosted by the Dauphin County Library System and the Midtown Scholar Bookstore.
“It’s just a great way for us to connect with our patrons and remind them the pleasure of reading, but also the importance of literacy,” said Ryan McCrory, Executive Director for the Dauphin County Library System. “It really is kind of a cornerstone of democracy.”
This year, National Book Lovers Day also aligns with Bookstore Romance Day, which celebrates the often-underappreciated genre of romance fiction. The Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg is marking the occasion with themed events.
“At the Midtown Scholar on August 9, we will be having a blind date with a romance book and specialty coffee beverages,” said Catherine Lawrence, co-owner of the bookstore. “We love books every day, but National Book Lovers Day is a special moment — and when it falls on Romance Day, it’s twice as fun.”
Lawrence added that romance fiction “often gets short shrift at some bookstores, but really gets its day of celebration on August 9.”
Beyond the festivities, both institutions emphasized the lifelong value of reading — especially when fostered at an early age.
“We encourage people to fall in love with books, even if they’re virtual — online, e-books, audiobooks,” said McCrory. “We tell people all the time that listening to books is just as important as reading books. But books allow us to see into other worlds. They allow us to try on new ideas.”
He noted that helping children develop a love of reading early “really does set them up for success, not just in school but well into their 30s and 40s and beyond.”
Lawrence echoed that sentiment, highlighting the emotional and developmental benefits of shared reading experiences.
“One of the best things about reading to and with young kids is that not only do they hear your voice — which they can internalize when they read themselves — but you’re also sharing the joy of a story that perhaps you enjoyed as a kid,” she said. “It’s an activity that can bridge generations.”
The Midtown Scholar and Dauphin County Library System have even partnered to bring families and children together for regular events. Their Second Saturday Story Time series now features librarians from the county library as guest readers.
“We are excited and delighted by that,” said Lawrence. “It’s wonderful to see multi-generational family connections with books and reading. The idea of a book as a gift — not just the physical object, but the act of sharing a story — is a terrific thing.”
For more details about National Book Lovers Day events, visit www.dcls.org or www.midtownscholar.com.
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