University Park, PA -- "When he was nearly thirteen my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow." And thus begins Harper LeeÆs To Kill a Mockingbird, the first book chosen for the Centre County Reads initiative. Like many classics, this book has been both praised and banned since its first printing in 1960—receiving numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, for its depiction of the prejudicial attitude of that era towards African Americans and the people who fought against it.

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book; Omega Bank; the Public Educators of Centre County/PSEA; and the Law Firm of Delafield, McGee, Jones and Kauffman—along with a number of planners and in-kind sponsors—have joined forces to launch the inaugural event in the Centre County Reads project. This effort "encourages county residents of all ages to explore the human condition and the issues of community by reading the same book and coming together in discussion anytime, anywhere, with anyone."

To start off this new yearly event, there will be several exciting activities. A kickoff will take place on Thursday, September 4, at 3:00 p.m., at Tallyrand Park in Bellefonte. In case of inclement weather, contact Katie Frieden (kvd3@outreach.psu.edu) for alternate location. There will be remarks by honorary co-chairs Terrell Jones and Judge Charles Brown, a reading from To Kill a Mockingbird, a presentation of books to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Centre County and to local libraries, and presentations by several Centre County Reads sponsors.

Following the kickoff, on Sunday, September 14, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., will be free showings of the film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, in 100 Thomas Building on Penn State's University Park campus. The 2:00 p.m. showing will feature closed captioning. An award-winning work of its own, this film stars the late Gregory Peck as upstanding Southern lawyer Atticus Finch (a role he won the Oscar for) and Mary Badham, playing the unforgettable role of Scout. Badham will be a special guest for the event and will be available to answer questions after both showings.

The final event for this year is "Scenes from the play by Christopher Sergel: To Kill a Mockingbird," on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m., in Court Room A, Centre County Courthouse. Free tickets will be available at local libraries and several bookstores around the county beginning October 1. An interpreter for persons with hearing impairments will be present at the play. Many known local talents are involved in this production by Producer Pamela Monk and Director Norrine Sims. Terrell Jones will play the part of Reverend Sykes, Judge Brown will play the part of the Judge, and seasoned local actor Wilson Hutton will step into the role of Atticus Finch.

Everyone is encouraged to experience To Kill a Mockingbird (and no, just watching the movie doesnÆt count!). For more information, contact Pennsylvania Center for the Book Director Steven Herb at slh18@psulias.psu.edu or 814-863-2141.

Special Note: At Barnes & Noble of State College, customers may purchase a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird to be donated to a local library. Barnes & Noble has made match donations for the first 30 donated copies of the To Kill a Mockingbird, bringing the total to 75 books donated to libraries throughout the county. Customers may also donate used copies to local public libraries at Barnes & Noble.

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Editor's Contact:
Andrew Calvin, 814-865-0401